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 hours.
• Be 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 represents the Driver Academy with a professional outlook.
• Draw on your creativity to make the Driver Academy engaging and enjoyable for driver candidates.

Organization of Work

• Demonstrates the ability to handle several projects simultaneously.
• Must be a self-starter.
• Continually seek ways to improve performance via development of professional skills and personal growth.

Communication Skills

• Strong writing skills to develop clear, concise documents and reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees of all levels.
• Solid presentation skills to deliver effective and engaging interactions with driver candidates.

Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder also participates in E-Verify.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.