FOOD & NUTRITION TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Salary Information:       $5,355.00 - $5,880.00/MO – B20

State Classification:    Training and Development Specialist IV - 1784

FLSA Status:                     Exempt

Posting Number:             25-56908-1

Location:                            Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, or San Antonio, TX.     

Telework Option:            TDA does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physically present for work.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online at via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/551/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually used to fund the programs for the State of Texas. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Food & Nutrition (F&N) Training and Development Specialist performs highly complex training and development work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment. This position will analyze, design, develop, conduct, and evaluate training programs (employee performance-based, federal program, and compliance) for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Food and Nutrition (F&N) division. This position will frequently collaborate with departments, subject matter experts, employees, customers, and stakeholders on training needs. This position works under limited supervision with moderate latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES

Analyze, instructionally design, develop, and update instructor-led training (ILT), virtual instructor-led training (vILT), and eLearning training materials, programs, courses, and delivery systems in collaboration with departments, subject matter experts, employees, customers, and stakeholders to meet internal and external goals and objectives.

Follow standard guidelines for assigned training goals, curricula, course outlines, instructional methods, training aids, manuals, and other instructional materials on all applicable federal and state rules and regulations pertaining to the nutrition programs administered by TDA.

Schedule and conduct synchronous and asynchronous training for internal and external customers, as assigned. Serve as a trainer, presenter, and facilitator for the following, as assigned:

a)      Conferences, workshops, and webinars

b)      TDA F&N section & division training,

c)       TDA F&N employee development training

d)      and other target audiences.

Create and utilize training materials using a variety of techniques and formats, such as eLearning, lecture, role playing, simulations, scenarios, case studies, videos, games, team exercises, group discussions, etc.

Conduct and attend onboarding and job-shadowing activities such as the Administrative Review, on-site visits, interviews, etc., within F&N, the Education Service Centers (ESCs), and/or Contracting Entities (CEs) to identify gaps in training coursework and foster employee development.

Keep abreast of, and utilize, best practices in adult learning, research methodologies, and instructional design principles as well as computer and technology skills to develop and deliver training. Keep abreast of federal program trends and policies. May train and mentor others in work processes and procedures.

Review assigned training requests and training materials submitted to TDA Training for approval. Determine if submitted requests are relevant to F&N goals and objectives. Coordinate with other F&N sections and subject matter experts to review proposed materials through publication.

Compile, analyze, and evaluate training-related data (from sources such as course registration, attendance, knowledge assessments, feedback surveys, polls, etc.) and integrate solutions and recommendations into assignments.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

Bachelor’s Degree (one year of work experience related to the primary responsibilities may substitute for one year of college).

Minimum three (3) years of work experience managing the full content development lifecycle from needs analysis to training evaluation of adult learning performance-based employee training programs in an organizational, governmental, or corporate setting.

Work experience with a learning management system (LMS), ADDIE instructional design method, MS Teams, MS Office Suite, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Adobe.

Valid Texas driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum one (1) year of work experience in operating or teaching federal nutrition programs and/or performing compliance reviews for federal nutrition programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of all 12 federal nutrition programs administered by TDA; of training and development procedures and techniques; of learning management and learning content management systems; of group processes, group dynamics, and interpersonal relations; of instructional and curriculum design.

Skill in oral and written communication; in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; in instructing others; in using a computer and applicable software; and in facilitating workshops.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to formulate learning objectives, to develop training objectives; to assess the effectiveness of training and assess training needs; to provide guidance to others; and to exercise sound judgment and discretion.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel (up to *20%), occasionally overnight.

TELEWORK & WORK HOURS

The agency does not offer telework. TDA employees are required to be physically present for work.

The agency’s core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.

H-1B Visa Sponsorship

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

ü     Retirement Plan

ü     Paid Group Health & Basic Life Insurance for employees

ü     Paid Holidays

ü     Paid Vacation Leave

ü     Paid Sick Leave

ü     Longevity Pay

ü     Dental

ü     Vision

ü     Dependent Optional Life Insurance

ü     Voluntary AD&D Insurance

ü     Dependent Health & Life Insurance

ü     Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

Only candidates selected for a skills exercise/interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted for interview purposes.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through

the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

*A valid government-issued driver’s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver’s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): TDA is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, military status, or protected activity. TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7423.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the military and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor’s Office at Human Resources and Training and Development MOS Codes.