Transportation Specialist II (Training and Development Specialist)
About The Position
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is seeking an energetic, self-motivated, and forward thinking leader to manage and continually evolve the Department's comprehensive training and development program. This position oversees agency wide training strategy, coordinates Standing Training Groups (STGs), and ensures workforce development programs align with SDDOT's mission of "Better Lives Through Better Transportation." The Training and Development Specialist serves as the Department's primary point of contact for all training initiatives, internal and external communication, and strategic planning related to employee development. Occasional in-state travel and out-of-state travel required. The incumbent will lift, transport and set up training materials and equipment and spend time on-site at construction or maintenance projects to observe, evaluate, assess or participate in training.
Requirements
- Experience in training program management, instructional design, curriculum development, or workforce development.
- Strong communication, facilitation, and project management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively with leadership and Subject Matter Experts.
- Experience with learning technologies, reporting tools, and LMS platforms.
Nice To Haves
- Previous supervisory experience.
- Experience developing competency or certification pathways.
- Familiarity with transportation sector training, regulatory requirements, and technical content.
- Ability to develop partnerships across agencies and external professional networks.
Responsibilities
- Manage a department wide training program that identifies and supports current and future workforce competencies.
- Partner with division directors, program managers, and STGs to determine priorities, develop annual and multi year training plans, and assess emerging needs.
- Oversee development of new training pathways, and competency based programs.
- Oversee the maintenance of the Department's Learning Management System, ensuring system reliability, accurate permissions, data integrity, and reporting.
- Monitor system functionality and user experience to support efficient, accessible learning across the Department.
- Guide subject matter experts in designing high quality training content, selecting effective delivery methods, and ensuring consistency across divisions.
- Oversee department created training materials, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with job expectations.
- Support integration of innovative learning formats, including webinars, digital learning tools, and recorded modules.
- Oversee scheduling, instructor support, materials development, communications, and execution of statewide training sessions.
- Collaborate with internal and external training partners.
- Supervise a team of 3-training staff, providing mentorship, performance feedback, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Establish workload priorities, assign projects, and maintain high quality service standards.
- Stay current on federal and state training mandates, certification requirements, and DOT job specific competencies.
- Ensure required training is properly tracked and documented.
- Oversee training related contracts, budget forecasting, vendor coordination, and procurement activities.
- Monitor expenditures and budgets related to supplies, software, equipment, and professional services.
Benefits
- Health insurance (zero-cost premium plan, low and high deductible plans, and single and family plans
- Well-being program
- Employee assistance program
- Dental, Vision and Health Savings Account
- Free basic life insurance policy
- Membership in the South Dakota Retirement System with partial state match
- Paid leave (15 vacation days per year)
- Sick leave (14 days per year)
- Paid family leave (12 weeks for birth and adoption of child, equivalent to 40 hours per week)
- Military leave (15 days per year)
- 11 paid holidays
- Longevity pay
- Semimonthly pay periods
- Eligibility for meal per diems
- Paid overtime (if applicable)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
