Instructional Systems Specialist

The duties may include, but are not limited to

Serves as an instructional systems specialist for VS technical training initiatives; leads complex, multi stakeholder projects from concept through evaluation, ensuring products and services advance APHIS and VS mission objectives.

Independently plans and conducts comprehensive training needs assessments to identify performance gaps, target audiences, constraints, and desired outcomes.

Designs, develops, and validates high quality learning solutions across multiple modalities—including CBT, ILT, VILT, microlearning, and blended learning—applying adult learning theory, learning science, and accepted ISD frameworks (e.g., ADDIE).

Ensures training products meet federal and agency standards for instructional quality and accessibility (Section 508).

Produces interactive, media rich learning experiences and performance support tools; employs rapid eLearning and multimedia technologies to develop prototypes, storyboards, and finished products that optimize learner engagement and transfer.

Designs and implements formative and summative evaluation plans (e.g., assessments, performance tasks, rubrics, learner analytics) to determine effectiveness, ROI, and mission impact.

Develops and manages project plans, schedules, resourcing, risk/issue logs, and communications.

Integrates operational scenarios, field observations, and emergent policy/technology changes into learning solutions to sustain workforce readiness.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours appropriate to the work of the position to be filled.

The course work must have included study in at least four of the following five areas: Learning theory, psychology of learning, educational psychology: Study of learning theories as they relate to the systematic design, development, and validation of instructional material.

Instructional design practices: Study of the principles and techniques used in designing training programs, developing design strategy and models, and applying design methods to the improvement of instructional effectiveness.

Educational evaluation: Study of the techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of instructional/educational programs, including developing written and performance tests and survey instruments, and determining reliability and validity of evaluation instruments.

Instructional product development: Study of the techniques appropriate for developing training materials, including identifying learner characteristics, specifying objectives, applying training strategy, validating training materials, and evaluating training.

Computers in education and training: Study of the application of computers in education and training, including selecting appropriate computer software.

FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Ensuring training products meet federal and agency standards for instructional quality and accessibility (Section 508).

Ensures Learning Management System (LMS) compatibility and SCORM compliance for Computer-Based Training (CBT) and distance-learning products. Applying adult learning theory, learning science, and accepted ISD frameworks (e.g., ADDIE). Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.

TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.