CDL Program Head Instructor

Title: CDL Program Head Instructor

Agency: Mountain Gateway Community College

Location: Clifton Forge - 560

FLSA: Exempt

Hiring Range: $64,000 to $78,000 (depending upon education and experience)

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

Job Description:

Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) is a two-year public institution of higher education and one of 23 community colleges in Virginia. The college is supported by the Commonwealth of Virginia; the counties of Alleghany, Bath, Botetourt (northern portion) and Rockbridge; the cities of Buena Vista, Covington, and Lexington; and the town of Clifton Forge. MGCC provides opportunities for the extension of knowledge, skills and personal enrichment in an environment that maintains high academic standards and respect for each individual. The college strives to keep programs and services financially and geographically accessible for all students. Credit and non-credit courses are offered to meet life-long learning needs. On-site and distance learning options incorporate up-to-date technologies.

The Program Head and Lead Instructor for the Commercial Drivers License program is a full-time (12 month - 40 hours per week) non-credit faculty position in the Workforce Solutions & Community Education (WSCE) division. The position reports to the VP of Academic Affairs. The position is responsible for the oversite and day-to-day operation of the Commercial Drivers License (CDL) program. The position also is responsible for providing training to CDL students.

Program Leadership & Supervision

• Strategic Oversight: Serve as the Program Head and Lead Instructor, providing vision and daily management for the Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class A program.
• Personnel Management: Supervise, mentor, and evaluate full-time and part-time CDL trainers to ensure instructional excellence and consistency.
• Staff Development: Design and facilitate comprehensive orientation and ongoing professional development for all instructional staff.

Instruction & Curriculum Development

• Academic Innovation: Develop, implement, and refine CDL curricula to ensure alignment with industry trends, technological shifts, and federal ELDT standards.
• Direct Instruction: Provide high-quality classroom and behind-the-wheel training, modeling best practices in commercial vehicle operation and safety.

Administrative & Compliance Operations

• Regulatory Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact for the Virginia and West Virginia DMV licensing divisions and the FMCSA.
• Compliance Management: Maintain a mastery of CDL Class A licensing and testing requirements to ensure the program remains in 100% regulatory compliance.
• Information Management: Manage the student training database and federal registries; oversee the CDL training schedule and maintain the programs master calendar.
• Fleet Integrity: Oversight of vehicle maintenance logs and service records to ensure all equipment is safe, operational, and compliant with DOT standards.

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Industry Partnerships: Build and sustain strategic relationships with regional transportation and logistics partners to enhance program relevance and student placement.
• Recruitment & Advocacy: Represent the CDL program as a brand ambassador at on-campus and community recruiting events to drive enrollment and program awareness.
• Safety Stewardship: Champion a "safety-first" culture, ensuring all program operations are conducted with the highest regard for student and public security.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Licensure: A current, valid Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with a clean driving record.
• Experience: 5+ years of professional commercial driving experience. Prior experience as a program head, lead instructor, or supervisor is highly preferred.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep familiarity with FMCSA regulations and the Entry-Level Driving Training (ELDT) framework.
• Leadership Ability: Strong organizational skills with a proven track record of managing detailed records and regulatory documentation.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to lead a team and represent the college to external stakeholders.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Education

• Minimum: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Technical Education: Graduation from an accredited Professional Truck Driver Training school or a comparable military training program.

Experience

• Driving Experience: Minimum of 5 years of verifiable experience operating a commercial motor vehicle (Class A) with a clean driving record. (FMCSA requires at least 2 years of experience for instructors, but 5 years is the industry standard for a Program Head).
• Instructional Experience: At least 2 years of experience in a training or instructional capacity (e.g., Lead Driver, Driver Trainer, or Classroom Instructor).
• Administrative Leadership: Proven experience in a supervisory or management role, preferably within a regulated environment (e.g., managing a fleet, safety department, or educational program).
• Compliance Experience: Demonstrated experience with FMCSA regulations, DOT compliance, and maintaining driver qualification files.

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Class A CDL: Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Class A Commercial Drivers License.
• Medical Examiners Certificate: Must possess a current DOT Medical Examiners Certificate (Fed Med Card).
• DMV Record: A +5 or better driving record (Virginia point system) or a clean record for out-of-state applicants.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Range Conditions: Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain) for extended periods while supervising the driving range.
• Physical Activity: Ability to perform and demonstrate all required physical tasks of a driver, including climbing in/out of cabs, inspecting the underside of vehicles, and lifting/moving equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Testing: Ability to pass a pre-employment DOT drug screen and participate in the colleges random drug and alcohol testing pool.

Additional Considerations:

• Ability to pass a DOT Audit or Experience with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry
• Preferred: Associates or Bachelors Degree from a regionally accredited institution.