CDL Instructor

Belong to something. Believe in something. Strive for something. UHP creates professionals, builds leaders, and reveals purpose. We’re looking for people to join our team who believe this mission is worth showing up for every day.

UHP is a veteran-focused education and leadership development organization based on a scenic 800-acre campus in Northwest Arkansas.

Veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses are strongly encouraged to apply.

Role Overview

UHP is launching a CDL program in 2027, built alongside Northwest Arkansas employer partners including J.B. Hunt and Walmart. As a CDL Instructor, you teach Class A students in the classroom, on the range, and behind the wheel, and you get each one ready to pass the CDL skills test and go to work.

You will be one of the first instructors on the team, so you will help shape how the program runs. Many of your students will be veterans and transitioning service members making a career change. They need an instructor who has done the job and can show them how.

WHAT YOU’LL OWN

Key Responsibilities

TEACH AND COACH

• Teach Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory and behind-the-wheel content for Class A, following the program curriculum

• Run range and road sessions: pre-trip inspection, straight-line and offset backing, alley docking, parallel parking, and over-the-road driving

• Coach each student to pass the CDL skills and road test, with clear feedback after every session

• Evaluate progress on a set schedule and record training hours, attendance, and results accurately and on time

SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE

• Run a safe range and road program and enforce safety rules on every session

• Inspect the training fleet, report maintenance deficiencies, and handle minor fixes

• Own fuel procurement for the training fleet so every truck is fueled and ready for over-the-road instruction

• Keep student records complete so UHP stays compliant with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) requirements

STUDENTS AND TEAM

• Mentor and coach veteran students, connecting military discipline to trade professionalism

• Document student issues and escalate them to the Director

PROGRAM AND WORKFORCE SUPPORT

• Give feedback on curriculum and instructional materials

• Support students from licensing through job placement with employer partners

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications

REQUIRED

• Current Class A CDL with the endorsements needed for the vehicles you teach in, and a valid DOT medical card

• If your CDL was ever cancelled, suspended, or revoked for a disqualifying offense (49 CFR 383.51), it must have been reinstated at least 2 years ago

• At least 2 years of documented experience driving a commercial vehicle that requires a Class A CDL, or at least 2 years as a behind-the-wheel CDL instructor (the FMCSA ELDT instructor minimum)

• Ability to be approved as an instructor by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education

• Ability to meet FMCSA driver qualification standards and take part in DOT drug and alcohol testing

• Clear spoken and written communication, and comfort with tablets and basic recordkeeping software

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather, climb in and out of truck cabs, and lift up to 50 pounds

• High school diploma or GED

PREFERRED

• Prior CDL instructor, driver trainer, or ELDT experience

• Hazmat, tanker, or doubles/triples endorsements

• Over-the-road or regional driving with a strong safety record

• Experience identifying and handling minor maintenance on heavy trucks

• Military veterans are strongly encouraged to apply; experience as a motor transport operator (Army 88M) maps directly to this role

CULTURE

Cultural Fit

• Genuine passion for veteran transition and human development.

• Comfort operating outside traditional corporate, academic, or military structures.

• Willingness to build something new rather than maintain something established.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, mission-driven, high-accountability environment.

• Respect for the coaching profession and elite performance culture; service-oriented leadership mindset.

• Commitment to a healthy lifestyle and to modeling the human-performance principles our trade students learn as part of the curriculum.

LIFE ON CAMPUS

Schedule & Environment

Typically Monday through Friday. Flexibility is required based on program delivery and campus operational needs, including varying start and end times, occasional evenings and weekends, and support of immersive student experiences.

This role is fully onsite at 25200 Ranch Road, Gentry, AR 72734, and operates in a dynamic and immersive environment supporting classroom instruction, range and behind-the-wheel training, shop environments, student engagement, employer activities, and broader campus operations.

Candidates must currently live within a reasonable commuting distance of Gentry or be willing to relocate to Northwest Arkansas.

UHP campuses are alcohol-, drug-, and tobacco-free.

TOTAL REWARDS

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $90,000 to $125,000, based on experience and qualifications

• 401(k)

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off

• Professional development support

• Access to UHP performance and recovery facilities

About UHP

The UHP School of Health & Performance offers program tracks in personal training, health coaching, and culinary nutrition. At the UHP Skilled Trades Institute, students earn the certifications necessary to launch careers in high-demand trades. Leadership development is baked into every program.

We also work with a network of employer and industry partners to open career pathways for our graduates. While we can't guarantee employment, everything we do is designed to give service members and veterans a real path toward meaningful careers.

Why UHP

At UHP, you are joining more than a company — you are helping build something designed to create lasting impact.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Contribute to a mission larger than yourself

• Help shape and build new systems and programs

• Work alongside passionate and purpose-driven people

• Directly impact the lives of veterans and future generations

• Be part of building the future workforce