Training Specialist

Executive Director, Office of Acquisition, Logistics and Construction • Frederick, MD

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is assigned to the Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy within the Office of Acquisitions, Program Management and Performance. The Training Specialist translates approved acquisition policy, governance requirements, lifecycle frameworks, competency standards, workforce needs, and emerging program-performance requirements into role-based curricula, experiential learning, performance-support solutions, and targeted workforce interventions.

The specialist develops and updates acquisition training, applies adult-learning practices and a range of instructional strategies and tools, and works with subject-matter experts and program officials to keep courses aligned with current needs. The role also evaluates course effectiveness and learner performance, recommends improvements, conducts seminars and workshops, and keeps informed about training practices and materials developed by other organizations.

The position follows a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Compressed or flexible scheduling is available. It is not virtual; it is eligible for ad hoc telework with supervisor approval, but regular and recurring telework is unavailable. Return-to-office requirements mean selectees must report in person unless they have an approved exemption. The work is sedentary, with periodic travel to field facilities for information gathering, instruction, meetings, training, and assistance to other government agencies. Relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized, and a financial disclosure report is not required.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements if a current or former federal employee covered by the requirement: for GS-13, 52 weeks at GS-12; supporting SF-50 documentation is required.
• Meet the GS-1712 Individual Occupational Requirement through qualifying education in education or a related subject area, or specialized experience demonstrating practical knowledge of the subject area and instructional methods and techniques.
• At least one year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to GS-12, including leadership, advice, and consultation in acquisition training; development of training materials using a range of instructional strategies; development of procedures, criteria, and standards for evaluating training and educational programs; and planning, organizing, and/or conducting acquisition seminars.
• Complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Register for Selective Service if required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Meet background and security investigation requirements and complete online onboarding and acceptable employment-identification requirements.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period.
• If relying on education for qualification, submit a transcript; qualifying education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript.
• Resume must include job title, employer, hours worked per week, start and end dates, duties and responsibilities, and federal grade where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Initiate or participate in developing revised training and employee-development policies, and monitor the effectiveness of VA OALC acquisition training policies, programs, and procedures.
• Develop courses using instructional strategies such as instructor-led training, self-paced e-learning, virtual classrooms, simulation, and blended learning, with suitable instructional aids and media.
• Apply innovative adult-learning practices to improve course effectiveness.
• Determine course scope and content, allocate time and emphasis across units, establish continuity between units, and determine the appropriate training level for each topic.
• Lead Integrated Product Team sessions with acquisition and program-management subject-matter experts, instructors, program officials, and training personnel to identify subject-matter changes and course updates.
• Translate technical subject matter into training materials, lesson plans, exercises, case studies, practical applications, and other products for adult learners.
• Review course evaluations, student feedback, assessment results, instructor observations, and other information to identify weaknesses or deficiencies in assigned training.
• Determine corrective actions and recommend changes to course content, instructional methods, training materials, or delivery approaches.
• Evaluate learner performance during instruction and provide feedback, clarification, and reinforcement of course concepts.
• Plan, organize, and/or conduct acquisition seminars for VA employees.
• Support locally sponsored VAAA initiatives and workshops.
• Keep informed about training materials developed by field activities and new training and development practices, methods, and materials.
• Evaluate acquisition training programs at other federal agencies and private establishments to identify materials and techniques that may support OALC acquisition objectives.
• Travel periodically to field facilities to gather information, instruct classes, attend meetings and training, or provide expert assistance or advice to other government agencies as requested.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive access to a comprehensive benefits package for employees and their families; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed