Safety Trainer

GFL Environmental Inc.; Peoria (IL); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan with employer match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Short-term disability

Mental health support

HSA with employer match

Holiday pay

Job summary

GFL Environmental Inc. is seeking a Safety Trainer to onboard drivers and frontline staff across the Illinois region, focusing on OSHA and DOT compliance and core operational procedures.

You will deliver classroom and on-board training, assess driver performance, and mentor teams while partnering with regional leadership to improve safety outcomes across multiple sites. Expect up to 50–60% regional travel and a dynamic, field-based schedule.

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.
• Determine instructional methods and help develop engaging training materials.
• Provide ongoing support and mentorship to drivers.

Skills

Safety training

Coaching

Regulatory knowledge

Written communication

Training program development

Education

CDL with Air Brake Endorsement

Job description

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: 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.