Instructional Design Specialist

Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) at the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) seeks a skilled and motivated individual to fill an Instructional Design Specialist position. The qualified candidate will work closely with the curriculum team to design and implement instructional materials, including online courseware, lesson plans, instructional aids, and student material in support of training peace officers in Utah. The position requires the knowledge and skills necessary to work independently and as part of a team to develop evidence-based instruction that is engaging and effective. This requires a background check and eligible hybrid-work.
Principal Duties

• Utilizing computer software programs to design web-based training, author content, conduct interviews, perform gap analysis, and make recommendations for training delivery.
• Perform related research for assigned training topics, work independently on assigned tasks, and report progress, issues, or setbacks as appropriate.
• Work within a team environment and ensure the quality of content and visual design.
• Multitask several projects simultaneously through adequate time and project management to ensure the timely completion of all assigned tasks.
• Monitor learning management system operations to improve performance and work with software vendors to resolve technical issues.
• Design and develop evidence-based, web-based, and/or instructor-led courseware, including synchronous and asynchronous delivery.
• Work proactively with the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) staff, subject matter experts (SMEs), and other stakeholders to develop interactive and engaging training.
• Validate the functionality of online courseware and upload it into a learning management system and work with software vendors to resolve any technical issues.
• Develop instructional objectives, storyboards, interactions, scenario-based learning exercises, and formative and summative assessments for online learning.
• Develop instructional objectives, lesson plans, activities, problem-based learning exercises, and formative and summative assessments for in-person learning.
• Using iconography, photos/illustrations, graphics, and other visual elements to enhance presentations of learning material for an engaging learning experience.
• Design instructional strategies, activities, and lesson plans for synchronous remote learning courses via Zoom, including hosting the sessions.
• Instructor and presenter to classes and groups on areas of expertise.
• Create media assets (audio/narration, video, web, and animation software) to develop course materials.
• Leverage artificial intelligence software to supplement and develop content.
• Work in a team and individual environment developing content or assisting in other projects as needed.
• Demonstrate practical oral and written communication skills to staff, stakeholders, and learners.

Preference may be given to candidates who have:

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Communications, or other related degrees.
• 15-10 years of Instructional Design or media content development experience.

An Ideal Candidate will have:

• Knowledge and experience in the criminal justice system, behavior sciences, or equivalent.
• The ability to effectively communicate with management and staff.
• Foundational knowledge of evidence-based instructional theories and practices.
• Demonstrated experience in creating online content and in-person courseware.
• A deep demonstrated expertise and skill in industry-standard content authoring tools (Adobe Creative Cloud, Articulate Storyline 360, Articulate Rise, and other content creation tools).
• The ability to develop and implement engaging instructional strategies for remote learning environments.
• The ability to interact and communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely, both verbally and in writing, in a manner that shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism.
• Establishes effective work relationships and demonstrates willingness and ability to collaborate with others.
• Enthusiasm for innovative learning design and demonstrating creative problem-solving skills.
• A high personal standard for the quality of work product.

Benefits
The State of Utah offers a total compensation package that consists of much more than your paycheck. Some of the generous benefits that the State of Utah provides are: 3 medical plans, 3 dental plans, 4 vision plans, 401K match, 104 hours of annual leave, 104 hours of sick leave, 11 paid holidays, free counseling & wellness benefits and much more. Competitive benefits that begin on DAY ONE OF EMPLOYMENT!Click here to view our benefits.
About Our Agency
The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) is comprised of 11 divisions and bureaus that include the Utah Highway Patrol, the Division of Emergency Management, Driver License division, Statewide Information and Analysis Center (SIAC), State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), State Fire Marshal, Highway Safety Office, Communications, State Crime Lab, Bureau of Criminal Identification, and Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). The DPS dive team, aero bureau, CERT team and Public Protection Unit (PPU) also fall under the Department of Public Safety. DPS is made up of more than 1,500 state employees who are stationed across Utah.
The Department of Public Safety offers a unique and rewarding employment opportunity. More information about our agency can be found here.
Employment Type: Full Time