Training Specialist

Defense Human Resources Activity

$85K — $102K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of relevant experience in training and workforce development
  • Expert knowledge of end-to-end training methodologies
  • Strong proficiency with Learning Management Systems and educational technologies
  • Experience in strategic assessment and alignment for workforce skill needs
  • Proven ability to manage training contracts and oversee resource allocation

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and implementation of enterprise-wide training programs
  • Conduct organizational assessments to identify workforce skill gaps
  • Oversee contractor management and evaluate training performance
  • Design and deploy cutting-edge training methodologies
  • Monitor and analyze training effectiveness to drive improvements

Benefits

  • Telework eligibility
  • Access to a comprehensive federal benefits package for employees and families
  • Potential recruitment incentives at management's discretion
  • Opportunity for TERM appointment with extension options up to 4 years
  • Full-time employment with a structured schedule
Full Job Description
Summary

This position is in the Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service (DCPAS) organization and Personnel Readiness Management Agency (PRMA). PRMA is a Department of War (DoW) Field Activity, of the Under Secretary of War (Personnel and Readiness) (USW (P&R)). The position will be filled as a TERM Not to Exceed September 30, 2028. Agency has the option to extend TERM Appointments up to 4 years.

Duties

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As a Training Specialist at the GS-1712-13 some of your typical work assignments may include:

  • Enterprise Program Leadership: Serve as the principal Training Specialist and Program Manager, leading the strategy, design, and implementation of centralized talent management, leadership development, and core competency training programs across the enterprise.
  • Strategic Needs Assessment & Alignment: Proactively conduct organizational gap analyses to identify current and future workforce skill requirements, ensuring all curriculum and training resources are tailored to sustain a modernized, mission-ready force.
  • Contractor & Resource Oversight: Manage and direct dedicated teams of contracted instructional designers and trainers, serving as the technical advisor to evaluate vendor performance, manage budgets, and ensure deliverables meet strict quality and schedule standards.
  • Multimodal Instructional Design: Oversee the development and deployment of diverse, state-of-the-art training methodologies-including web-based instruction, distance learning, job aids, and hands-on workshops-ensuring modern and compliant delivery.
  • Continuous Improvement & Support: Monitor post-deployment performance metrics and help desk trends to triage user inquiries, resolve training gaps, and implement business process improvements that enhance overall organizational performance.


Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Work Schedule: Full Time
  • Overtime: Occasionally
  • Tour of Duty: Set Schedule
  • Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized at management's discretion
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Not Required
  • Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible


Qualifications

You may qualify at the GS-13, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service:

  • End-to-End Training Methodology: Expert command of all phases of the education and training lifecycle (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) to manage and deliver diverse administrative courses enterprise-wide.
  • Advanced Assessment & Analytics: Deep expertise in instructional measurement, survey design, and data analysis to conduct comprehensive internal, external, and accreditation evaluations against prescribed, measurable standards.
  • Educational Technology & Systems: Comprehensive understanding of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and emerging educational technologies to optimize technical training support and institutional capabilities.
  • Strategic Policy & Process Improvement: Ability to leverage evaluation data and instructional measurement techniques to establish or modify guidelines, develop innovative solutions, and drive continuous agency-wide process improvements.
  • Leadership & Stakeholder Alignment: High-level proficiency in communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution to build mutually satisfying solutions that align with the varying, complex mission requirements of the enterprise.


Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 1712 series:

A. Education

  • Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study education or a subject area related to the position to be filled.


OR

B. Experience that demonstrated a practical knowledge of the subject area of the position and of the methods and techniques of instruction. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:

  • 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.


Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Additional information

Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:

Persons with Disabilities - Schedule A

Special Hiring Authority for Veterans

Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses

Other Special Appointment Authorities - Subpart F

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/register/)

The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.

NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.

Selective Service Requirement: Please visit http://www.sss.gov for more information.

Benefits

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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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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