Job Description:
TIDEWATER TRANSIT CO., INC.
“Bulk Transportation Specialists”
JOB DESCRIPTION: Driver Orientation and Training Coordinator
SALARY: $65,000 annually
PURPOSE
The Driver Orientation and Training Coordinator is responsible for the structured onboarding, instruction, evaluation, and initial competency validation of newly hired CDL tank drivers. This role ensures trainees meet or exceed Tidewater Transit’s safety, compliance, and operational standards before being cleared to progress to field training.
The Driver Orientation and Training Coordinator serves as a subject matter expert in FMCSA, PHMSA, OSHA, and company-specific requirements and plays a critical role in protecting the organization from regulatory risk while reinforcing Tidewater’s safety culture.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Regulatory & Compliance Instruction
- Instruct new hire drivers on FMCSA regulations governing CMV operation.
- Deliver Hazmat training in accordance with 49 CFR §172 Subpart H, including:
§ General awareness
§ Function-specific
§ Safety training
§ Security awareness
§ Provide in-depth security training when required by the company’s hazardous materials security plan.
- Ensure required recurrent Hazmat training is completed at least once every three years, including applicable security-plan training requirements.
- Reinforce compliance with Hours-of-Service regulations and company ELD systems.
- Provide drivers with alcohol and controlled substances policy and educational materials required by 49 CFR §382.601 and document receipt as required.
- Maintain defensible training documentation in accordance with FMCSA and PHMSA recordkeeping requirements.
- Ensure orientation materials remain current with regulatory updates and industry best practices.
- Operational & Tank-Specific Training
- Deliver classroom and hands-on instruction in:
§ Defensive driving techniques
§ Surge management principles
§ Pre-trip and post-trip inspection procedures
§ Liquid and pneumatic tank operations
§ Pump, blower, and compressed air systems
§ Safe loading/unloading procedures
§ Closed-loop transfer operations
§ Spill response and containment systems
- Teach SDS interpretation and appropriate PPE selection for transported materials.
- Reinforce emergency response and hazmat security plan awareness.
- Evaluation & Qualification
- Conduct and document:
§ Pre-trip inspections
§ Road evaluations
§ Equipment handling demonstrations
§ Loading/unloading competency assessments
- When designated by Tidewater Transit as the road-test evaluator, conduct and document the driver road test and certificate in accordance with 49 CFR §391.31.
- Validate trainee readiness for progression to field training.
- Exercise authority to stop training, withhold progression, and require remedial training when a trainee demonstrates an unsafe act or fails to meet minimum standards.
- Assign and track remedial training when required.
- Recommend disqualification when minimum standards are not met.
- Program Management & Administration
- Facilitate structured new hire orientation sessions.
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve training curriculum.
- Deliver quarterly continuing education sessions for all company drivers.
- Coordinate orientation scheduling and logistics.
- Verify and process trainee travel, lodging, and reimbursement documentation.
- Provide weekly status updates to the QEHST Director.
- Track training metrics and recommend strategic improvements.
- Coordinate the handoff of each trainee to the appropriate field or terminal trainer, track training progress, and maintain visibility through final release to solo operation.
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
- Maintain 100% compliant training documentation and audit readiness.
- Maintain training programs and records in a state of audit readiness with no substantiated regulatory findings attributable to training administration.
- Maintain documented competency validation for all new hires.
- Demonstrate measurable improvement in preventable-incident trends among drivers during their first 90 days.
- Support measurable improvement in 90-day new-hire retention through effective onboarding, training, and field-training coordination.
- Ensure timely delivery of quarterly driver safety training.
- Implement and document effective remedial training following incidents or corrective actions.
- Provide continuous-improvement recommendations that strengthen safety and compliance outcomes.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Regulatory Expertise: Advanced knowledge of FMCSA, PHMSA, and DOT regulations applicable to tank and hazmat transportation.
- Instructional Effectiveness: Ability to communicate complex regulatory and operational requirements clearly to adult learners with varying experience levels.
- Evaluation & Accountability: Strong ability to assess competency, provide constructive feedback, and enforce performance standards objectively.
- Safety Leadership: Demonstrated commitment to a safety-first culture and proactive hazard identification.
- Documentation & Audit Discipline: Highly organized with strong recordkeeping and compliance focus.
- Communication & Collaboration: Professional interaction with drivers, operations leadership, and executive management.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Valid Class A CDL with Tanker and Hazmat endorsements
- Minimum 5 years of commercial driving experience, including tanker and pneumatic operations
- Must possess a current D.O.T. Medical Certificate
- No more than one moving violation in the past three years
- No careless or reckless driving in the past seven years
- No suspensions or revocations in the past seven years related to the operation of a motor vehicle (personal or commercial)
- No at-fault accidents in the past three years and no more than two accidents in the past five years
- No DUI in the past seven years
- Demonstrated knowledge of FMCSA and Hazmat regulations
- Demonstrated proficiency with liquid and pneumatic tank equipment
- Experience using ELD systems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred
- Prior training or instructional experience
- Experience conducting road evaluations
- Familiarity with LMS or compliance tracking systems
- OSHA and/or safety certification
- Experience in chemical or bulk hazardous material transport
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
P.O. Box 189 · Kinston, North Carolina 28502 (252) 523-4103 · Fax: (252) 523-0748 · Toll Free: (800) 849-8981 · www.tidewater-transit.com
Pay: $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Job Requirements:
General Description of Benefits: 401(k) with match
Dental Insurance
Health Insurance
Health Savings Account
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off
Vision Insurance
Paid Holidays
