Agency Instructor I

General Summary: 

The Agency Instructor I develops and delivers, on an as needed part-time basis, training courses which focus on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Search and Rescue (SAR) as a part of the Homeland Security National Training Program cooperative agreement. Participates in the development and delivery of TEEX courses, follows approved curriculum course outlines and timelines, uses a variety of media to present course materials, and performs all course exercises as explained in the Instructor Guides and/or may provide technical assistance. In addition, this role may actively participate in the updating and revising of a course as a team member in the curriculum development process and review new instructional materials as requested. Involves travel to locations across the United States & Territories. This position reports to the Wide Area Search Training Manager.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.

• Four years of experience in SAR.

• Two years of experience in GIS in a SAR environment.

• One or more years of experience in adult education and/or training and a background in training concepts and programs.

Required Licenses/Certifications: 

• Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

• Must have a valid passport or ability to obtain within 180 days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree related to GIS from an accredited college or university or a completion of a GIS Certificate Program.

• Four years of experience using GIS in a SAR environment.

• Five or more years of experience in adult education and/or training and a background in training concepts and programs.

• Experience in disaster preparedness, response and/or recovery.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to support training delivery for up to 8-10 hours/day.

• Ability to lift, carry, load or unload light, moderate, and/or heavy instructional materials.

• Physical conditioning consistent with setting up classrooms and movement of training equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced working knowledge of access and functional needs considerations.

• Familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the principles of inclusion, and universal accessibility.

• Ability to interact positively and professionally with clients and staff.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Knowledge of adult learning theories and learning styles.

• Ability to effectively use computers and a variety of media to present course material.

• Knowledge of media production, communication and dissemination techniques and methods.

• Excellent small group facilitation and team building skills.

• Working knowledge of office software and instructional programs including the MS Office Suite and one or more GIS/mapping programs such as ArcGIS and SARTopo.

• Knowledge of principles and methods for teaching and instructing individuals and groups.  

• Skilled in utilizing various learning and active listening strategies. 

• Ability to comprehend and express information and use inductive and deductive reasoning.

• Ability to facilitate and adapt course and course content.

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Equipment:

• Standard office equipment: computer, keyboard, multifunctional printer, telephone.

• Training equipment.

Notifications: 

• This position is security sensitive.

• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.

• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TEEX regulations and procedures.

• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and Agency safety requirements.

• Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving a personal or TEEX vehicle and/or flying on commercial airlines.

• This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance.

• This is a wage position established to accommodate a temporary organizational need. As such, TEEX does not guarantee any set number of hours or length of employment in this role.

Essential Duties, Tasks, and Percentages: 

Training/Course Delivery – 80%

• Serves as a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) certified instructor and delivers course instruction and provides technical assistance as necessary.

• Travels across the country and US Territories as assigned by the training manager to provide classroom instruction.

• Arrives before the course is scheduled to ensure the classrooms and training areas are prepared for delivery and are set up in a safe manner.

• Follows approved curriculum course outlines and timelines.

• Performs all course exercises as explained in the Instructor Guide.

• Ensures all participants have achieved the terminal learning objectives of the course.

• Assists in recording participant input and due outs as necessary.

• Assists in setting up and breaking down the classroom.

• Ensures training materials, training aids, and classrooms are secured upon the completion of the course.

• Interacts in a positive/respectful manner with fellow staff members and customers.

• Actively works with the Lead instructor to promote instructor continuity.

• Maintains subject matter expertise on topics of instruction.

• Presents lessons in a positive manner using adult learning principles.

• Ensures all aspects of lessons and activities are covered.

Course Development/Review – 10%

• Actively participates in the update or review of a course.

• Helps revise and update existing course materials as necessary.

• Assists with the research and development of new course material.

• Reviews new instructional material to determine relevance with current courses.

Fiscal Responsibilities – 10%

• Makes sound fiscal decisions while making travel arrangements.

• Completes required administrative work to include travel submissions and time/effort paperwork accurately by designated date and time, in accordance with Division, Agency and Program Requirements.

Other Duties:

• Performs additional work duties as assigned.

• Maintains and safeguards assigned divisional equipment and property.

• Completes all required Texas A&M University System training within the due dates.

• Represents TEEX in a positive and professional light.

• Performs other duties as assigned.