CDL Trainer

Position Summary

At ESS, we build the roads, bridges, and utilities our communities depend on, and we don't do it without a skilled, safe team behind the wheel. The CDL Trainer helps make that happen. Working under the direction of the CDL Instructor, you'll coach employee-owners through hands-on, behind-the-wheel and yard training so they earn their Commercial Driver's License and operate ESS trucks and equipment the right way: safely, confidently, and in compliance with every federal and state requirement.

This is a role for someone who loves to drive, loves to teach, and takes real ownership in the success of every trainee. You'll ride along, demonstrate, correct, encourage, and document progress, helping us grow our own drivers and live out our commitment to Every Second Safely.

Key Responsibilities

Training Delivery

- Deliver behind-the-wheel (BTW) range and public-road training to CDL trainees in accordance with the ESS CDL training curriculum and FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

- Demonstrate and coach pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip vehicle inspections, basic vehicle control (straight-line backing, offset backing, alley dock, parallel parking), coupling and uncoupling, and safe on-road driving techniques.

- Support the CDL Instructor with classroom and theory sessions, including hours of service, hazard perception, space and speed management, and cargo securement.

- Adapt coaching to each trainee's experience level and learning style, providing clear, constructive, real-time feedback.

- Prepare trainees for the state CDL skills test and assist with test scheduling and logistics as directed.

Safety & Compliance

- Model ESS safety culture at all times. Enforce PPE, jobsite, and yard safety rules and stop unsafe work immediately.

- Ensure all training activities comply with FMCSA, DOT, and state DMV regulations, as well as ESS policies and procedures.

- Verify training vehicles are properly inspected, maintained, and road-ready before each session; report defects to the Equipment/Shop team promptly.

- Participate in incident reviews and recommend training improvements based on lessons learned.

Documentation & Evaluation

- Accurately record training hours, skills performance, and progress for each trainee in required logs and training systems, including ELDT Training Provider Registry records as directed.

- Evaluate trainee readiness and communicate progress, concerns, and recommendations to the CDL Instructor.

- Maintain organized, audit-ready training records.

Program Support

- Help set up and maintain the training range, cones, markers, and training materials.

- Assist the CDL Instructor with scheduling, course improvements, and new-hire driver orientation.

- Serve as a mentor and resource for newly licensed drivers as they transition to field operations.

- Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

- Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a clean driving record that meets ESS and insurance carrier standards.

- Minimum of 2 years of verifiable Class A commercial driving experience (or as required by FMCSA and state ELDT trainer standards).

- Current DOT medical card and ability to pass DOT drug and alcohol testing, including random testing.

- Thorough working knowledge of FMCSA regulations, hours of service, and vehicle inspection requirements.

- Strong communication skills and patience; able to explain, demonstrate, and coach adults with a wide range of experience levels.

- Basic computer skills for recordkeeping and training documentation.

- Must be at least 21 years of age.

Preferred

- Prior experience training, coaching, or mentoring CDL drivers.

- Experience operating dump trucks, tractor-trailers, lowboys, or other heavy construction hauling equipment.

- Tanker, doubles/triples, or other CDL endorsements.

- Familiarity with the heavy civil construction industry and jobsite hauling operations.

- Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

- Work is performed outdoors on training ranges, in yards, and on public roads, in all weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and snow.

- Must be able to climb in and out of truck cabs, trailers, and equipment; stand, walk, bend, and kneel for extended periods during inspections.

- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds (e.g., chains, binders, tarps, and training materials).

- Extended periods of sitting as a passenger or driver in commercial vehicles.

- Exposure to noise, dust, and moving equipment typical of a heavy civil construction environment.

- Schedule may include early mornings, occasional weekends, and travel to other ESS locations as training needs require.

Why ESS

Since 1972, Emery Sapp & Sons has been building the infrastructure that keeps our communities moving. We're 100% employee-owned, which means every member of our team is an owner, and we take that seriously. We don't just show up for a job. We own it.

- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): build real wealth as an employee-owner.

- Competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

- 401(k)

- Paid time off and paid holidays.

- Ongoing training, professional development, and room to grow your career.

- A safety-first culture built on Every Second Safely.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)