On-Call Independent Contractor- Trainer

The Descartes•Clark, NJ

7d•Remote

About The Position

This on-call independent contractor role focuses on developing the next generation of driver trainers by delivering high-quality Train-the-Trainer certification programs. The goal is to equip instructors with the necessary knowledge, coaching skills, and practical driving expertise to train professional drivers to the highest safety standards. The position involves extensive travel throughout the Continental United States and requires independent management of training logistics.

Requirements

Minimum two years of experience in commercial driver training, transportation safety, fleet operations, or a related field.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Ability to travel extensively throughout the Continental United States.
Ability to independently coordinate rental vehicles and travel logistics.
Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekdays and weekends, based on training demand.
Experience delivering commercial driver, transportation safety, or fleet operations training.
Strong classroom facilitation and presentation skills using PowerPoint, Google Slides, or similar presentation tools.
Ability to coach and develop adult learners through both classroom instruction and hands-on practical exercises.
Strong knowledge of professional driving techniques, professional parking and backing techniques, defensive driving principles, DOT regulations, CSA compliance, and coaching and leadership principles.
Experience conducting behind-the-wheel evaluations on public roadways.
Ability to safely demonstrate and evaluate backing maneuvers and cone-based obstacle courses including serpentine, offset alley backing, dock backing, and other prescribed exercises.
Strong documentation, organization, and administrative skills with the ability to accurately maintain electronic training records.
Comfortable using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and company training applications.
Ability to stand, walk, and instruct for extended periods.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Ability to repeatedly enter and exit commercial vehicles.
Ability to move, place, and retrieve training cones and equipment.
Ability to demonstrate vehicle maneuvering and backing techniques throughout the training day.
Laptop computer
HDMI cable
Reliable internet access when required
Ability to present using PowerPoint or Google Slides
Ability to access company-provided training systems

Nice To Haves

Smart: Able to understand & present professional safety techniques, assess candidate performance, and make sound instructional decisions.
Curious: Continuously seeks better training methods, coaching techniques, and improvements in transportation safety.
Coachable: Welcomes feedback, adapts instructional techniques, and continually develops as a professional trainer.

Responsibilities

Deliver engaging classroom and practical Train-the-Trainer certification programs that consistently meet Descartes training standards and receive positive participant feedback.
Certify qualified trainer candidates by objectively evaluating classroom, behind-the-wheel, and closed-course performance while maintaining consistent assessment standards.
Ensure 100% completion and accuracy of all required training records, participant documentation, liability waivers, and certification results following each training event.
Maintain a safe learning environment by demonstrating and enforcing professional driving, backing, parking, and defensive driving practices throughout all classroom and field exercises.
Travel to assigned training locations and independently manage training logistics, rental vehicles, materials, and expense reporting in accordance with company requirements.
Represent Descartes professionally by delivering a consistent learning experience that reflects our commitment to safety, operational excellence, and customer service.

Benefits

$400 per training day, plus applicable per diem for approved training assignments.
$400 for eligible travel days when travel exceeds 120 miles from your home to the training location.
Additional eligible travel day compensation when traveling between qualifying training locations.
Contractor workdays typically range from 8–12 hours depending on the training schedule and travel requirements.
Training assignments may occur any day of the week, including weekends.
Flexibility
Meaningful impact on transportation safety across North America.
Work with experienced transportation professionals.
Deliver a professional Train-the-Trainer program.
Help shape the next generation of driver instructors.
Variety in work through travel to training locations across the Continental United States.
Combining classroom instruction with practical behind-the-wheel coaching.
Autonomy to manage travel and training assignments.
Representing Descartes in a highly visible role.
Competitive compensation
Great benefits
Remote and flexible work hours
Opportunity to join a company on an awesome mission with a great existing team and trajectory.