Learning & Development Specialist

Job Title: Learning & Development Specialist Location: Columbus, OH or Merrillville, IN (also open to candidates in KY, PA, VA, MD) Work Schedule: Remote Mondays & Fridays; Onsite Tuesdays–Thursdays (flexibility for frequent travel in lieu of hybrid model) Rate: $60–$70/hr Contract Length: 6 Months (strong possibility of extension) Contract Type: W-2 Only (U.S. Citizens – No visa sponsorships)

Position Summary We are seeking a Learning & Development Specialist to support enterprise-wide training initiatives for a leading utilities provider. This position will be responsible for designing, developing, and delivering engaging training programs for a wide range of stakeholders - from frontline field employees to managers and senior leadership. The ideal candidate brings strong facilitation skills, instructional design capabilities, and experience managing “train-the-trainer” programs. This is a dynamic role requiring a mix of in-person and virtual training delivery. Experience in the utilities, energy, or field services industries is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver in-person and remote training sessions across business units, including operations, management, and executive levels.
• Facilitate Train-the-Trainer sessions to enable internal trainers and champions.
• Collaborate with internal teams and subject matter experts to design and refine learning content.
• Customize training materials to align with business goals, system updates, and stakeholder needs.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and apply feedback to continuously improve delivery.
• Manage logistics and scheduling for multi-location training rollouts.
• Support change adoption through engaging learning experiences that promote buy-in and behavioral change.
• Maintain accurate training documentation, tracking, and reporting.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in learning & development, training, or instructional design roles.
• Proven experience designing and delivering Train-the-Trainer programs.
• Strong facilitation skills across diverse stakeholder groups, including field operations staff.
• Instructional design experience, including e-learning, instructor-led, and blended learning models.
• Proficient in tools such as PowerPoint, Articulate 360, Adobe, MS Teams, and LMS platforms.
• Experience working in utilities, energy, construction, or other field-based environments is highly preferred.
• Comfortable traveling regularly or working in a hybrid onsite/remote environment.
• Ability to quickly learn technical and operational systems and translate them into effective training programs.