Are you passionate about making a real difference in young people's lives? At Jungle Driving School — West St. Louis County, we don't just teach driving — we ignite confidence, build skills, and inspire safety behind the wheel. Our mission is simple: Saving Lives, One Teen at a Time.
We're opening our doors in Ladue, MO and we're looking for a mission-driven Lead Instructor to help us launch and grow. This is a dual-role position — part operations leader, part driving instructor — built for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, community-focused environment where no two days are the same.
If you're a natural leader who loves to teach, stays calm under pressure, and wants to build something meaningful in West St. Louis County — your jungle awaits.
YOUR MISSION
As the Lead Instructor, you'll wear two important hats: operations leader and head driving instructor. You'll ensure smooth day-to-day operations while delivering engaging, effective behind-the-wheel and classroom instruction aligned with the Jungle Driving curriculum.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Operations
- Lead daily operations with a focus on student enrollment and growth.
- Recruit, onboard, and mentor a team of instructors; conduct regular ride-along evaluations to ensure instructional consistency and safety.
- Act as the primary liaison for parents and guardians — clear communication, professional grace, and genuine care.
- Manage the vehicle fleet including scheduling maintenance, safety inspections, and dual-brake checks.
- Oversee scheduling software, maintain accurate student records, and report key performance metrics.
Instructional Excellence
- Deliver high-energy classroom sessions and calm, focused behind-the-wheel training using the Jungle Readiness curriculum.
- Maintain constant vigilance during in-car lessons, utilizing dual controls and verbal cues to intervene in high-stress situations.
- Tailor your teaching approach to diverse learners — including students with driving anxiety, ADHD, or different learning styles.
- Provide detailed, constructive feedback after every session, guiding students from nervous passenger to confident driver.
Compliance & Community
- Ensure the school remains in full compliance with local and state documentation requirements.
- Represent Jungle Driving School at local high schools, community events, and safety fairs.
- Stay current on Missouri road laws, vehicle safety technology, and modern instructional techniques.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- A natural leader with proven experience in management, teaching, coaching, law enforcement, or transportation and safety.
- Someone who connects easily with teenagers and parents — patient, calm, engaging, and genuinely invested in student success.
- A clear communicator who can shift between business operations and the driver's seat without missing a beat.
- Comfortable driving and instructing in all weather conditions and with students who may be anxious or inexperienced.
- A passion for mission-driven work and the drive to build something from the ground up in West STL County.
QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred.
- Two or more years of experience in management, teaching, training, coaching, or transportation.
- Must be at least 25 years of age (required for insurance compliance).
- Valid Missouri driver's license with a clean driving record — no more than 2 moving violations in the past 3 years and zero DUI/DWI convictions.
- Availability to lead classes in the afternoon and evenings as well as conduct behind-the-wheel sessions during the afternoons, evenings, and on the weekends.
- Experience in law enforcement, education, or small business management is a strong plus.
- Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check (criminal history, motor vehicle records, and sex offender registry) and drug screening.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Comfortable spending extended periods in a vehicle as a passenger instructor.
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods while facilitating classroom instruction.
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.
- Valid ability to operate an automobile.
AVAILABILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Evening and Weekend availability required
- Schedule flexibility goes both ways
COMPENSATION & PERKS
- Salary: $48,000 – $54,000 annually (based on experience)
- A unique, adventure-driven work culture that's anything but boring.
- Growth opportunities as we expand to a second location in the coming year.
- Direct impact on shaping safer, more confident teen drivers in your own community.
- The satisfaction of knowing your work saves lives.
HOW TO APPLY
Ready to swing into a role where you can lead, teach, and make a real impact? We'd love to hear from you.
Jungle Driving School — West St. Louis County
Independently owned and operated. | jungledriving.com | Saving Lives, One Teen at a Time.
Pay: $48,000.00 - $54,000.00 per year
Application Question(s):
- Are you available to work afternoons and evenings and weekends?
Experience:
- Working with Teenagers: 2 years (Preferred)
- Teaching: 2 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Missouri driver's license with a clean driving record (Required)
Work Location: In person
