CDL Trainer, Lead Instructor

Lead CDL Trainer For The Professional Driving Academy

The Lead CDL Trainer for the Professional Driving Academy is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the academy at the campus level, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to industry and regulatory standards. This role includes managing scheduling, coordination, and overall performance of the academy at the campus level, directly supervising CDL instructors, and evaluating student progress. The Lead will also play a key role in curriculum development, maintaining fleet readiness, managing budgets, and supporting the recruitment and hiring processes. Additionally, the Lead CDL Trainer will ensure continuous improvement in training quality, manage compliance with certification and regulatory requirements, and collaborate with industry partners to meet workforce development needs.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrate TSTC Core values of Excellence, Accountability, Service and Integrity with internal and external stakeholders, customers, students and members of the community.
• Manage daily operations of the Professional Driving Academy at the campus level, ensuring effective scheduling, financial oversight, and resource utilization to meet performance and compliance goals.
• Oversee the cleanliness, maintenance, and operational readiness of training vehicles, classrooms, and driving range areas, coordinating inspections and repairs as needed.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate CDL Trainers, providing guidance, training, and professional development opportunities to ensure high-quality instruction and training delivery.
• Develop and maintain a current training curriculum that meets industry standards and regulatory requirements. Ensure instructors and students follow proper Federal and State rules and regulations.
• Oversee the evaluation of student performance, including written and practical assessments, ensuring students are prepared for the CDL exams. Provide timely feedback on progress and areas for improvement.
• Continuously review and analyze feedback, industry trends, and data to identify opportunities for program enhancements and ensure the curriculum meets workforce demands. Collaborate with program administrators, industry partners, and regulatory agencies to align training with accreditation standards.
• Ensure that all training materials, vehicles, and equipment are up to date and in good working condition, providing instructors and students with the necessary tools for success.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress, performance, and compliance documentation in accordance with institutional policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Assist in marketing and recruitment efforts to grow student enrollment in CDL training programs, promoting the academy's offerings to prospective students.
• Stay current with CDL training standards and certification requirements, including, First Aid (including CPR & AED) Certification, Third-Party Examiner Certification, Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) compliance, FMCSA Compliance Training, OSHA Certifications, Vehicle Inspection Training, Skills Assessment and Certification, and ongoing professional development which must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Stay current with CDL examiner standards and certification requirements. Completion of examiner training programs approved by the state or relevant authority, including, State DPS Third-Party Examiner Certification, Train-the-Trainer Certification, and DPS/CDL Third-Party Examiner Recertification, which must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Travel as required to multiple training locations, ensuring consistent instruction and program delivery across sites.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, & Skills

Required Qualifications

• An Associate's degree or additional education is required.
• Valid Class A CDL license from a state-approving agency with appropriate endorsements (Passenger, Air brakes, Hazmat) required.
• DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate is required.
• 3 years commercial driving experience required.
• 3 years experience teaching or training for Commercial Licensing is required.
• 2 years experience in conducting both written and practical CDL exams.
• No major accidents within the last 3 years required.
• Identifies, analyzes, and resolves problems and challenges to drive continuous improvement and innovation with strong critical thinking abilities. Big picture thinker who anticipates future trends and consequences and creates competitive strategies and plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with clarity, influence, and impact across various internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in non-credit course/curriculum development with practical involvement in developing and implementing a variety of credit, noncredit, and short-term credit programs.
• Proficient in financial management practices with a strategic mindset to drive revenue growth and operational efficiency for a revenue-generating profit center. Demonstrates expertise in developing and managing complex budgets, analyzing financial data, forecasting outcomes, and executing strategic plans to increase overall profitability statewide and support long-term financial sustainability and organizational success.
• Superior organizational skills and ability to take ownership of deliverable deadlines, ensuring timely and accurate completion of tasks and projects.
• This individual displays strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ensuring accurate, timely, and efficient task completion. This includes managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, prioritizing effectively, maintaining structured processes, and delivering high-quality results.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4 years commercial driving experience required.
• 4 years experience teaching or training for Commercial Licensing is required.
• Leadership or management experience preferred
• 5 Clean Driving Record: No major accidents within the last 3 years required.
• Certifications in driver education are preferred

Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree, except in cases where a specific degree is required to meet accreditation standards, licensure requirements, or other legislative or regulatory obligations. This includes, but is not limited to, certain faculty positions and staff roles governed by state or federal educational mandates.

Core Competencies

• Stakeholder Engagement: Builds and maintains effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels to achieve shared goals and foster a culture of success.
• Leadership: Team leadership skills, with the ability to manage, mentor, and develop staff and provide strategic guidance, inspire teams, and drive results. Ability to work independently and assume decision-making responsibilities - planning, execution, completion, and monitoring.
• Customer Service and Teamwork: Commitment to customer service and teamwork demonstrated through proactive engagement and effective collaboration with stakeholders.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Adapt to changing priorities, work in a fast-paced environment, and handle unexpected situations with poise. Flexibility in adjusting schedules and accommodating shifting demands.
• Ethical Conduct: Commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting integrity in all external relations activities.

Work Environment & Additional Information

• This is an on-campus position that requires employees to be physically present at a campus location at least three days per week
• This role may require occasional travel to different office locations and events
• Lift up to 50 pounds, operate trailer landing gear, and secure loads.
• Frequent climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and standing for extended periods, including crawling under vehicles and handling tools.
• Exposure to varying weather, noise, and hazards associated with heavy equipment.
• Maintain dexterity, coordination, and endurance to demonstrate safe driving techniques.
• This position is full time, requiring a standard 40-hour work week
• This role is classified as salaried, exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• This position is not ORP eligible

This job description is intended to provide an overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and requirements. This role may be assigned additional duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary by the supervisor or institution.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Texas State Technical College (TSTC), as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. TSTC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at TSTC.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for the finalist(s) under consideration for this position.