Training Specialist

Defense Media Activity • Fort Meade, MD

8d

About The Position

This position is part of the Department of War, War Media Activity (WMA), and supports the delivery of news, information, and entertainment to U.S. forces worldwide to promote and sustain unit and individual readiness, quality of life, and morale. The Training Specialist provides instruction and curriculum development for the Mass Communication Foundations program across public affairs and visual information disciplines. The role also supports student progress and retention, instructor development, course evaluation, and continuous training improvement. The position is full-time, has a set schedule, and is situational telework eligible. Occasional overtime may be required. The position is advertised at the GS-11/12 levels.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
• Suitable for federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a non-sensitive security clearance.
• Pass pre-employment drug screening and periodic drug screening if required; the posting also describes initial and random drug testing.
• For GS-11: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 developing or managing adult training programs, developing and presenting lesson plans, and evaluating instructional impact; or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a related field; or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• For GS-12: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 designing, developing, and delivering entry- and intermediate-level visual information and public affairs training; selecting instructional materials, references, and tests; and developing, adapting, revising, coordinating, and presenting lesson plans and course materials.
• Meet the Individual Occupational Requirement for the 1712 Training Instruction series through qualifying education in education or a related subject area, or qualifying specialized experience demonstrating practical knowledge of the subject matter and instructional methods and techniques.
• Submit transcripts or other documentation when relying on education to qualify; materials must be submitted by the announcement closing date.
• Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements of 52 weeks at the next lower grade level.

Responsibilities

• Teach upper-division undergraduate classroom, laboratory, and field instruction across public affairs and visual information disciplines, including photography, videography, news and feature writing, graphic design, multimedia production, digital media, and communication strategy.
• Use industry-standard instructional tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud, digital media cameras, studio lighting, and audio equipment.
• Monitor adult learner progress, identify learning deficiencies and personal learning barriers, conduct academic counseling, and direct targeted remedial training to support student retention and operational readiness.
• Design, adapt, and update Mass Communication Foundations program curricula using Instructional System Development principles, adult learning models, and American Council on Education college credit recommendation standards.
• Lead, coach, and mentor military and civilian instructors; manage instructional schedules; conduct peer classroom observations; and promote consistent grading standards.
• Conduct course validity, reliability, and attrition studies; analyze student feedback and performance data; update training program documents, course charts, and training standards; and maintain a documented decision data trail for curriculum improvement.
• Serve as a project officer, team leader, or working group lead for process improvement teams, pilot programs, and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with DINFOS curriculum developers and Service Career Field Managers across Department of War branches and Allied partner nations to align training with evolving operational requirements.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive range of benefits; specific benefits depend on position eligibility and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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