Driver Training Specialist

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Job Summary Austin Powder Company is looking for a Driver Training Specialist to join the Operations team at our corporate headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. This individual will work closely with corporate management in overseeing daily operations of our new Austin Powder Driver Academy located in Cleveland, Ohio. The Driver Training Specialist will play a key role in ensuring that Austin Powder CDL drivers are trained to operate with safety as their number one priority.

This individual will also ensure that drivers are trained to follow DOT regulations and company policies. The position will interface with all levels of the organization to develop and deliver training of consistent quality and produce driver candidates that represent the company with the utmost safety and professionalism. He or she must represent the Academy with drive and determination to deliver top quality driver candidates to our US locations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Work inter-departmentally to develop policies and procedures related to the Austin Powder Driver Academy, as well as content specific to its operation such as lesson plans and handouts.

Use existing content to train and evaluate drivers on a variety of company policies, DOT regulations and industry best practices.

Conduct hazardous materials training and function-specific special permit training in accordance with 49 CFR §172.704.Lead classroom training using Austin Powder’s Defensive Driver Training module and train driver candidates in developing an understanding of the fundamentals of defensive driving.

Oversee employee training and evaluation in truck driver simulator.

Train drivers in proper use of in-cab technologies such as ELDs, while reinforcing DOT hours of service rules and related company policies.

Evaluate drivers on-road performance by ride-along training (non-CMVs), teaching commentary driving, and applying defensive driver concepts.

Work with field contacts and corporate associates to manage travel and logistics for driver candidates coming to/from academy.

Conduct periodic training sessions with and keep training records for Austin’s group of Driver Coaches.

Work with Human Resources to ensure driver candidates complete all required new hire onboarding before undergoing driver candidate training.

Maintain training records and driver qualification files as required by 49 CFR §391.Periodically participate in additional training initiatives as directed by corporate management.

Perform other duties as assigned to support the company’s corporate transportation objectives.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for the performance of this position.

It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Must have acquired, as a minimum, the following formal education and experience:

HS Diploma or GED (college degree preferred)
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite:
Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Teams.
5+ years’ experience working w/ CDL truck drivers in a training capacity

Experience in DOT regulations is strongly preferred.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Flexible

Running of Driver Academy may require flexibility in working alternate days to Austin’s current hybrid schedule and occasionally evening or weekend  prepared to adapt curriculum and technique to match driver candidates’ individual experience levels.

Collaborative and Creative Must feel comfortable working with all levels of Austin Powder employees. A high energy manager who presents a positive appearance to driver candidates and…