Safety Trainer

GFL Industries; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 15 days

Medical, dental, vision

Health Savings Account with employer 4

Parental leave

401(k) with employer match up to 4%

Unum supplemental health plans

Basic life insurance

Short-term disability option

Long-term disability

Mental health support (EAP)

7 paid holidays

Job summary

GFL Industries in Peoria, IL seeks a Regional Safety & Driver Trainer to promote a strong safety culture, onboard new hires to safety policies, OSHA/DOT standards, and operational procedures. The role includes hands-on field coaching across facilities in the region.

Travel up to 50-60% regionally to sites for field visits, safety snapshots, and driver assessments. Valid CDL with Air Brake Endorsement or willingness to obtain is required; prior training experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Prior training experience preferred but not required.
• Experience as a commercial driver trainer preferred.
• Valid CDL with Air Brake Endorsement, or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate classroom and in-cab orientation for new hires, covering safety policies, OSHA standards, DOT regulations, and procedures.
• Develop engaging training materials and select instructional methods.
• Provide ongoing support and coaching to new and seasoned drivers.
• Travel regionally to conduct regular field visits and site compliance checks.
• Perform site safety snapshots evaluating housekeeping, hazard controls, and regulatory adherence.
• Conduct driver skill and behavior assessments (pre- and post-hire).
• Partner with regional leadership to identify high-risk drivers and deliver remedial coaching.
• Lead post-incident training and root-cause analysis support to prevent recurrences.
• Assist with implementing new safety initiatives and driver recognition programs.
• Ensure driver files comply with company and DOT requirements.

Skills

Coaching & mentoring

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Safety training

Education

CDL with Air Brake Endorsement

Job description

The Regional Safety & Driver Trainer plays a critical role in promoting a strong safety culture and reducing accidents and injuries across the assigned region. This position is responsible for facilitating new hire orientations-acclimating employees to company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and regulatory standards-as well as conducting hands-on field travel for site compliance, safety snapshots, and high-risk driver observations. Working closely with operations and leadership, the Safety Trainer assesses driver skills, delivers targeted coaching, and supports continuous safety improvement across all facilities in the region.

Pay: $70k annually

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

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

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.

GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

Please note that GFL does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Valid work authorization in the country where the job is located is required.

Successful candidates will be required to provide valid documentation confirming their eligibility to work in the country where the job is located prior to their start date.

This hiring process may utilize machine-based systems to assist in screening and assessing applicants. Final selection decisions are made by our recruitment team.