Driver Development Specialist

James River Petroleum; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) with company contribution

Stable long-term career opportunity

Travel opportunities

Safety-focused culture

Job summary

James River Petroleum is seeking an experienced CDL Driver Development Specialist to coach and support our professional driving team. This field-based role works with drivers to reinforce safe practices, evaluate performance, and ensure readiness to operate safely and confidently.

With approximately 75% travel between JRP terminals and training locations, the role offers on-the-job coaching impact, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with Tanker and Hazmat endorsements required.
• Minimum of 3 years of fuel transportation experience preferred.
• Prior experience in driver training, coaching, mentoring, or safety instruction strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, EPA, and petroleum transportation regulations preferred.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and coaching skills.
• Ability to evaluate, mentor, and develop drivers of varying experience levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and training documentation systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel frequently, including overnight travel if required.
• Must meet all DOT medical and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Coach and develop new and existing CDL drivers through hands-on instruction, ride-alongs, and field evaluations.
• Demonstrate safe petroleum transportation practices, including pre-trip inspections, loading and unloading, coupling/uncoupling, emergency procedures, and equipment operation.
• Evaluate driver performance and provide constructive feedback and additional coaching as needed.
• Reinforce DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, EPA, and JRP safety requirements through field and classroom instruction.
• Support new-hire driver orientation and onboarding in partnership with Operations and Safety.
• Assist with remedial and refresher training following incidents, performance concerns, or identified training needs.
• Maintain accurate driver training records, evaluations, and required documentation.
• Assist with developing and improving training materials, procedures, and SOPs.
• Partner with Operations and Safety to identify opportunities to improve driver performance, safety, and compliance.
• Support incident investigations and provide additional driver coaching or corrective training when needed.
• Travel to JRP terminals and operating locations to provide driver support and field coaching.
• Maintain a professional, safety-focused approach while representing JRP with drivers, customers, and operational teams.

Skills

CDL Class A with Tanker & Hazmat

Coaching & mentoring

Safety training

DOT/FMCSA/OSHA knowledge

Microsoft Office proficiency

Job description

For over 30 years, JRP has been a trusted provider of fuel, lubricants, propane, and energy solutions across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. We serve commercial, government, retail, and residential customers through safe, reliable delivery and customized service solutions. Headquartered in Ashland, Virginia, JRP is committed to operational excellence, customer service, safety, and creating long-term career opportunities for employees who help power the communities we serve.

Position Summary

JRP is seeking an experienced CDL Driver Development Specialist to help develop, coach, and support our professional driving team. This field-based role works directly with drivers to reinforce safe driving practices, evaluate performance, support new-hire development, and ensure drivers are prepared to operate safely and confidently.

The ideal candidate is an experienced CDL driver who enjoys coaching others, sharing knowledge, and helping drivers succeed. This is an opportunity to use your transportation experience in a role that combines driving knowledge, field coaching, safety, and professional development. Approximately 75% travel is required, including travel between JRP terminals and training locations. Overnight travel may be required, with lodging and per diem provided for extended travel assignments.

• $1000 Sign-On Bonus
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Full medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Stable, long-term career opportunity
• Direct impact on driver safety, performance, and development
• Strong, safety-focused company culture
• Exposure to multiple terminals and operational teams

Compensation Range

$60,000-$70,000 annually based on experience and qualifications----PLUS BONUSES!

$1,000 Sign-On Bonus – Contingent upon satisfactory performance, including safe driving, satisfactory attendance, and adherence to company policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Coach and develop new and existing CDL drivers through hands-on instruction, ride-alongs, and field evaluations.
• Demonstrate safe petroleum transportation practices, including pre-trip inspections, loading and unloading, coupling/uncoupling, emergency procedures, and equipment operation.
• Evaluate driver performance and provide constructive feedback and additional coaching as needed.
• Reinforce DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, EPA, and JRP safety requirements through field and classroom instruction.
• Support new-hire driver orientation and onboarding in partnership with Operations and Safety.
• Assist with remedial and refresher training following incidents, performance concerns, or identified training needs.
• Maintain accurate driver training records, evaluations, and required documentation.
• Assist with developing and improving training materials, procedures, and SOPs.
• Partner with Operations and Safety to identify opportunities to improve driver performance, safety, and compliance.
• Support incident investigations and provide additional driver coaching or corrective training when needed.
• Travel to JRP terminals and operating locations to provide driver support and field coaching.
• Maintain a professional, safety-focused approach while representing JRP with drivers, customers, and operational teams.

Eligibility Requirements

• Valid Class A CDL with Tanker and Hazmat endorsements required
• Minimum of 3 years of fuel transportation experience preferred
• Prior experience in driver training, coaching, mentoring, or safety instruction strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, EPA, and petroleum transportation regulations preferred.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and coaching skills
• Ability to evaluate, mentor, and develop drivers of varying experience levels
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and training documentation systems
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Willingness to travel frequently, including overnight travel if required
• Must meet all DOT medical and compliance requirements

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely operate commercial motor vehicles and demonstrate driving techniques
• Ability to enter and exit vehicles, climb ladders, and access equipment compartments
• Ability to lift, move, and demonstrate use of hoses and petroleum handling equipment
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and work in outdoor environments for extended periods
• Ability to travel regularly between terminals, customer locations, and training sites
• Split between office, field, terminal, and customer site environments
• Regular exposure to outdoor conditions, weather variations, noise, and operational environments
• Frequent interaction with drivers, operations teams, and leadership
• Requires travel to multiple locations with occasional overnight stays
• Strong emphasis on safety, compliance, coaching, and continuous improvement