Training and Development Specialist (Curriculum Developers/Instructional Designers)

Salary Information: B21, $5,600.00 - $5,880.00/MO
State Classification: 1784 - Training and Development Specialist IV
FLSA Status: Exempt
Posting Number: 26-56908-2R
Location: Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, or San Antonio, TX
Telework Option: TDA does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physically present for work.

HOW TO APPLY
Apply online via CAPPS Careers. Applicants applying through Work In Texas (WIT) will be required to complete additional supplemental questions, optionally provide EEO information including how you heard about the job, and provide an electronic signature in CAPPS Careers to be considered for the position. 

AGENCY INFORMATION
The Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually used to fund the programs for the State of Texas. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas. 

JOB DESCRIPTION 
WHAT YOU’LL DO: The Food & Nutrition (F&N) Training and Development Specialist performs highly complex training and development work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment. This position will analyze, design, develop, conduct, and evaluate training programs (employee performance-based, federal program, and compliance) for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Food and Nutrition (F&N) division. This position will frequently collaborate with departments, subject matter experts, employees, customers, and stakeholders on training needs. This position works under limited supervision with moderate latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES 
Analyze, instructionally design, develop, and update instructor-led training (ILT), virtual instructor-led training (vILT), and eLearning training materials, programs, courses, and delivery systems in collaboration with departments, subject matter experts, employees, customers, and stakeholders to meet internal and external goals and objectives. 

Follow standard guidelines for assigned training goals, curricula, course outlines, instructional methods, training aids, manuals, and other instructional materials on all applicable federal and state rules and regulations pertaining to the nutrition programs administered by TDA.

Schedule and conduct synchronous and asynchronous training for internal and external customers, as assigned. Serve as a trainer, presenter, and facilitator for the following, as assigned:
a)    Conferences, workshops, and webinars
b)    TDA F&N section & division training,
c)    TDA F&N employee development training
d)    and other target audiences.

Create and utilize training materials using a variety of techniques and formats, such as eLearning, lecture, role playing, simulations, scenarios, case studies, videos, games, team exercises, group discussions, etc. 

Conduct and attend onboarding and job-shadowing activities such as the Administrative Review, on-site visits, interviews, etc., within F&N, the Education Service Centers (ESCs), and/or Contracting Entities (CEs) to identify gaps in training coursework and foster employee development.

Keep abreast of, and utilize, best practices in adult learning, research methodologies, and instructional design principles as well as computer and technology skills to develop and deliver training. Keep abreast of federal program trends and policies. May train and mentor others in work processes and procedures.

Review assigned training requests and training materials submitted to TDA Training for approval. Determine if submitted requests are relevant to F&N goals and objectives. Coordinate with other F&N sections and subject matter experts to review proposed materials through publication.

Compile, analyze, and evaluate training-related data (from sources such as course registration, attendance, knowledge assessments, feedback surveys, polls, etc.) and integrate solutions and recommendations into assignments.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures. 

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for the position, applicants must submit a State of Texas Application through CAPPS or WIT – experience listed on the CAPPS application must state how each of the following qualifications are met:

Bachelor’s Degree (one year of work experience related to the primary responsibilities may substitute for one year of college).

Minimum three (3) years of work experience developing and delivering training and/or educational curricula, conducting needs analysis, writing learning objectives, and evaluating training. 

Work experience with ADDIE instructional design method, MS Teams, MS Office Suite, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Adobe Pro.

Valid Texas driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum one (1) year of work experience in operating or teaching federal nutrition programs and/or performing compliance reviews for federal nutrition programs. 

Work experience developing and delivering training to adult learners. 

Work experience with a learning management system (LMS). 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of all 12 federal nutrition programs administered by TDA; of training and development procedures and techniques; of learning management and learning content management systems; of group processes, group dynamics, and interpersonal relations; of instructional and curriculum design.

Skill in oral and written communication; in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; in instructing others; in using a computer and applicable software; and in facilitating workshops.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to formulate learning objectives, to develop training objectives; to assess the effectiveness of training and assess training needs; to provide guidance to others; and to exercise sound judgment and discretion.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions: Requires working in a normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel, occasionally overnight (up to 20%).