CDL Research Assistant

Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

VTTI's Division of Freight, Transit, & Heavy Vehicle Safety (DHVY) is seeking a hard-working, innovative, flexible, and qualified individual with an interest in transportation-related research. This role involves participating in and delivering research, as well as putting that research into practice through outreach programs like 'Sharing the Road with Trucks'. The candidate will drive trucks for the outreach program, educating novice drivers and community stakeholders across the country. VTTI also conducts large truck and bus research projects, including test-track experiments and naturalistic studies, often utilizing data acquisition systems to collect sensor data for analysis. This position requires demonstrated ability to follow safety procedures, exercise discretion and judgment, and possess problem-solving, communication, organization, and documentation skills. Previous experience in similar tasks within a related field is required. A passion for road safety and expertise in articulating scientific findings to engage the public are also desired.

Requirements

• Currently holds a valid Class A CDL in good standing.
• Has a minimum of one year experience driving an articulated commercial motor vehicle.
• Has a valid and up to date DOT physical.
• Strong communication skills and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced setting.
• Willingness to be trained to operate a range of vehicles for testing.
• Excels with public speaking to large groups.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong work habits and the ability to work independently as well as with a team.
• Creative, independent, and highly motivated.
• Previous experience conducting similar tasks in a related field.
• Criminal conviction check required.
• Conviction and driving record check required.
• Pre-employment drug screening required.
• Driving record reviews required.
• FMSCA Clearinghouse queries required.
• 49 CFR 391.21 requirements (12 requirements of application) required.
• 49 CFR 40.25(j) requirements (drug testing in last 2 years) required.
• 49 CFR 391.31 requirements (road test) required.
• 49 CFR 391.51 (b) requirements (driver qualification file) required.
• 49 CFR 391.23 requirements (Safety and Performance History) required.
• Must provide copies of their CDL and Medical Certificates.
• Annual Safety and Performance Investigations via the Clearinghouse for those that have operated CMVs for another employer in the last 3 years.

Nice To Haves

• Degree or training in education, business administration, engineering, or psychology with a strong background in education with high school teens.
• Demonstrated experience drafting research protocols directed at data collection, data download, data reduction, and data analysis using specialized human factors techniques and methods.
• Demonstrated proficiency with research software (i.e. strong Excel skills, office suite).

Responsibilities

• Driving one of VTTI’s Sharing the Road tractor-trailers and leading and/or assisting in both class and hands-on demonstration components of the program.
• Creating an inclusive, informative, and engaging learning environment for the Sharing the Road Events.
• Assisting with conducting various research tasks as a Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver for research projects.
• Interacting with participants during data collection for research projects.
• Providing program/research support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed