Learning and Development Specialist (52077)

Western Growers; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Growers is seeking a Learning & Development Specialist to design and deliver member-facing training across formats including instructor-led, virtual, and eLearning. You will translate SME content into practical training materials, ensure alignment with compliance and performance goals, and support program expansion.

Collaborate with the L&D Manager and stakeholders to prioritize initiatives, maintain branding consistency, and drive adoption of training offerings across regions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or training certification, with preference for education, training, or related field.
• Experience designing learning (including eLearning) and facilitating training in a business environment.
• Proficiency with LMS, multimedia, web conferencing.
• Experience with needs assessment, planning, and evaluating learning programs.
• Strong understanding of adult learning theory and IDS concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop member-facing learning content aligned to compliance and performance goals.
• Translate SMEs’ material into practical learner-centered training.
• Create content across formats: ILT, virtual, eLearning, job aids.
• Apply adult learning principles to ensure relevant, actionable content.
• Collaborate with the L&D Manager to scope and prioritize initiatives.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

LMS proficiency

Adult learning theory

Instructional design

Needs assessment

Education

Bachelor’s degree or training certification

Tools

eLearning authoring tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description Summary The Learning & Development Specialist supports the design, development, and delivery of member-facing training programs that enhance member engagement, support compliance and improve operational performance. Working closely with the Learning & Development Manager, this role helps create and deliver learning solutions across multiple formats – including instructor-led training, eLearning, and practical resources. The Learning & Development Specialist will own select projects while supporting program execution and the ongoing expansion of member-facing learning offerings. This role will also contribute to internal learning initiatives by assisting with employee training and partnering with leaders to drive adoption and participation.

Duties And Responsibilities

Instructional Design

• Design and develop member-facing learning content aligned to compliance, operational performance, and engagement objectives.
• Translate subject matter expertise (internal SMEs, legal/HR, operations) into practical learner-centered training materials.
• Create content across formats, including instructor-led training, virtual sessions, eLearning modules, and job aids/tool kits.
• Apply adult learning principles to ensure content is relevant, actionable, and accessible to diverse member audiences.
• Update and maintain existing training materials to reflect regulatory changes, business priorities, and feedback.
• Support needs analysis efforts by identifying learning gaps and recommending appropriate learning solutions.
• Collaborate with the Learning & Development Manager to scope, design, and prioritize new training initiatives.
• Ensure consistency in branding, tone, and quality of all learning materials.
• Contribute to the design and facilitation of employee-facing training and support assigned learning portfolios.

Training Implementation

• Coordinate and support delivery of member-facing training programs (virtual and/or in-person).
• Facilitate select training sessions, as appropriate, and support the Learning & Development Manager or other facilitators in delivery.
• Travel to agricultural regions to deliver training (25%). Mostly California and Arizona but can include national locations as well.
• Prepare facilitators with materials, agendas, and logistical support to ensure effective program execution.
• Manage training schedules, registrations, and participant communications for employee and member programs.
• Monitor participant engagement and adjust delivery approaches as needed to enhance learning outcomes.
• Gather and synthesize participant feedback to inform continuous improvement.
• Support rollout of new or updated training programs, including communication and adoption efforts.
• Partner with internal stakeholders (e.g., HR, legal, operations) to ensure training aligns with business and compliance needs.
• Assist in implementing internal training programs and supporting leaders in promoting participation.

Training Administration

• Assist in maintain and update training records, materials, and resources within the LMS or other learning platforms.
• Track participation completion, and basic training metrics for member programs.
• Generate reports to support evaluation of program effectiveness and member engagement.
• Ensure training materials and records are organized, current, and audit-ready (particularly for compliance content providers).
• Support vendor coordination, including scheduling, materials management, and basic oversight of external content providers.
• Manage logistics for training events, including materials, technology setup, and distribution of resources.
• Assist in maintaining training calendars and program documentation.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by organizing feedback, data and version control of materials.
• Provide administrative support for all WG University training programs and assigned learning portfolios.

Other

• Utilize all capabilities to satisfy one mission - to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of our members. Do everything possible to help members succeed by being curious and striving to understand what others are trying to achieve, planning, and executing work helpfully and collaboratively. Be willing to adjust efforts to ensure that work and attitude are helpful to others, be self-accountable, create a positive impact, and be diligent in delivering results.
• Maintain internet speed of 40 MB download and 10 MB upload and router with wired Ethernet.
• Maintain and service safety equipment (e.g., smoke detector, fire extinguisher, first aid kit.
• Maintain a clean DMV record and the ability to travel to locations throughout the U.S. (mainly California and Arizona) up to 25% of the time.
• All other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here represent those that an employee must meet to successfully perform this job’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others. The employee frequently is required to move around the office. The employee is often required to use tools, objects, and controls. This noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or training certification and two (2) to three (3) years of experience designing learning (including eLearning) and facilitating training in a business environment preferred.
• Exceptional fluency in speaking, reading, and writing both English and Spanish and a solid understanding of cultural nuances of the Spanish language when translating written material.
• Proficiency with training technologies (LMS, multimedia, web conferencing). Exceptional skills in Microsoft Office suite, eLearning authoring software and the use of Artificial Intelligence.
• Experience in needs assessment, coordinating, planning, and evaluating learning programs
• Exceptional understanding of adult learning theory and Instructional Systems Design (IDS).
• Experience in working with learning technology solutions including learning management systems and online training platforms to help employees.
• Experience with individualized coaching to facilitate direct practical skills training.
• Internet access provided by a cable or fiber provider with 40 MB download and 10 MB upload speeds.
• Home router with wired Ethernet (wireless connections and hotspots are not permitted).
• A designated room for your office or steps taken to protect company information (e.g., facing computer towards wall, etc.)
• A functioning smoke detector, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit on site.
• Verifiable, clean DMV record and the ability to travel to various locations throughout the U.S. (mainly California and Arizona) up to 25% of the time.