Instructional Systems Specialist

Applies experience and expert knowledge of learning theory and the principles, methods, practices and techniques of instructional design to provide leadership for highly complex activities involving the design, development, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of ATO leadership development and talent management programs and services. This work directly impacts the ability of the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) to develop its operational and managerial workforce and affects the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS). Uses experience deploying highly-customized learning and development solutions that support high degrees of learner engagement and transfer/application of learning on the job. Identifies and resolves challenging problems or issues that often cross organizational boundaries and impact on the accomplishment of strategic objectives. Applies new Instructional System Design Methods and technologies such as experiential learning (gaming/simulation); blended learning (e.g. Blackboard) to develop and/or maintain training material and curricula and to analyze and study current leadership training programs. Develops technical training material and curriculum to prepare reports and recommendations on the use of new and/or improved teaching techniques. Uses learning content management system software technology to revise existing instructional courses, and develops new training courses. Evaluates all aspects of education and training programs, including: administrative policies and procedures, curricula, instructional methods and techniques, qualifications of management, adequacy and utilization of training aids. Develops innovative and effective methods to improve training programs and to ensure consistent high quality technical training to the FAA operational workforce. Establishes performance standards and analyze the development needs of management. Applies project/program management principles to lead efforts to design and develop highly-customized learning and development solutions customized to meet the development needs of the ATO workforce. Analyzes technical occupations or performing job task analysis to develop instructional methods, techniques and competencies for ATO leadership. Analyzes programs such as the Operations Manager Leadership Development Programs for Air Traffic and Technical Operations (OMLDP-AT/TO), Leaders Teaching Leaders (LTL), and Succeeding in Your First Year (SYFY). Analyzes and validates instructional content as required. Designs, develops and maintains technical training material to improve instructional effectiveness. Contacts are internal and external and include project managers, program office staff, operations subject matter experts (SMEs) and facilitators, partners, customers, stakeholders, learners, and leaders at all levels. The specialist facilitates work group and design meetings with operations SMEs and program office staff. Often represents Management Services as a principal point of contact to provide advice and guidance on instructional design standard development. Consults with subject matter experts to design and develop training materials. Frequently represents AJG on training committees and in meetings to discuss and implement leadership and talent management training for the operational workforce. Develops briefings that explain new initiatives to internal and external audiences. Although broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues, the specialist is often required to develop new approaches that take into consideration FAA policies, Government-wide rules and regulations, and external concerns. They may create new solutions and policy interpretations as situations require. Has broad discretion to ensure the alignment of organizational goals and policies and the requirements of the project or other work activities. The Team Manager reviews work only at completion for success in achieving planned results.