Learning Specialist 1/2

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Learning Specialist 1 or Learning Specialist 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Learning Specialist 1 ($57,800 - $89,500)

As a Learning Specialist in our Weapons Facilities Operations (WFO) Training Group, you will be an integral part of the team responsible for designing, developing, and managing innovative training solutions. The WFO division supports a broad portfolio, including high-risk facilities such as nuclear and high explosives sites.

As a Learning Specialist/Instructional Systems Designer (ISD), you will create mechanisms and manage systems to enhance the end-user training experience. Key responsibilities include:

  • Using an LMS (Learning Management System) implement training programs, facilitate completion of training assignments, provide customized reporting and generate metrics.
  • Performing various administrative functions in conjunction with or in support of operational program compliance, including planning, prioritizing, and scheduling of training activities.
  • Contributing to the development and refinement of training and maintain up-to-date documentation.
  • Working collaboratively; building and maintaining professional working relationships with customers and staff at all levels, both internal and external.
  • Analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating compliant and high-quality course materials such as live classroom, on-the-job and/or web-based training for diverse audiences with guidance from other Learning Specialists.
  • Shadowing and assisting Level 2/3/4 personnel on additional duties, as needed.


You will be expected to develop program documents such as qualification standards, training policies and procedures, tools, and templates. In addition, you will develop, implement, and evaluate assigned training programs. To be successful you should be comfortable working across multiple stakeholder groups, building collaborative relationships, coordinating with peers, and collaborating with others to engage needed resources and drive innovative learning solutions that meet customer needs, regulatory drivers and contractual requirements.

Learning Specialist 2 ($69,500 - $110,300)

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level you will apply all phases of instructional system design and documentation to create innovative training materials. At this level, you will also have expert level knowledge of Learning Management Systems and/or databases. Key responsibilities will also include:

  • Using data and organizational insights to assess training gaps and requirements.
  • Applying strong program and project management skills in the training and development space.
  • Designing and delivering impactful training across multiple formats (classroom, on-the-job, eLearning).
  • Collaborating with customers, stakeholders, and regulators to assure training programs meet customer needs, regulatory drivers, and contractual requirements.
  • Creating and managing program documents, policies, procedures, and templates to enhance the training experience.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of training programs through metrics and data analysis.
  • Utilizing project management skills to create data-driven timelines, milestones, and goals that ensure the successful deployment of training solutions.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

DOE O 426.2: Requires a BA Degree and 1 year of job-related experience. Instructional Systems Designer (ISD) Candidate should have a baccalaureate degree in Training or Education. The ISD Candidate must have courses in education or training that focus on instructional analysis, design, development, delivery and testing, as well as evaluation of training programs, if not included in the baccalaureate course material.

Instructional Design and Development

Demonstrated proficiency in the use of common computer-based applications, specifically MS Office and Adobe products (e.g. demonstrated ability to produce advanced Word documents and forms). Experience applying all phases of instructional system design and development using the systematic approach to training (SAT) - analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation (ADDIE). Experience applying learning theory and performance-based training techniques.

Team Dynamics & Communication Skills

Demonstrated ability to work in a cooperative team environment and work under the leadership of a senior team member. Demonstrated skill with interpersonal, written and verbal communications. Exceptional customer service skills and ability to transfer knowledge effectively to both technical and non-technical personnel.

Personal Leadership

Ability to work semi-autonomously in a fast-paced environment with multiple and changing priorities. Proven ability to adapt to change and problem-solve while working under close supervision and guidance. Self-motivated, adaptable, and receptive to direction and feedback.

Learning Management Systems & Business Systems

Experience in developing, implementing, and maintaining training data management systems. Ability to quickly learn and adapt to use of LANL shared business systems (i.e. LMS, Teams, Google Drive, etc.). Intermediate-level experience with Microsoft Office including demonstrated ability to produce advanced Word documents and PowerPoint presentations. Demonstrated ability to utilize Adobe DC to upload documents and create forms.

Professionalism and Customer Service

Exceptional customer service skills and ability to transfer knowledge effectively to both technical and non-technical personnel.

Additional Job Requirements for Learning Specialist 2:

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level also requires:

Additional Instructional Design and Development

Ability and experience in applying all phases of instructional system design and development using the SAT and ADDIE process described above. This includes experience in researching and identifying training content and training requirements to support learning objectives in a range of training topics, and to meet federal and state laws, regulations, orders, manuals and standards, as well as other contractual requirements. Experience with developing, monitoring, and evaluating training including developing metrics, data gathering and analysis, trending, tracking, and reporting.

Additional Team Dynamics & Communication Skills

Demonstrated ability to work in a cooperative team environment. Demonstrated experience in the development of a variety of instructional materials and presentations. Ability to work with key stakeholders to ensure training programs meet customer needs and regulatory drivers.

Additional Personal Leadership

Ability to work semi-autonomously in a fast-paced environment with multiple and changing priorities. Self-motivated and a capable problem solver.

Additional Learning Management Systems & Business Systems

Sound understanding of and working level knowledge of LANL's learning management system (UTrain) or a similar information technology (IT) training system to structure and track training items and programs. Experience in developing, implementing, and maintaining training data management systems. Expert-level experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe DC.

Additional Professionalism and Customer Service

Communication to internal customers, training staff, and external contract facilities is a continuously utilized skill. As such, clear and concise communication of diverse data sets, as well as a willingness to hear criticism and needs is critical. This skill must be maintained while managing multiple, complex, and overlapping tasks at once.

Training/Certifications: No training or certification is required. It is an added bonus if you have been/are a member of one of the professional associations for evaluation, ISD, or eLearning.

Education/Experience at Learning Specialist 1: Position requires an Associate's Degree in a related field and 2 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at Learning Specialist 2: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in a related field and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

LANL Policies/Procedures Knowledge

Working knowledge Department of Energy (DOE) orders and standards pertaining to training including DOE O 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, Qualification, and Certification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities.

  • TSQP qualified
  • Familiarity with facility operations or nuclear facility operations.
  • Expertise in nuclear facility-related subject matter areas (e.g. radiation protection, criticality safety, nuclear material control accountability, integrated safety, conduct of operations, engineering, maintenance).
  • Experience with writing and/or revision of training documents and/or familiar with formal preparation of documents and document control.
  • DOE Q-Clearance


Additional Technical Skills

Experience in using performance-based training techniques. Experience in developing online training, video production and recording, visual design, and image selection and creation.

Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants: For full consideration, applicants must submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses the key requirements of the position.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid maternity and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50-mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.