CDL Trainee

Splendora Independent School District; Splendora (TX); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution is seeking a CDL Trainee to participate in a structured 90-day training program. The role involves supporting transportation operations and obtaining a valid Commercial Driver's License. Candidates should have a valid Texas Driver's License and must be at least 21 years old. The position requires effective communication skills and adherence to safety regulations. The successful candidate will work split shifts and work towards the acquisition of a CDL within the training period.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver's License (Class C) at time of hire.
• First Aid and CPR Certification (or ability to obtain within designated timeframe).
• Ability to meet all FMCSA requirements, including DOT physical, drug/alcohol testing, and random testing
• First Aid and CPR Certification (or ability to obtain)

Responsibilities

• Participate fully in the 90-day CDL training program.
• Obtain a valid CDL within ninety days.
• Operate district fleet vehicles while under trainee status.
• Operate district fleet vehicles without students on board during trainee status
• Perform assigned bus aide duties and student support as needed
• Work split shifts according to training schedules and operational needs
• Report to work per schedule and district policies
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report defects in writing
• Adhere to traffic laws and district transportation policies
• Follow routes and communicate changes to supervision
• Maintain student safety during loading/unloading and transportation
• Maintain student discipline and report behavior concerns
• Complete required incident and behavior reports
• Protect confidentiality of student records (FERPA)
• Maintain accurate transportation records
• Report suspected abuse or neglect per policy and law
• Cooperate with supervisors, trainers, dispatch, and campus staff
• Attend safety meetings, trainings, and evaluations
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Ability to maintain an acceptable driving record

Knowledge of DOT, FMCSA, state, and district regulations

Effective oral and written communication skills

Ability to assess emergency situations

Ability to manage student behavior

English comprehension

Student safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED preferred

Valid Texas Driver's License (Class C)

First Aid and CPR Certification or ability to obtain

FMCSA requirements knowledge

First Aid/CPR certification

Job description

JOB TITLE: CDL Trainee (90-Day Training Program)
REPORTS TO: Director of Transportation
DEPT./SCHOOL: Transportation DUTY DAYS: 172
WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Non-Exempt DATE REVISED: 1/15/2026

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The CDL Trainee participates in a structured 90-day Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training program while supporting transportation operations. Under supervision, the trainee operates district fleet vehicles without students on board to obtain the driving experience required for Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) compliance.

This is a split-shift position. During the training period, the trainee will also perform assigned bus aide and student support duties as needed. The primary objective of this position is the successful completion of all training requirements and the attainment of a valid CDL within the designated training period.

Failure to obtain a CDL within ninety (90) calendar days of assignment will result in the trainee's position within the Transportation Department being reassessed to best fit the department's needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification:

• High School Diploma or GED preferred, but not required
• Valid Texas Driver's License (Class C) at time of hire
• Enrollment in and satisfactory progress through the district-approved CDL training program
• Ability to meet all FMCSA requirements, including:
  • DOT physical examination
  • Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing
  • Participation in random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with federal regulations
• First Aid and CPR Certification (or ability to obtain within a designated timeframe)

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with district and DOT standards
• Knowledgement of and ability to comply with DOT, FMCSA, state, and district transportation regulations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and personnel information
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to assess emergency situations and respond appropriately to ensure passenger safety
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions in English
• Ability to manage student behavior using district-approved techniques

Experience:

• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Participate fully and satisfactorily in all components of the 90-day CDL training program, including classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, evaluations, and testing
• Obtain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within ninety (90) calendar days of assignment
• Successfully complete and maintain compliance with all FMCSA physical and drug and alcohol testing requirements, including participation in random testing programs
• Operate assigned district fleet vehicles without students on board while under trainee status and supervision
• Perform assigned bus aide duties, including assisting students during loading, unloading, and transport, as directed
• Work assigned split shifts in accordance with training schedules and operational needs
• Report to work in accordance with assigned schedules, training requirements, and district policies and procedures
• Conduct and document pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections in compliance with district procedures and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guidelines; promptly report defects in writing
• Adhere to all traffic laws, safety regulations, and district transportation policies
• Follow assigned routes or training routes and communicate changes or concerns to supervisory staff
• Ensure student safety during loading, unloading, and transportation while serving in an aide capacity
• Maintain student discipline to ensure a safe transportation environment and report behavior concerns in accordance with district procedures
• Complete required reports and documentation related to vehicle incidents, damage, injuries, and student behavior
• Demonstrate awareness of students' disabilities and special needs; promptly report medical or safety concerns, followed by required written documentation
• Comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to protect the confidentiality of student records and information
• Maintain accurate and timely transportation records as assigned
• Recognize and report suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with district policy and state law
• Cooperate with supervisors, trainers, dispatch staff, and campus personnel
• Attend required safety meetings, training sessions, and performance evaluations
• Perform other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

MENTAL DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Posture

Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting; bending/stooping; pushing/pulling; twisting; and working in tiring or uncomfortable positions.

Motion

Frequent walking, climbing, grasping/squeezing; wrist flexion/extension; overhead reaching; and driving.

Lifting

Frequent lifting and carrying of forty-five (45) pounds or more.

Environment

Work performed indoors and outdoors; frequent exposure to slippery or uneven surfaces, extreme temperatures, dust, and noise. May involve irregular hours, split shifts, and occasional extended workdays.