Director of CDL & Diesel Mechanic Programs

UHP•Gentry, AR

29d•Hybrid

About The Position

UHP is establishing two new transportation trades programs in 2027: a CDL truck driving school and a Diesel Mechanic program. The Founding Director of CDL & Diesel Mechanic Programs will be responsible for building these programs from the ground up. This includes developing the curriculum, setting up the necessary facilities (range, fleet, shop), obtaining program licenses and registrations, pursuing accreditation, hiring instructors, and teaching within the programs. The CDL program will train students nationwide for Class A and Class B licenses under ELDT rules, while the Diesel Mechanic program will follow the UHP trades calendar. Both programs are being developed in collaboration with employer partners like J.B. Hunt and Walmart, aiming to create a connected transportation pathway where drivers understand equipment and mechanics understand driving. The role involves teaching, with approximately 25% of time dedicated to teaching during the build year, increasing to 50% once both programs are operational.

Requirements

Current Class A CDL
Valid DOT medical card
Driving record that meets FMCSA entry-level driver training instructor requirements
5+ years of commercial driving experience, or a combination of commercial driving and CDL instruction
Hands-on experience maintaining, inspecting, or repairing heavy trucks and diesel equipment
2+ years leading people (e.g., driver manager, shop lead, training lead, military NCO)
Working knowledge of FMCSA and DOT rules (hours of service, vehicle inspection, drug/alcohol testing)
Ability to be approved as an instructor by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education
Comfort writing procedures, keeping accurate records, and using basic software for scheduling and reporting
High school diploma or GED

Nice To Haves

Experience starting or growing a training program, terminal, or shop
Experience with ELDT, the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, or third-party CDL skills testing
Over-the-road or regional driving experience with a strong safety record and experience mentoring new drivers
Time working as a diesel mechanic, diesel technician, or heavy truck technician; ASE Medium/Heavy Truck certifications are a plus
Prior experience as a CDL instructor, driver trainer, shop trainer, or military instructor
Genuine interest in teaching adults
Military veterans (especially motor transport operator, wheeled vehicle mechanic, or NCO experience)
Hazmat, tanker, or doubles/triples endorsements
Associate degree or higher in a technical field, education, or business

Responsibilities

Lead the launch of the CDL and Diesel Mechanic programs from planning through the first graduating cohorts.
Design or adapt curriculum for CDL Class A and Class B (ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel) and diesel mechanics (aligned to ASE standards).
Specify and procure necessary equipment, including trucks, trailers, range facilities, shop bays, and training aids.
Establish cohort schedules, student-to-instructor ratios, and systems for tracking training progress.
Serve as program director for the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) private career school application.
Ensure compliance as an FMCSA Training Provider Registry provider, including timely reporting.
Manage DOT compliance for the training fleet (USDOT registration, drug/alcohol testing, driver files, inspections, maintenance).
Work towards Arkansas third-party CDL skills testing and ASE Education Foundation accreditation for the diesel program.
Foster a strong safety culture across all program activities.
Recruit, hire, train, and supervise CDL and diesel instructors, ensuring they meet all requirements.
Observe classes, coach instructors, and ensure instructional consistency.
Teach CDL classroom and range sessions, behind-the-wheel coaching, and diesel shop instruction as qualified.
Collaborate with employer partners (J.B. Hunt, Walmart, etc.) on hiring pipelines, curriculum input, and student placement.
Support students from enrollment through licensing and job placement.
Assist in securing veteran (GI Bill) and WIOA funding.
Manage program budgets, fleet costs, and supply expenses.
Report on enrollment, completions, CDL pass rates, job placement, and safety incidents.