Training & Development Specialist

Northern Wasco County PUD is seeking a Training and Development Specialist to facilitate trainings and align professional growth goals with organizational needs. This is a full-time, exempt position with a Monday-Thursday, 4/10 workweek. 

The Training and Development Specialist collaborates closely with the Human Resources Supervisor to develop, coordinate, and deliver training programs for management and employees, aiming to optimize employee learning and professional development initiatives. The incumbent will assess organizational training needs, research and leverage both internal and external training resources or consultants, develop targeted programs (in-person and virtual), deliver engaging instruction, and evaluate the effectiveness of training solutions that enhance workforce performance. 

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: We are proud to offer a comprehensive and very competitive benefits package including but not limited to:

Generous PTO Accruals

11 Paid Holidays

100% employer paid premium for Medical/Rx/Dental for individual and/or family coverage

100% employer paid premium for vision coverage for individual and/or family coverage

100% employer paid Basic Life Insurance 2X annual salary

401(k) 7.5% base + 7.5% match = 15% total possible employer contribution

457(b) 

100% employer paid Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability

HRA VEBA employee funded

Wellness Incentive to HRA VEBA employer funded

100% Paid Business Travel Insurance

Voluntary benefits

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Assesses training and development needs through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and communication with applicable stakeholders.  

Creates, organizes, plans, and presents various forms of onboarding, orientation, and skills training for employees.  

Develops unique training programs as needed to maintain and improve skills and engagement.  

Creates and/or acquires training, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and course materials. 

Presents training and development programs using various forms and formats, including group discussion, lecture, simulation, and videos.  

Maintains records of training and development activities, attendance, results of tests and assessments, and retraining requirements if applicable.  

Research and assess training materials prepared by outside instructors and/or consultants. 

Evaluates program effectiveness through assessments, surveys, and feedback.  

Reports on outcomes and program effectiveness. 

Maintains knowledge of the latest trends in training and development.  

Assists in the preparation of the annual training budget and accurately reports expenses.  

Demonstrates cultural competency through respectful, inclusive work habits and through the valuing and welcoming of cultural differences in all position responsibilities. 

Supports the District’s mission to serve our customers and foster a safe and positive work environment by personally exhibiting behavior that aligns with the District’s Core Values & Beliefs. 

Must perform the duties of this position in a safe and efficient manner and follow all safety regulations and protocols. 

Other duties as assigned. 

Secondary Functions: 
 

All PUD employees are expected to work outside of normal business hours when required during emergency restoration activities and to accomplish other special projects. 

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities: PLEASE NOTE: This position requires the use of various tools/equipment that are related to performing the essential functions of this job. 

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

Strong presentation skills. 

Ability to deliver engaging training and adapt to varied learning styles and needs. 

Strong analytical skills to evaluate training needs and outcomes and make evidence-based improvements.  

Ability to manage multiple training initiatives and prioritize tasks effectively.  

Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills with cross-functional teams. 

Adept with a variety of multimedia training platforms, methods, and Learning Management Systems. 

Ability to evaluate and research training options and alternatives. 

Ability to design and implement effective training and development. 

Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and related program software 

Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS), e-learning tools, and virtual training programs.  

Knowledge of adult learning theories and instructional design methodologies. 

Supervisory and/or Functional or Technical Responsibility or Oversight: 

No Supervisory responsibilities 

QUALIFICATIONS: Recommended Education, Training & Experience (includes licenses or certifications): Other combinations of education and/or experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to do the work will also be considered. 

Education/Experience: 

Required: 

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, Business Psychology, or related field required.  

Minimum three (3) years proven experience in training, instructional design or related role required.  

Preferred: 

SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred. 

Certification in training and development preferred. 

Experience designing both technical and soft skills programs preferred. 

Experience in adult learning theory and instructional design models preferred. 

Job Scope:  

Exercises initiative to accomplish assignments, asking questions on most complex issues, and assisting in providing solutions as a subject matter expert. 

Mental or Visual Demand:

Continuous mental and/or visual attention; the work is either repetitive or diversified, requiring  

constant alertness to monitor the production process and/or identify defects.

Working Conditions:

The job is typically performed under very comfortable working conditions; any disagreeable  

elements are generally absent during normal performance of job

Physical Requirements: Physical demands are that typically needed for an office environment such as sitting, standing, walking/ability to be mobile, keyboarding. 

***Northern Wasco County PUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer