Transit Safety Lead & Driver Training Expert

Remix; Tulare (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Paid time off

401(k) matching

Job summary

Via is seeking a Transit Safety Manager in California to oversee driver safety programs, lead in-person and virtual training, and support market operations ensuring safe, high-quality service.

The role requires CDL with passenger endorsement, 3+ years in driver training or related fields, and strong knowledge of safety protocols and DOT regulations. You will coach diverse driver teams and partner across operations to sustain safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in driver training, operations management, or field supervision.
• Proven ability to coach, motivate, and manage performance among diverse driver teams.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols, ADA requirements, and DOT regulations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to train and inspire adult learners.
• Proficiency with digital tools (LMS platforms, dashboards, spreadsheets, etc).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary safety lead for the service – conducting post-incident reviews, safety audits, and ride-alongs to ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Monitor trends in safety data and collaborate with central operations to identify opportunities for proactive coaching or process improvements.
• Support and occasionally act as the Designated Employer Representative (DER) for DOT compliance, ensuring accurate recordkeeping and timely follow-up on testing or incidents.
• Lead root cause analyses for accidents and incidents and develop corrective action plans.
• Design, deliver, and continually improve driver training programs – including onboarding, remedial, and refresher sessions – with a strong focus on safety, defensive driving, and passenger assistance.
• Provide hands-on instruction in: Wheelchair Securement & Passenger Sensitivity; Defensive Driving; De-escalation & Customer Interaction; CPR/First Aid & Emergency Procedures.
• Evaluate driver performance through ride-alongs, skills assessments, and feedback sessions.
• Maintain training documentation, certifications, and compliance records.
• Conduct regular ride along’s to observe service quality, reinforce training, and coach drivers in real-world conditions.
• Serve as a visible leader across markets - fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and support.
• Partner with operations, safety, and compliance teams to align local practices with company-wide goals.
• Assist in driver scheduling for trainings and ensure operational readiness.
• Support reporting and communication between field teams and central operations

Skills

Driver training

Operations management

Field supervision

Safety culture

Education

CDL with passenger endorsement

Tools

LMS platforms

Dashboards

Spreadsheets

Job description

Via is seeking a Transit Safety Manager in California to oversee driver safety programs, lead in-person and virtual training, and support market operations ensuring safe, high-quality service.

The role requires CDL with passenger endorsement, 3+ years in driver training or related fields, and strong knowledge of safety protocols and DOT regulations. You will coach diverse driver teams and partner across operations to sustain safety and compliance.