Instructional Designer

Waste Management, Inc. (WM) • Houston, TX

1d

About The Position

The Instructional Designer begins with the work people must do, not the content they are given. They analyze performance challenges, ask focused questions, and design learning that leads to real behavior change on the job.
This position emphasizes action mapping, task-based design, and evidence-based active learning. They define performance outcomes, design purposeful practice, and create clear learning structures that guide effective learning solutions from idea through delivery. They also thoughtfully leverage AI tools to streamline design work, explore alternatives, and personalize learning—while keeping human judgment and performance outcomes at the center of every decision.
The goal is straightforward. Build learning that improves performance without adding unnecessary complexity.
I. Job Summary

The Instructional Designer designs performance-based learning experiences aligned to business goals and real job tasks. This role applies action mapping and adult learning principles to determine what learners must practice and how learning can best support on-the-job performance.
By clarifying outcomes, identifying critical tasks, and designing purposeful practice, the Instructional Designer ensures learning solutions are focused, practical, and effective. AI is used as a support tool—to accelerate development, test design ideas, and enhance learning experiences—never as a substitute for sound instructional judgment.

Requirements

• Must live and work in the U.S.
• Bachelor's Degree (accredited) in Business, Marketing, Human Resources or Education
• High School Diploma or GED (accredited) and four years of relevant experience
• 5 years of relevant work experience delivering and facilitating training programs (in addition to education requirement)
• 5 years of experience with learning management systems and creating reports
• Strong portfolio demonstrating task-based, performance-focused learning design.
• Proven experience using action mapping to identify critical job tasks and behaviors.
• Expertise in designing active learning experiences grounded in evidence-based practices.
• Ability to translate complex work into clear learning structures and practice opportunities.
• Demonstrated skill in writing plain-language facilitator guides, learner materials, and job aids.
• Strong collaboration skills when working with subject matter experts and cross-functional teams.
• Clear communicator who creates design artifacts others can easily use and apply.
• Focused on clarity, usefulness, and impact over volume or polish.
• Comfortable working in ambiguity and taking ownership of design decisions.
• Collaborative, thoughtful, and energized by improving how learning is designed.

Responsibilities

• Leads performance analysis to uncover the real work learners must perform, using action mapping to separate critical tasks from noise.
• Designs active, task-focused learning experiences that center on realistic practice, feedback, and decision-making.
• Drafts learning maps and wireframes early to test design ideas, align stakeholders, and refine direction.
• Writes facilitator guides, job aids, and learner materials in clear, plain language that make it easy for facilitators and learners to understand and apply new skills.
• Create learning resources that simplify complex ideas without losing accuracy or nuance.
• Applies adult learning theory and evidence-based practices to strengthen learning effectiveness.
• Partners with subject matter experts to clarify task expectations and performance standards, challenge assumptions, and keep learning focused on performance.
• Reviews learning solutions to ensure alignment with task-based design and intended outcomes.
• Manages multiple design initiatives with strong ownership and adaptability.
• Uses AI tools intentionally to support instructional design work, including: Accelerating content development and iteration Generating drafts, examples, scenarios, and practice ideas for refinement Personalizing learning pathways or practice opportunities where appropriate

Benefits

• At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short Term Disability.
• As well as a Stock Purchase Plan, Company match on 401K, and more!
• Our employees also receive Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Personal Days.
• Please note that benefits may vary by site.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level