Instructional Systems Specialist

Summary This position is located in Division of Technical Training.

The supervisor is Jeff Griffis.

This position is not subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements.

This position is not subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements. Duties The successful candidate will perform the full range of duties.

Such duties include but are not limited to:

• Coordinates the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of training and development programs to initially provide and continually maintain NRC staff with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) necessary to perform their assigned job functions. This coordination requires oversight, research, preparation, revision, incorporation of technical and regulatory information into the training program, and quality control for assigned curriculum areas. It also involves development of course and module learning objectives, use of hardware training aids, and incorporation of computer, electronic, and video training resources.
• Attains and maintains proficiency in the use of agency information resources including document management and retrieval systems, Web-based systems, and learning management systems.
• Assesses the implications of changes in missions, management systems, organizational structure, and applicable laws and regulations on education and training requirements. Evaluates current information, reviews recommendations regarding updates to assigned training programs, and updates the programs as appropriate.
• Identifies best and/or alternate sources of instruction from among Government sources, consultants, contractors, and universities. Analyzes course offerings and/or proposals to determine costs and benefits to the NRC.
• Prepares needs analyses and recommends training strategies, plans, and programs. Integrates training program development with analyses of instruction to produce sound training programs and improve overall NRC performance.
• Develops training curriculum elements, either individually or as part of a team, including lesson objectives, instructor lesson plans, student materials (i.e. course manual chapters and handouts), examination questions, and graphics. Reviews and evaluates such materials developed by other staff members.
• Provides advice and consultation for developing course outlines, selecting instructional techniques and methodologies, and designing graphics, instructional materials, and self-study components. Selectively modifies and applies the instructional systems development (ISD) process, including a systematic approach to developing and validating training materials including those delivered through nontraditional delivery systems (e.g., computer-based instruction, interactive multimedia, distance-learning technology, etc.).
• Develops and uses appropriate techniques for measuring and evaluating developmental and training programs. Reviews and determines needed improvements in the training provided to NRC employees.
• Recommends selection of contractors for use in designing, developing, and providing NRC training. Develops contract provisions and statements of work.
• Evaluates training effectiveness by assessing the level of knowledge and understanding that students have obtained after they complete learning activities. Recommends corrective actions when overall student performance is not optimal.
• Coordinates with regional and program office personnel to respond to training. This coordination may require determining office needs, reviewing recommended courses, and developing procurement plans to obtain the requested training.
• Coordinates the development and implementation of contracted training courses or course modules, as assigned. Carries out formal project officer duties and source evaluation panel duties as an NRC Certified Contracting Officer. Evaluates the technical accuracy and monitors the performance of contracted training courses. Identifies and coordinates the implementation of improvements to assigned projects. Completes the necessary training and obtains Contracting certification as an NRC Project Officer. Conducts program assessments. These include assessing NRC regional and program office training program implementation and effectiveness and assessing the utility of developmental or technical training courses delivered to regional and program office personnel. Evaluates and ensures strategic alignment between training programs and the Strategic Plan goals, objectives, and strategies. Provides management with timely and accurate information and recommendations regarding extent of work, benefits, resource estimates, and work plans for proposed modifications to assigned training program areas. Supports program and project management, managing resolution of policy issues, interacting with NRC managers and staff, contractor performance, and financial accountability and reporting. Assesses whether training can satisfy special or continuing objectives, difficult projects, and significant problems. Provides course design and outlines and develops the appropriate instructional techniques and methods.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as:

• Applying instructional systems design methods - such as ADDIE and performance consulting - to develop and maintain high-quality technical training.
• Partnering with subject matter experts to create modern learning solutions, including eLearning and multimedia enhanced content.
• Conducting training needs assessments, applying learning metrics and evaluation models to measure training effectiveness; and
• Managing projects or contracts to deliver training programs on time and within budget.

A description of how you possess the specialized experience must be addressed in your resume.

PLEASE BE CLEAR AND CONCISE. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Education

Qualifications for 1750 Series:

Basic Requirements:

Degree: that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. The course work must have included study in at least four of the following five areas:

• Learning theory, psychology of learning, educational psychology: Study of learning theories as they relate to the systematic design, development, and validation of instructional material.
• Instructional design practices: Study of the principles and techniques used in designing training programs, developing design strategy and models, and applying design methods to the improvement of instructional effectiveness.
• Educational evaluation: Study of the techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of instructional/educational programs, including developing written and performance tests and survey instruments, and determining reliability and validity of evaluation instruments.
• Instructional product development: Study of the techniques appropriate for developing training materials, including identifying learner characteristics, specifying objectives, applying training strategy, validating training materials, and evaluating training.
• Computers in education and training: Study of the application of computers in education and training, including selecting appropriate computer software.

More detailed information about these alternatives are described in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards Operating Manual which may be accessed at the following website: Instructional Systems Series 1750

You must include an unofficial or official copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application. Transcript must include the School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). Education must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you have multiple degrees (e.g., BS, MS, PhD) please submit transcripts for each degree.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.Requirements You must meet the qualifications for this position by no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.

All information in your resume must be true and accurate.

Conditions of Employment:

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• This is a Drug Testing position
• Must be able to meet and maintain security & suitability requirements.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.How you will be evaluated You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. We encourage applicants to submit a resume that directly relates to this position.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Flexibility
• Influencing/Negotiating
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Benefits

As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: comprehensive health and life insurance plans; Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care; Dental and Vision Insurance; retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan); annual (vacation) and paid sick leave; family friendly leave policies; 11 paid holidays per year; transit benefits. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees. How to apply Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/20/2026 to receive consideration. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. To preview of the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13107470. The application process is as follows:

• Click the Apply Online button.
• Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
• Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
• If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
• Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
• Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
• Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
• Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.

Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application. Other information This position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within the agency.

Selectees will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment", (OF-306), prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on your resume or questionnaire can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.

The NRC is a zero-tolerance agency with respect to illegal drug use. Individuals selected for these positions will be subject to pre-appointment drug testing.

A transferable security clearance from another agency or a background investigation leading to a clearance is required for all new hires. To begin work at the NRC without a security clearance, you must be granted a temporary waiver of the required clearance, referred to as a 145(b) waiver. To be eligible for a 145(b) waiver you will need a favorable education verification, reference, credit, and criminal history checks. If a waiver is granted, the successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication is required for continued employment.

If you have resided outside the U.S. for an extended period of time, the agency may not be able to (1) grant the 145(b) waiver where the required investigation cannot be completed in a timely manner, or (2) achieve timely completion of the background investigation required for a security clearance.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire CompetencyBased Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)

Hardship Assistance: If you experience hardship applying online, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below for assistance. You must reach out during business hours before the announcement closing date and speak with someone who can provide support for your online submission.