Training Instructor (Vocational Training Instructor - Horticulture)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System • Lompoc, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as a training instructor in a vocational or occupational training program within the Education Department of a Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) correctional facility. The role may also involve serving as a program coordinator for other vocational/occupational training programs. The instructor is responsible for selecting and/or developing curriculums focused on the appropriate vocational training area, specifically delivering classroom training for vocational and apprenticeship courses in Horticulture. A key aspect of the role includes developing a curriculum design and record-keeping system to track student progress. The instructor must ensure that training programs are implemented and delivered in compliance with Bureau policies, Department of Labor, and Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training regulations, as well as standards set by other certifying agencies. As an apprenticeship program coordinator, responsibilities include coordinating various occupational training programs and classes, as well as developing, reviewing, and evaluating vocational trades programs. A critical component of this role, like all correctional institution employees, is the responsibility for maintaining the security of the institution, which takes precedence over all other duties.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is Required.
• Must meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria.
• Must be rated well-qualified for the position, scoring at least half of the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies.
• Must submit the appropriate documentation to support CTAP eligibility.
• Major study in education or a subject area related to the position to be filled.
• Experience that demonstrated a practical knowledge of the subject area of the position and of the methods and techniques of instruction.
• Teaching or instructing in an adult education program, secondary school, college, military installation, or industrial establishment in the appropriate field(s).
• Supervising or administering a training program.
• Development or review of training/course materials, aids, devices, etc., and evaluation of training results.
• Work in the occupation or subject-matter field of the position to be filled that required training or instructing others on a regular basis.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level.
• Experience in teaching with full and primary responsibility for classroom instruction.
• Experience in supervising or administering a training program.
• Work in the occupation or subject-matter field of the position to be filled that required training or instructing others on a regular basis.
• A combination of education and experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid industry-recognized Horticulture credential (e.g., Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional (CNLP), Landscape Industry Certified Technician, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist, BASF Plant Science Certification, forestry or natural resources certification, or equivalent).
• Minimum of three (3) years of verifiable experience, held within the past five (5) years, in the Horticulture field, including working in one or more of the following areas: plant production (greenhouse or nursery operations), landscape installation and maintenance, turfgrass management, arboriculture, garden center or retail Horticulture operations, irrigation systems, pest and disease management, or soil and plant health management.
• Experience must include hands-on application of Horticulture practices and tools in commercial, institutional, or production-based environments, safe operation of equipment and adherence to applicable safety and regulatory requirements (i.e., Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), pesticide handling, or equivalent).
• Experience must also demonstrate working knowledge and applied skills sufficient to independently perform and instruct others in Horticulture practices, supporting instruction leading to an industry-recognized credential.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in developing instructional activities and lesson plans for students pursuing a career pathway in Horticulture or related field, incorporating competency-based training, industry safety standards, and hands-on skills development aligned with workforce or apprenticeship expectations.
• All applicants MUST clearly address the Selective Factor in their resume and, if applicable, upload any required documentation (i.e., licensure, certification, or transcripts) at the time you apply.
• If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience.
• To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
• Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.
• All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation.
• All applicants are subject to, and must satisfactorily pass all screening requirements in relation to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.
• All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm.
• Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques", three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M., if related.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a training instructor in a vocational or occupational training program in the Education Department of a Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) correctional facility.
• May also serve as a program coordinator for other vocational/occupational training programs.
• Selects and/or develops curriculums which focus on the appropriate vocational training area.
• Directly responsible for the delivery of classroom training for vocational and apprenticeship courses in the field/trade of Horticulture.
• Develops a curriculum design and record-keeping system to organize and track student progress through identified course work.
• Ensures the training program(s) are implemented and delivered in compliance with Bureau policies, Department of Labor, and Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training regulations, and the standards established by other certifying agencies and organizations.
• Serves as apprenticeship program coordinator with responsibility for coordinating the various occupational training programs and classes.
• Responsibilities include development, review and evaluation of the vocational trades program.
• Maintains security of the institution.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree