Training Specialist

Summary

This position is located in the Office of the Commissioner for Patents, Office of Patent Information Resources (OPIR), Automation Training Services Division (ATS). OPIR supports the development and implementation of technology systems, tools, and information resources for Patents and improves patent examiner effectiveness through automation training, technology programs, web-based resources, outreach communications, and multi-media services.

Duties

• The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per calendar year. The individual selected for this position at the GS-12 will... Develop training programs, curricula, and instructional materials for automation tools and business systems for new and existing Patent Examiners. Monitor emerging instructional technologies and learning methodologies and implement improvements to enhance training effectiveness. Consult with managers, instructors, and stakeholders to assess training needs and recommend instructional strategies and learning solutions. Evaluate training courses, instructional materials, and delivery methods to ensure quality standards for Patent Examiners end-products. Ensure all training materials adhere to 508 compliance requirements. The individual selected for this position at the GS-13 will.... Plan and develop automation training programs, curricula, and instructional materials to support training objectives for new and existing Patent Examiners. Serve as a technical advisor by consulting with management and stakeholders to assess training needs, develop instructional strategies, and provide guidance on automation training solutions. Evaluate training programs, instructional materials, instructional technologies, and training delivery to ensure quality standards for Patent Examiner end-products. Develop and deliver training, mentor instructors, and improve training contents and instructional delivery. Ensure all training material instruction and deliverables adhere to 508 compliance requirements.

Qualifications

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at Training Instruction Series 1712. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic occupational requirement for Training Instruction Series 1712, all grade levels. A. Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- education or a subject area related to the position to be filled. B. Experience that demonstrated practical knowledge of the subject area of the position and of the methods and techniques of instruction. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Teaching or instructing in an adult education program, secondary school, college, military installation, or industrial establishment in the appropriate field(s). Supervising or administering a training program. Development or review of training/course materials, aids, devices, etc., and evaluation of training results. Work in the occupation or subject-matter field of the position to be filled that required training or instructing others on a regular basis. In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements stated above, you must also have the Specialized Experience described below: Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, you must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the federal service. To be qualified for the GS-12 level, you must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the federal service: For this position, the next lower grade level is GS-11. Specialized experience includes: Developing instructional materials and determining training tools to support program objectives; AND Monitoring instructional technologies to improve training delivery; AND Evaluating adult training programs or instructional materials to provide feedback and recommendations for improvement; AND Analyzing training requirements and recommending instructional strategies or delivery methods. To be qualified for the GS-13 level, you must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the federal service: For this position, the next lower grade level is a GS-12. Specialized experience includes: Planning and developing adult training programs, curricula, or instructional solutions to support program objectives; AND Providing technical consultation and guidance to managers or stakeholders on training programs, instructional strategies, or program improvements; AND Leading the development and implementation of new or enhanced training methods, instructional technologies, or program improvements; AND Developing or delivering training on automated systems, software applications, or technology tools, including evaluating training needs related to system enhancements or new technology. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Education may not be substituted for specialized experience at this grade level. If this position requires proof of higher education, or you are substituting education for experience, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Please refer to General Schedule Qualification Policies for more information. You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website - US Department of Education. Another listing of services that can perform this evaluation is available at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration. NOTE: Only education and experience acquired before the filing deadline will be considered. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

How to apply

This vacancy is also being announced under the USPTO's merit promotion procedures for non-status applicants under Job Announcement Number PATS-OPIR-26-13033578-MP. Please review that announcement to determine if you are eligible for consideration under that announcement. 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 the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. 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 at least 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://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/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. NOTE: The preceding documents requirement are based on job requirements and individual applicant eligibility. Not all documents are applicable to all applicants; if you are unsure which documents apply to you, contact the HR Specialist listed on this announcement