Driver Trainer

Strait Link; City of Launceston; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Strait Link in Tasmania is seeking an experienced Driver Trainer to develop and deliver high‑quality induction programs, on‑road assessments and practical safety training for our heavy vehicle drivers.

This role travels across Tasmania and occasionally interstate to coach drivers, promote best safety practices and ensure compliance with NHVR, CoR and company standards while building a strong safety culture, reliability and service excellence.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering driver training or competency-based assessments.
• Strong knowledge of NHVR requirements and Chain of Responsibility.
• Experience with heavy vehicle operation and safety practices.
• Familiarity with HACCP, load restraint, fatigue management.
• Ability to travel around Tasmania and interstate as needed.

Responsibilities

• Deliver heavy vehicle driver induction training for new starters.
• Conduct on-road driver assessments and competency verifications.
• Provide compliance training on fatigue management, CoR, load restraint, HACCP, and dangerous goods.
• Train drivers in vehicle operation, manoeuvring, loading and equipment use.
• Deliver route familiarisation within Tasmania and interstate when required.
• Maintain training records and LMS entries; support audits.
• Promote safe driving and report hazards and incidents.

Skills

Heavy vehicle ops

NHVR compliance

Driver training

Load restraint

Fatigue management

Dangerous Goods

Customer protocols

Transport law

Telematics GPS

LMS records

Education

HC License

MC License preferred

Tools

LMS

GPS

Telematics

Job description

Job Category: MC/HC Driver,Training,Training & Compliance

Company Description

Strait Link has a proud history of being a vital link between Victoria and Tasmania, providing daily sea freight services between Port of Melbourne in Victoria and the Port Burnie in Tasmania. We contribute to the Australian economy by being a key part of the supply chain between Tasmania and the Australian mainland, connecting local Australian customers to markets across the world.

Everyday our people, on vessels, at our ports and in our offices play a vital role in connecting local Australian customers to markets across the world.

As an employer of Australian seafarers, we take pride in developing the next generation of seafarers and are always on the lookout for talented people to join our inclusive, local community minded and enterprising workforce.

An inclusive workplace, works for everyone:

We celebrate difference. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that gives everyone the chance to contribute to a bigger and brighter future with us. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome and invite applicants of all ages, cultural backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, people living with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to apply. Strait Link acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as First Peoples of Australia.

Company Values

Our values Care, Trust, Connected are the foundation of everything we do here at Strait Link. They underpin how we go about performing our roles and activities everyday when we are at work and representing the Strait Link business.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and safety‑focused Driver Trainer to support the capability and performance of our driving team across Tasmania. We are accepting candidates from all over Tasmania.

In this hands‑on role, you will deliver high‑quality driver induction programs, on‑road assessments, and practical skills training to new and experienced drivers. You’ll help ensure every driver operates safely, confidently, and in compliance with Australian transport laws, NHVR requirements, Chain of Responsibility (CoR) obligations, and company standards.

You’ll work both on‑site and on the road, coaching drivers in real‑world conditions and helping build a strong safety culture, consistent operational standards, and reliable service delivery. Will need to travel around over Tasmania locations.

About the Role

• Deliver heavy vehichle driver induction training for new starters
• Conduct on‑road driver assessments, verification of competencyand practical evaluations
• Provide compliance training across:
  • Fatigue management
  • Chain of Responsibility
  • Load restraint (incl. BlueScope standards)
  • HACCP requirements
  • Dangerous Goods procedures
  • NHVR and Chain of Responsibility obligations
  • Customer site protocols
• Train drivers in heavy vehicle operation, manoeuvring, coupling/uncoupling, loading/unloading and equipment use
• Deliver route familiarisation within Tasmania (and interstate when required)
• Provide refresher training to maintain safety and compliance standards
• Promote safe driving behaviours and reinforce company and regulatory requirements
• Report hazards, incidents and near misses promptly
• Participate in toolbox talks, safety meetings and incident reviews
• Maintain accurate training records, assessment documentation and LMS entries
• Support audit readiness through accurate, timely compliance documentation
• Work independently on‑road and on‑site while fostering a strong safety culture
• Act as a professional, supportive coach to improve driver capability, performance and consistency

Desired Skills and Experience

About you!

• Strong knowledge of heavy vehicle operation and safe driving practices
• Understanding of transport legislation, NHVR requirements and Chain of Responsibility obligations
• Experience delivering driver training, coaching or competency‑based assessments
• Knowledge of load restraint, fatigue management, HACCP and Dangerous Goods procedures
• Familiarity with customer site protocols and DC operational standards
• Background in transport, logistics or heavy vehicle operations (HC required; MC preferred)
• High‑level heavy vehicle driving competency and practical, compliance‑focused training skills
• Competence with telematics, GPS and onboard vehicle systems
• Ability to maintain accurate training records and use LMS systems
• Strong communication, coaching and interpersonal skills
• Safety‑focused, professional and confident approach to training and assessment
• Patient, supportive and approachable coaching style
• High attention to detail with a strong compliance mindset
• Reliability, integrity and the ability to work independently
• Positive attitude and commitment to continuous improvement