Driver Training Instructor
Job Description
For 35 years, VTTI has sustained a culture that values innovation, safety, diversity, and teamwork; the ability to impact positive change is at the core of our mission.
We trace our roots to a handful of faculty who leveraged the power of teamwork in pursuit of a future with safe and effective mobility. Unquestionably, the key to our success is a team of individuals who dedicate their lives to saving lives. Core to our approach, we understand that transportation exists to serve humans and, if implemented appropriately, represents an opportunity to broadly improve the human condition. VTTI plays a critical role by performing research which saves lives, time, money, and protects the environment.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute seeks a qualified Driver Training Instructor to develop and implement driver training protocols, manage the conduct of training and compliance, and provide expertise as it relates to the planning and implementation of research protocols. The selected candidate will serve as an essential advisor to researchers to proactively identify concerns related to the conduct of VTTI's important driving safety research, drivers and research participants, including instruction to prospective teen drivers. The selected candidate will engage with state and local organizations, educational agencies, and other community groups.
Responsibilities:
VEHICLE OPERATOR TRAINING
- Develop and conduct training sessions for research (faculty, staff, wage) drivers on various types of vehicles including flatbeds, manual transmission vehicles, buses, box trucks, paratransit vehicles, tractor-trailers, yard jockeys, light passenger vehicles, motorcycles, light mobility platforms, and heavy freight.
- Instruct drivers on proper driving techniques, procedures, and company policies, including instructions on leading edge automotive technologies
- Provide hands-on training and guidance to drivers during on-road practice sessions.
- Evaluate trainees' competency and performance. Provide constructive feedback for improvement.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to driving and transportation.
- Actively participate in VTTI's outreach programs (e.g., Share the Road)
- Using applied knowledge, travel across the US to deliver roadway safety and driver health best practices with those who can derive the most benefit: truck drivers, students in driver's education programs, and the general driving public. Convey similar programs to educational school boards for implementation in new districts/regions/states.
- Actively engage with researchers on developing protocol, risk assessment, and research conduct
- As needed, provide support to activities related to the coordination/organization of implementing training modules as it relates to VTTI's facilities and operational domain (including over 7 miles of roadway), and office space
- Work with Principal investigators or other authorities to document and report any workplace accidents or adverse events, including the communication of post-accident lessons learned whether through internal policy changes or employee debriefs.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in psychology, human factors or related field with exception for lesser degree with significant experience
- Valid Driver's License and in excellent standing.
- Extensive experience and expertise in driving various types of vehicles (e.g., manual and automatic vehicles, buses, box trucks, tractor trailers, etc.)
- Excellent knowledge of traffic laws and regulations
- Strong communication skills to effectively train and instruct new drivers
- Strong interpersonal, analytical, problem solving, and written/oral communication skills.
- Ability to adapt training techniques to meet the needs of individual trainees
- Demonstrated patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- Knowledge of basic computer software that includes database programs, Microsoft Office applications and the ability to quickly adapt to internal systems
- Experience in evaluation of information or documents to make determinations for actions
- Experience drafting training, research protocols, or standard operating procedures and/or composing written communication
- Class A Commercial Driver's License (Required)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a public or safety field (e.g., law enforcement, driver education, emergency services)
- Prior experience as a driver trainer or instructor is highly valued
- License endorsements: CDL, Hazmat, tanker, limo, and Motorcycle
- Valid passport for travel including Canada
Pay Band
4
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Commensurate with Experience, starting salary $60K
Review Date
9/21/2023
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Natalie Jett at njett@vtti.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
