CDL Instructor
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 23, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 20, 2026.
Belong to something. Believe in something. Strive for something. UHP creates professionals, builds leaders, and reveals purpose. We’re looking for people to join our team who believe this mission is worth showing up for every day.
UHP is a veteran-focused education and leadership development organization based on a scenic 800-acre campus in Northwest Arkansas.
The UHP School of Health & Performance offers program tracks in personal training, health coaching, and culinary nutrition. At the UHP Skilled Trades Institute, students earn the certifications necessary to launch careers in high-demand trades. Leadership development is baked into every program.
We also work with a network of employer and industry partners to open career pathways for our graduates. While we can't guarantee employment, everything we do is designed to give service members and veterans a real path toward meaningful careers.
Veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses are strongly encouraged to apply.
Why UHP
At UHP, you are joining more than a company - you are helping build something designed to create lasting impact.
You will have the opportunity to:
Contribute to a mission larger than yourself
Help shape and build new systems and programs
Work alongside passionate and purpose-driven people
Directly impact the lives of veterans and future generations
Be part of building the future workforce
Role Overview
UHP is launching a CDL program in 2027, built alongside Northwest Arkansas employer partners including J.B. Hunt and Walmart. As a CDL Instructor, you teach Class A students in the classroom, on the range, and behind the wheel, and you get each one ready to pass the CDL skills test and go to work.
You will be one of the first instructors on the team, so you will help shape how the program runs. Many of your students will be veterans and transitioning service members making a career change. They need an instructor who has done the job and can show them how.
WHAT YOU’LL OWN
Key Responsibilities
TEACH AND COACH
Teach Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory and behind-the-wheel content for Class A, following the program curriculum
Run range and road sessions: pre-trip inspection, straight-line and offset backing, alley docking, parallel parking, and over-the-road driving
Coach each student to pass the CDL skills and road test, with clear feedback after every session
Evaluate progress on a set schedule and record training hours, attendance, and results accurately and on time
SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE
Run a safe range and road program and enforce safety rules on every session
Inspect the training fleet, report maintenance deficiencies, and handle minor fixes
Own fuel procurement for the training fleet so every truck is fueled and ready for over-the-road instruction
Keep student records complete so UHP stays compliant with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) requirements
STUDENTS AND TEAM
Mentor and coach veteran students, connecting military discipline to trade professionalism
Document student issues and escalate them to the Director
PROGRAM AND WORKFORCE SUPPORT
Give feedback on curriculum and instructional materials
Support students from licensing through job placement with employer partners
QUALIFICATIONS
Qualifications
REQUIRED
Current Class A CDL with the endorsements needed for the vehicles you teach in, and a valid DOT medical card
If your CDL was ever cancelled, suspended, or revoked for a disqualifying offense (49 CFR 383.51), it must have been reinstated at least 2 years ago
At least 2 years of documented experience driving a commercial vehicle that requires a Class A CDL, or at least 2 years as a behind-the-wheel CDL instructor (the FMCSA ELDT instructor minimum)
Ability to be approved as an instructor by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education
Ability to meet FMCSA driver qualification standards and take part in DOT drug and alcohol testing
Clear spoken and written communication, and comfort with tablets and basic recordkeeping software
Ability to work outdoors in all weather, climb in and out of truck cabs, and lift up to 50 pounds
High school diploma or GED
PREFERRED
Prior CDL instructor, driver trainer, or ELDT experience
Hazmat, tanker, or doubles/triples endorsements
Over-the-road or regional driving with a strong safety record
Experience identifying and handling minor maintenance on heavy trucks
Military veterans are strongly encouraged to apply; experience as a motor transport operator (Army 88M) maps directly to this role
CULTURE
Cultural Fit
Genuine passion for veteran transition and human development.
Comfort operating outside traditional corporate, academic, or military structures.
Willingness to build something new rather than maintain something established.
Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, mission-driven, high-accountability environment.
Respect for the coaching profession and elite performance culture; service-oriented leadership mindset.
Commitment to a healthy lifestyle and to modeling the human-performance principles our trade students learn as part of the curriculum.
LIFE ON CAMPUS
Schedule & Environment
Typically Monday through Friday. Flexibility is required based on program delivery and campus operational needs, including varying start and end times, occasional evenings and weekends, and support of immersive student experiences.
This role is fully onsite at 25200 Ranch Road, Gentry, AR 72734, and operates in a dynamic and immersive environment supporting classroom instruction, range and behind-the-wheel training, shop environments, student engagement, employer activities, and broader campus operations.
Candidates must currently live within a reasonable commuting distance of Gentry or be willing to relocate to Northwest Arkansas.
UHP campuses are alcohol-, drug-, and tobacco-free.
TOTAL REWARDS
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: $90,000 to $125,000, based on experience and qualifications
401(k)
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off
Professional development support
Access to UHP performance and recovery facilities
Equal Employment Opportunity
UHP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.