Training Specialist

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.

Telework

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.

Duties

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.

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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.

Conditions of Employment

Applications will only be accepted from United States Citizens and Nationals and your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related competencies. If selected, you will be required to pass a background investigation.

The full list of conditions and qualifications can be found on the USAJOBS posting.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, retaliation for engaging in protected activity, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.