INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEMS SPECIALIST

Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 122,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is seeking a talented instructional designer to design, develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive training programs for NRC staff. You will integrate KSAs with regulatory content, utilizing LMS and web-based tools to deliver effective learning experiences.

You will assess organizational changes, oversee curriculum development, and collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure training aligns with NRC strategic goals. Telework is available?

Qualifications

• Degree with related work: instructional design, education, or IT training.
• Study of learning theories and educational psychology.
• Experience applying ISD principles to training programs and materials.
• Ability to design, develop, and evaluate training content and curricula.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and maintain training programs to equip NRC staff with KSAs for their roles.
• Incorporate regulatory information, develop learning objectives, and use various media and delivery methods.
• Assess changes in missions and laws to update training requirements and programs.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to identify needs and procure contracted training as needed.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and recommend improvements; ensure alignment with NRC strategic goals.
• Lead or participate in project duties as NRC project officer and contract evaluator.

Education

Instructional design fundamentals

Learning theory & educational psychology

Training needs analysis

Curriculum development

Tools

Learning Management System (LMS)

Web-based training tools

Document management systems

Job description

• Hiring Agency: Nuclear Regulatory Commission
• Department: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations
• Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Hiring Path: Public
• Security Clearance: L Access Authorization

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.

Key Responsibilities

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.

Requirements & 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.

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.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Other Agencies and Independent Organizations.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $121785 – $158322/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a L Access Authorization security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-20.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.