Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Instructor

State of Louisiana; Gonzales (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

River Parishes Community College invites applications for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Instructor to deliver high-quality instruction across its service area, including classroom, range, and behind-the-wheel training. The role develops curriculum, coordinates behind-the-wheel activities, and ensures compliance with ELDT, FMCSA, and DOT standards while supporting student success.

The ideal candidate holds a valid Class A CDL with five years of driving experience, knowledge of CDL

Qualifications

• Must have strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to engage with diverse populations and partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deliver, and update CDL courses per ELDT/FMCSA/DOT.
• Provide instruction across classroom, range, and behind-the-wheel training.
• Coordinate training routes and ensure safety compliance.
• Advise and mentor students; assist with job placement.
• Maintain training vehicles and program equipment.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Adaptability

Industry engagement

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or higher

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Instructor

POSITION TITLE:Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Instructor

APPOINTMENT:Appointed by the Chancellor upon recommendation of the Vice Chancellor of Education & Planning and the Dean of Career & Technical Education.

REPORTS TO:Career and Technical Education Program Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Instructor delivers high-quality instruction and training for the Commercial Driver's License Program across the River Parishes Community College service area (Iberville, Ascension, St. James, St. John the Baptist, and St. Charles Parishes). Instruction may include classroom, range, behind-the-wheel road, online, hybrid, evening, and/or weekend training based on program needs.

This role is responsible for developing and delivering curriculum, coordinating behind-the-wheel training, ensuring regulatory and safety compliance, maintaining training vehicles and related equipment, and supporting student success. The instructor will collaborate with industry partners, participate in recruitment and advising activities, and contribute to campus committees and college initiatives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a satisfactory driving record
• Five (5) years of professional commercial driving experience
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Knowledge of FMCSA, DOT, and applicable state CDL regulations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience as a CDL instructor or trainer, including community college, workforce, corporate, or transportation industry training
• Associate degree or higher
• Knowledge of Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements and FMCSA Training Provider Registry standards
• Experience in workforce development or adult education

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated proficiency operating commercial motor vehicles, including tractor-trailers and other CDL-class vehicles
• Knowledge of FMCSA, DOT, state, and industry safety regulations
• Ability to deliver effective classroom, range, and behind-the-wheel instruction
• Ability to adapt to evolving industry standards, regulations, technology, and equipment
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work with diverse populations and maintain positive professional relationships
• Knowledge of workforce training practices and transportation industry expectations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and general computer applications
• Ability to accurately maintain training, compliance, and regulatory records

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, deliver, and update Commercial Driver's License (CDL) courses in accordance with ELDT, FMCSA, DOT, and applicable state requirements
• Provide instruction for both open-enrollment students and customized industry training contracts
• Deliver classroom, range, and behind-the-wheel training designed to prepare students for CDL knowledge and skills examinations
• Develop and maintain training routes that promote progressive skill development and safe operating practices in local and regional driving environments
• Advise, mentor, and support students, including performance evaluation, career guidance, and job placement assistance
• Inspect, maintain, and coordinate repairs for training vehicles, trailers, and related program equipment
• Develop, implement, and enforce safety policies and procedures for classroom, range, and road training activities
• Assist students in understanding industry employment and licensing requirements, including drug and alcohol testing expectations, medical certification requirements, and related credentials
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with transportation employers, logistics companies, and workforce agencies
• Recruit students and promote program offerings to maximize enrollment
• Meet all college deadlines for attendance, grading, reporting, and textbook adoption
• Maintain accurate training, certification, compliance, and regulatory records
• Participate in campus committees and collaborate with faculty and staff across departments
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission and values of River Parishes Community College
• Engage in ongoing professional development to remain current with industry regulations, technologies, and instructional methods
• Perform all other duties as assigned

SALARY RANGE

$60,000 - $70,000 annually