Training Specialist

Develops and implements structured and standardized training processes and procedures, emphasizing safe and repeatable practices that reinforce safety, quality and reliability. Ensures employees are properly trained in a manner that reduces process variation due to training errors and employee turnover. Leads training efforts and makes decisions which align with the corporate vision and strategy based on the principles of safety awareness, product quality, preventative maintenance, productivity, and continuous improvement. Adapts instructional content and delivery methods for different types of learners. Work is performed under the supervision of the Manager Training & Development.

• Promotes a culture of safety among employees. Enforces and adheres to all safety rules and policies. Ensures safety is an integral part of training.
• Develops and tracks effectiveness of all Manufacturing and various other training programs, including new employee orientation as required. Monitors adherence to the established training programs to ensure standard work in the training programs. Coordinates with outside vendors and internal support to schedule and execute new employee orientation, hands-on training, additional training modules and evaluations.
• Maintains and expands knowledge related to manufacturing processes, workflow, production goals, and & KPI's.
• Ensures training evaluation forms are developed for all Manufacturing and various other jobs. Monitors the content of evaluation forms and works with Manufacturing Departments to make changes as needed. Ensures forms are kept up-to-date. Works with various Manufacturing Departments and other divisions to track employee movement and complete training evaluations in timely manner for wage positions. Evaluates employees' performance and training effectiveness. Provides remediation training recommendations, as needed.
• Coordinates all components of new hire orientation (scheduling various trainers, organizing training and flow, communicating with multiple departments, etc.). Conducts various classroom and hands-on training sessions during new hire orientation. Creates and distributes new hire orientation schedule and calendar by collaborating with all stakeholders involved in the process.
• Documents training feedback results to help identify strengths as well as areas for improvement. Assesses knowledge and skill gaps and needs for individuals or groups. Creates and presents training modules to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Facilitates training classes and delivers content effectively to audience. Suggests improvements or changes to content to improve employee learning. Presents information confidently and engages the audience during training. Seeks opportunities to develop new ways to engage employees in training efforts.
• Maintains a positive attitude and presence during training sessions and evaluations. Effectively prioritize work tasks in order to meet established time requirements and departmental goals.
• Utilizes the Learning Management System (LMS) to provide optimum training opportunities. Assists the Employee Development Specialist(s) with creating eLearning/virtual and on-the-job training content relevant to manufacturing positions.
• Coordinates and assists with resolving training issues. Works with appropriate personnel to optimize training efforts to ensure safety, quality, and productivity. Familiar with developmental resources to direct employees to the correct resources.
• Attends train-the-trainer sessions as directed by Manager Training & Development (T&D) for competency to provide safety modules (rigging, heavy equipment, sulfuric acid, etc.) to identified employees. Schedules and coordinates classes based on the availability of employees, classrooms, equipment, or instructors. Adjusts work schedule to meet the needs of employees shifts as required. Tracks all training course attendance in LMS.
• Works with individuals from other units, departments, and divisions to achieve training goals and objectives such as safety, quality, and productivity. Works with Manufacturing management and other subject matter experts to develop training curriculum, forms and create/update work instruction documentation.
• Ensures complete and accurate training reports are available and are maintained by company standards for complying with API and ISO standards. Participates in company audits as needed to support providing accurate training documentation.
• Provides regular updates to Manager T&D on training activities. Conducts routine meetings with Manufacturing management and other supervision to discuss training efforts and workforce training needs.
• Monitors process data (historical and current) to identify potential issues or opportunities for improvement through training efforts. Analyzes performance data to determine effectiveness of instructional systems, courses, or instructional materials.
• Develops personal knowledge and abilities through attendance of leadership and training classes. Keeps current on trends and developments in training.
• Works closely with third party training facilitators to make sure materials are provided and ensures training area is set up appropriately.
• Makes decisions and conducts training in a manner consistent with the Company's Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy and Supervisory Training Policy.
• Actively participates on project teams and continuous improvement teams. Leads these efforts as needed.
• Enters information as requested into the various Human Resources and Quality databases. Assists Manager Training & Development in daily department functions and projects.
• Keeps work area clean and orderly. Knows safety rules that apply to the safety of others and to personal safety. Reports malfunction of equipment to proper authority. Performs other work as instructed by supervision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must exhibit a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in Human Resources, Education, Engineering, Instructional Design, or a related field. Proof of degree required. A transcript or diploma would be acceptable and must be provided. Consideration will also be given to candidates with other bachelor's degrees from an accredited four-year college or university, who also possess prior work experience in training and development. OR Must exhibit a minimum of six (6) years well-rounded prior work experience in training and development within a manufacturing or industrial setting (i.e. hands on training facilitation, orientation training, procedure development, etc.) OR Must exhibit five (5) years of progressive experience within the Manufacturing Division at AMERICAN and have a thorough working knowledge of all operations, materials and equipment in either Ductile Iron Pipe, Steel Pipe or Melting.
2. Must demonstrate the ability to coach or train others.
3. Must exhibit the ability to influence and motivate others in perpetuating the training initiatives.
4. Must exhibit no active disciplinary record.
5. Must exhibit prior experience in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software such as Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc. May be required to demonstrate skills.
6. Must exhibit an ability to be a self-starter and make decisions with a minimal amount of guidance and/or predetermined procedures.
7. Must exhibit use of creativity and ingenuity in problem solving abilities.
8. Must exhibit a high school degree or equivalency (GED).
9. Must exhibit the ability to cooperate well with others.
10. Must exhibit excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
11. Must exhibit the ability to be accountable and prioritize workload under stress with frequent interruptions and high autonomy.
12. Must exhibit the ability to work with confidential information and maintain confidentiality.
13. Must exhibit a valid state issued driver's license.
14. Must be physically able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
15. Due to the hazardous nature of the job environment (mobile equipment, overhead cranes, etc.), acceptable levels of vision and hearing are required in order to identify and respond to visual and audible warnings in a safe manner

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Possess a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering. Proof of degree required. A transcript or diploma would be acceptable and must be provided.
2. Five or more years work experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in roles involving training others, procedural development or process improvement.
3. Experience in continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma.
4. Certificates or coursework in leadership, training or prior experience designing and administering training curriculum.
5. Prior successful leadership of a unit, committee, or team in the accomplishment of a business objective, major project, or initiative.
6. Advanced training or certification in the field Instructional Design (Association for Talent Development (ATD) certification such as APTD or CPTD), learning and development related seminars, classroom experiences, etc. Superior grades and/or achievements will be given weight.
7. Prior experience as a casting machine operator.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS:

• Sitting required at desk while performing desk activities and computer work.
• Standing required on various surfaces while training employees, observing production and/or training, communicating with employees at their work area, etc.
• Walking required on various surfaces within the plant/shop, while performing or observing training, etc. Must walk on various surfaces such as dirt, gravel, concrete, and asphalt to access various areas of the plant.
• Climbing stairs required to access offices in the plant, to get on some equipment, etc.
• Climbing ladder may be required to access equipment for training purposes.
• Balancing while on ladder may be required for training purposes.
• Stooping, kneeling, and crouching required to check equipment, products, materials, etc.
• Overhead reach required to climb ladders, reach equipment controls, measure pipe, reach high shelves, etc.
• Forward reach required to perform desk activities, operate equipment, operate mobile equipment, etc.
• Bended reach required to check products, equipment, pick up materials, etc.
• Handling required for various hand tools, telephone, measuring devices, etc.
• Use of fingers required while writing, using computer keyboard, digital phone, measuring, etc.
• Feeling may be required to check the texture of products or materials.
• Talking on the telephone and person to person is required for communication and training.
• Vision required for accuracy on reports, safety, to check equipment, perform computer work, observe training, inspect products, inspect work area, etc. Necessary for safety within the plant to read warning signs, watch out for overhead cranes, watch out for machinery in operation and mobile equipment.
• Hearing required for training, communication, and safety. Necessary for safety within the plant to listen for warning devices, overhead cranes, and mobile equipment.
• Lifting and carrying 20-30-pound average required for various hand tools, chains, books or binders, etc.
• Pushing and pulling required to open/close file drawers, move products or materials, etc.

EOE/VETS/DISABILITY

Salary : $5,434 - $8,966