Regional DOT & Safety Trainer

GFL Environmental Inc.; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision

HSA with match

Parental leave

401(k) match

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Mental health support

7 holidays off

Job summary

GFL Environmental Inc. is seeking a DOT & Safety Trainer to lead a 4-day onboarding and safety program for CDL drivers. The role splits time between Peoria, IL and Horicon, WI with travel requirements and a company vehicle for business.

You will ensure new hires complete safety compliance, FMCSA/DOT orientation, and hands-on training before driving. Prior trainer experience is preferred, CDL with air brake is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in safety training and onboarding for drivers.
• Familiarity with OSHA/DOT regulatory concepts preferred.
• Effective classroom and in-cab instruction delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety onboarding for CDL drivers and operators.
• Conduct in-classroom and in-cab training, OSHA and DOT coverage.
• Provide ongoing coaching and field support to drivers.

Skills

Communication

Analytical skills

Coaching

Safety training

DOT regulations

Education

CDL with Air Brake Endorsement

Tools

PowerPoint

MS Office

Job description

Pay: $70-80k annually

Travel-Based (50% Peoria, IL | 50% Horicon, WI)

A company vehicle will be provided for business-related travel.

Benefits:

• 15 days of paid time off
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plan options
• Health Savings Account with employer match option
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) with an employer match up to 4%
• Supplemental health plans through Unum
• Employer paid basic life insurance
• Employee paid short-term disability option
• Employer-paid long-term disability
• Mental health support through Employee Assistance Program
• 7 paid holidays annually

We are seeking aDOT & Safety Trainer to lead our 4-day onboarding and safety training program for all incoming personnel, primarily CDL professional drivers.

In this role, you will split your time evenly between our facilities in Peoria, IL and Horicon, WI, spending one week in Peoria and the following week in Horicon. You will be responsible for ensuring all new hires complete mandatory safety compliance, FMCSA/DOT regulatory orientation, and hands‑on operational training before hitting the road.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate classroom and in-cab orientation for new hires, covering company safety policies, OSHA standards, DOT regulations, and operational procedures.
• Determine appropriate instructional methods and assist in developing engaging, effective training materials.
• Provide continuous support, mentorship, and guidance to both new and seasoned drivers.

• Travel throughout the assigned region to conduct regular field visits and site compliance checks.
• Perform site "snapshots" evaluating facility housekeeping, workplace hazard controls, and regulatory adherence.
• Conduct driver skill assessments (pre-hire and post-hire) and behavior assessments (in-cab and remote observation).

• Partner with regional leadership to identify high-risk drivers and execute structured remedial training and targeted coaching.
• Conduct post-incident training and root-cause analysis support to prevent repeat occurrences and lower overall accident/injury rates.
• Help implement new safety initiatives, driver recognition programs, and process enhancements across the region.

• Ensure driver files comply with company standards and DOT regulations.
• Attend required regional and corporate safety meetings, providing field insight and data-driven recommendations.
• Perform additional safety and operational support tasks as assigned by management.

Experience & Certifications

• Prior training experience preferred but not required
• Experience as a commercial driver trainer preferred.
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Air Brake Endorsement, or willingness to obtain.

Knowledge & Skills

• Working knowledge of OSHA and DOT regulations is preferred but not required.
• Ability to multi task and manage multiple projects
• Written and verbal communication skills; ability to influence, coach, and build rapport across all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical skills with a hands‑on, "can-do" attitude, self‑motivated to work at a fast pace under dynamic schedule constraints.

• Experience in the waste management or environmental services industry is highly desirable.

• Travel: Up to 50–60% regional travel to various sites, and transfer facilities.
• Mix of classroom/office settings, commercial vehicle cabs, and active operational job sites requiring adherence to standard PPE.
• Flexible start times required.