What are the responsibilities and job description for the DOT Compliance Specialist position at Cedars Mediterranean Foods?
About the Role
Cedar's is seeking an experienced DOT Compliance Specialist to support and strengthen our transportation safety and regulatory compliance programs. Reporting to the EHS Manager, this position will serve as a key subject matter resource for Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) compliance across our transportation operations.
This is a hands-on compliance role with responsibility for administering our DOT compliance programs, including Driver Qualification files, Hours of Service and ELD compliance, DOT drug and alcohol testing, fleet compliance documentation, accident investigations, regulatory audits, driver training, and compliance reporting.
The ideal candidate brings strong DOT/FMCSA knowledge, sound judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively with Safety, Transportation, Distribution, Human Resources, Fleet/Maintenance, and operational leadership.
What You'll Do
• Administer and monitor compliance with applicable DOT and FMCSA regulations.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and audit-ready Driver Qualification (DQ) files.
• Monitor CDL, endorsement, Medical Examiner Certificate, MVR, and annual driver qualification requirements.
• Monitor Hours of Service (HOS) and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) compliance, investigate violations, and recommend corrective actions.
• Own and administer the Company's DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program, including pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing.
• Coordinate with third-party administrators, Medical Review Officers, collection sites, laboratories, and other compliance partners.
• Monitor commercial vehicle inspection, registration, maintenance, roadside inspection, and related compliance documentation in partnership with Transportation and Fleet/Maintenance.
• Lead or participate in transportation-related accident investigations, root-cause analyses, and corrective-action planning.
• Support and prepare for DOT/FMCSA audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory inspections.
• Conduct internal transportation compliance audits and track corrective actions through completion.
• Monitor CSA/SMS performance and analyze compliance, accident, and violation trends.
• Develop, coordinate, and/or deliver DOT and transportation safety training for drivers.
• Stay current on regulatory changes and advise EHS and operational leadership on compliance requirements, risks, and recommended actions.
• Prepare compliance reports and communicate trends, findings, and recommendations to appropriate leadership.
What We're Looking For
• Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible DOT/FMCSA or transportation compliance experience.
• Strong working knowledge of DOT and FMCSA regulations, including Driver Qualification requirements, Hours of Service, ELD compliance, commercial vehicle requirements, and DOT drug and alcohol regulations.
• Experience maintaining Driver Qualification files and related compliance documentation.
• Experience with HOS and ELD systems.
• Experience administering or supporting a DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program.
• Experience preparing for DOT/FMCSA audits or compliance reviews.
• Experience conducting or participating in transportation-related accident investigations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret regulatory requirements, identify compliance risks, and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively across departments.
• Ability to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information.
Education
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Transportation, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education, professional training, and directly related DOT/FMCSA compliance experience will be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
• 5 years of DOT/FMCSA compliance experience within a private fleet, distribution, manufacturing, food/beverage, logistics, or similar environment.
• DOT/FMCSA compliance training.
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry training.
• DOT Reasonable Suspicion Supervisor Training.
• Train-the-Trainer certification.
• NATMI or other recognized transportation safety/compliance certification or training.
Benefits & Perks
Cedar's offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and work-life balance of our employees, including:
• Medical insurance
• Company-paid dental and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance and Short-Term Disability (STD)
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Why Join Cedar's?
This is an opportunity to take an active role in strengthening and advancing Cedar's DOT compliance program. You'll work closely with EHS and operational leadership, have meaningful ownership of key compliance programs, and help shape processes and practices that support safe and compliant transportation operations.
Cedar's is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.
8am - 5pm
Salary : $80,000 - $100,000