INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEMS SPECIALIST

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-1750, Instructional Systems Series.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: A Bachelor's degree (or higher) degree that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours appropriate to the position to be filled.

The course work must have included study in at least four (4) of the following five (5) areas: (1) Learning theory, psychology of learning, educational psychology: Study of learning theories as they relate to the systematic design, development, and validation of instructional material. (2) Instructional design practices: Study of the principles and techniques used in designing training programs, developing design strategy and models, and applying design methods to the improvement of instructional effectiveness. (3) Educational evaluation: Study of the techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of instructional/educational programs, including developing written and performance tests and survey instruments, and determining reliability and validity of evaluation instruments. (4) Instructional product development: Study of the techniques appropriate for developing training materials, including identifying learner characteristics, specifying objectives, applying training strategy, validating training materials, and evaluating training. (5) Computers in education and training: Study of the application of computers in education and training, including selecting appropriate computer software.

NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. AND In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems.

Examples of specialized experience includes comprehensive knowledge of a wide variety of instructional program evaluation methods and principles sufficient to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of instructional programs for specialty areas or complex subject areas. Comprehensive knowledge of a wide variety of instructional development methods sufficient to conduct analysis to determine the requirements for revision of existing instructional systems or development of new training programs.

Evaluating and predicting training achievements and student performance and preparing interpretations of results and recommendations addressing significant matters such as objectives, content, instructional methods, or probable student counseling needs. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible.

One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Professional knowledge of learning theory and the principles, methods, practices, and techniques of the instructional systems field to administer, advise on, design, develop, or provide educational or training services in formal training programs. Knowledge of training resources programs, principles, and policies.

Skill in instructional design and materials development to analyze learning problems, select teaching strategies using appropriate models, and develop course plans using this information. Ability to establish instructional program objectives and to assess progress toward their achievement. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

Ability to analyze problems related to instructional material or support equipment and develop timely and economical solutions such as develop finished products including lesson plans, training texts, television programs, programmed texts, or computer assisted instruction. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Manages the group training policy program. Measures the effectiveness and efficiency of instructional programs for multiple specialties and/or complex subject area(s). Develops and collects evaluation data. Recommends modifications and changes to training programs. Accomplishes special projects.