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Driver Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Recovery, LLC

Driver / Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

Driver should be experienced with shifting loads. Driver must also be willing to operate a roll off ... Serves as an integral part of field operations by operating equipment on assigned jobs to deliver ...

Constellis

Driver Operator

Reston, VA · On-site

Under the direction of the Fire Chief/ Program Manager, Driver Operator position assist in supervising and coordinating the activities of a fire company during an assigned shift, to include ...

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Driver Operator information

What are common challenges faced by Driver Operators, and how can they prepare for them?

Driver Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating large emergency vehicles through congested areas, operating complex pumping or ladder systems under pressure, and maintaining clear communication with team members during high-stress situations. Preparing for these challenges involves regular hands-on training, staying updated on local protocols, and developing strong situational awareness. Building collaborative relationships with fellow firefighters and practicing coordinated drills can also help Driver Operators perform effectively and safely during emergencies.

What is a Driver Operator?

A Driver Operator is a professional responsible for operating and driving specialized vehicles, such as fire trucks or heavy equipment, often within fire departments or emergency services. Their duties include safely transporting personnel and equipment to emergency scenes, operating pumps or other vehicle-mounted machinery, and performing routine maintenance on their vehicles. Driver Operators play a crucial role in ensuring that emergency response operations run smoothly and efficiently, often requiring specialized training and certifications. They must also adhere to strict safety protocols and be prepared to respond quickly in high-pressure situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Driver Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Driver Operator, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), in-depth knowledge of vehicle operation, and a strong safety record. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, vehicle maintenance tools, and, in some cases, specialized certifications such as hazardous materials (HAZMAT) endorsement are commonly required. Excellent communication, situational awareness, and stress management skills help drivers handle challenging routes and interact effectively with customers and team members. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, efficient transport and uphold service reliability and safety standards.

What is the difference between Driver Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectDriver OperatorEquipment Operator
CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), specialized equipment trainingEquipment-specific certifications, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentOn-road, vehicle operation, often in construction or industrial sitesOn-site, operating heavy machinery like bulldozers or excavators
Employer & IndustryConstruction, transportation, utilitiesConstruction, mining, forestry

Driver Operators primarily focus on operating vehicles such as trucks and specialized transport equipment, often requiring a CDL and driving in various environments. Equipment Operators handle heavy machinery on-site, requiring equipment-specific certifications. Both roles are essential in construction and industrial sectors, but their work environments and certifications differ.

More about Driver Operator jobs
What states have the most Driver Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Driver Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Driver Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Driver Operator jobs are:
Driver Operator jobs near you
Driver Operator Program Coordinator

Driver Operator Program Coordinator

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

University Of Kansas rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

60% Program-Specific Duties (Driver Operator Program Coordinator)
  • Accept and coordinate training requests from Kansas fire departments and private sector clients related to driver/operator training programs.
  • Coordinate training dates, locations, and delivery details with host departments, fire service personnel, and other clients.
  • Coordinate the use of contract instructors for course deliveries with Manager and Assistant Director approval.
  • Select the most appropriate use of personnel, equipment, and other resources while managing costs effectively.
  • Identify, select, train, coordinate, and authorize pay and travel reimbursement for part-time instructors within assigned training programs.
  • Coordinate apparatus, props, equipment delivery, and logistics support with the Logistics Program Manager.
  • Identify courses requiring direct instructional support from KFRTI full-time staff.
  • Serve as lead instructor for selected Driver Operator training events and provide direct oversight of part-time instructors when appropriate.
  • Manage all aspects of assigned course deliveries, including costs, supervision, classroom presentations, practical skills training, driving exercises, pumping evolutions, and proper use of equipment and apparatus.
  • Cross-train and instruct in multiple programmatic areas as assigned, including Driver Operator Pumper, Driver Operator Aerial, Mobile Water Supply Operations, and other related apparatus operations courses.
  • Identify fire service organizations and partners willing to collaborate with KFRTI in advancing driver/operator training.
  • Recruit and help develop a cadre of qualified part-time instructors for assigned program areas.
  • Revise existing courses and assist with development of new courses within assigned program areas when assigned.
  • Write objectives and develop instructional support materials for assigned courses when assigned.
  • Design online and hybrid courses within assigned program areas to meet the needs of the Kansas fire service when assigned.
  • Teach train-the-trainer courses to part-time instructors and other clients as needed.
  • Ensure instructors adhere to Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute professional and instructional standards.
  • Train instructors on the proper use of course materials, apparatus, training equipment, and props.
  • Consult with the Manager and/or Assistant Director on collaborative opportunities, program needs, course improvements, and equipment requirements.
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of KFRTI's mission.
30% General Duties
  • Coordinate and schedule assigned driver/operator training programs and related course deliveries.
  • Serve as a point of contact for Kansas fire departments and other clients requesting driver/operator training.
  • Coordinate instructor assignments, training locations, course logistics, and resource needs for assigned programs.
  • Assist in the revision, development, and improvement of assigned courses, including online and hybrid delivery formats when assigned.
  • Provide classroom and field instruction for selected programs and support course delivery as needed.
  • Recruit, develop, and support part-time instructors within assigned program areas.
  • Collaborate with KFRTI leadership, staff, and external partners to advance driver/operator training statewide.
  • Maintain professional relationships with Kansas fire service organizations, instructors, and stakeholders.
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of KFRTI's mission.
10% Time Management & Role Expectations
  • Expected to manage multiple concurrent course deliveries, instructor assignments, and program support responsibilities with strong organizational discipline.
  • Provide instruction within the assigned area of responsibility when required.
  • Maintain appropriate communication and coordination with Manager, Assistant Director, instructors, logistics staff, and partner agencies to support statewide training delivery.
  • Support the growth and development of part-time instructors to expand KFRTI delivery capacity and maintain quality instruction across assigned programs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager, Assistant Director, or Director to support the overall mission of KFRTI.

 ,The Driver Operator Program Coordinator reports to the Firefighter Training Program Manager and provides coordination, instructional support, and program oversight for designated driver/operator training programs at the Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute (KFRTI). This position is responsible for coordinating course requests, scheduling training deliveries, supporting instructors, updating curriculum, and assisting with course development and revision to ensure high-quality driver/operator education is delivered across the state of Kansas. This portfolio includes Apparatus Driver Operator Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator Aerial, and Mobile Water Supply Operations programs and may include other related driver/operator training courses.
This position serves as a key point of contact for Kansas fire departments, instructors, and stakeholders seeking driver/operator training and support. The coordinator works closely with KFRTI managers, coordinators, instructors, and logistics personnel to ensure efficient course delivery, sound resource use, and adherence to Institute standards. This position also provides direct instruction for selected courses, participates in train-the-trainer efforts, and assists with the continued development of instructional capacity within assigned program areas.
As a State Fire Training organization and the State Certification Entity for Kansas, Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute (KFRTI) is expected to help lead change in the fire service through training and credentialing, including National Certification.  Employees of KFRTI must demonstrate a customer-friendly attitude, flexibility, and a strong desire to help the Kansas fire service as well as continue to improve their own training and education.
The Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute is a unit of KU Jayhawk Global, housed on the Lawrence campus. The Institute was created by the Kansas legislature to train Kansas firefighters in 1949. The Institute serves fire departments and firefighters through a "traveling instruction service" that provides 500 training events per year potentially reaching every community and every county in Kansas.
The mission of Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute is to provide accessible, comprehensive training and credentialing for fire and emergency response personnel to promote health and safety in Kansas communities.
KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities!  Details available at:  https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance.
KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
 

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