New

Learning and Development Specialist Journey (Limited Term)

Sacramento Municipal Utility District
remote work
United States, California, Sacramento
Oct 14, 2026
Apply now Title: Learning and Development Specialist Journey (Limited Term) Department: Career Development & Learning Category: Location: Sacramento, CA, US, 95817-1899 Minimum Pay Rate:$105,456.00 Maximum Pay Rate:$139,651.20 Civil Service Status:Non-Civil Service Apply by Date:10/27/2026 Posting Type:Open This posting intends to fill a one (1) year limited term position and establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future regular full-time and limited-term vacancies. SMUD's DEIB, Learning, & Sustainable Communities department is excited to recruit for a limited term Learning & Development Specialist (Journey) on the Career Development & Learning team. This is an excellent opportunity for a well-rounded learning professional passionate about building effective, engaging employee development experiences and strengthening enterprise-wide workforce readiness, leadership capability, compliance, and organizational performance. About the Role: This position requires expertise in both classroom/leader-led training and instructional design for digital and blended learning environments. The successful candidate will play a critical role in the end-to-end design, development, delivery, administration, and evaluation of SMUD's learning initiatives. Key Responsibilities: Instructor-Led and Classroom Learning: Develop and deliver engaging, effective instructor-led training (ILT) programs for in-person and virtual classrooms. Apply adult learning principles to create leadership and professional development experiences that build capability across all levels of the organization. Facilitate, evaluate, and continuously improve training outcomes using best practices in adult learning and feedback collection. Instructional Design for Digital & Blended Learning: Design, develop, implement, and continuously improve high-quality eLearning modules and virtual training solutions. Incorporate technology, multimedia, and interactivity to drive engagement and achieve learning objectives for diverse audiences. Administer, manage, and optimize the Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring seamless training assignments, tracking, reporting, and compliance. Industry Standards & Stakeholder Collaboration: Ensure all content aligns with current instructional design best practices, accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508), and relevant regulations (e.g., OSHA, SCORM). Partner with subject matter experts, business leaders, external vendors, and other stakeholders to diagnose learning needs, implement solutions, and evaluate program impact. Support key initiatives including leadership development, system implementations, compliance, procurement, and technology adoption. Why This Role Matters: This role is vital to sustaining progress on multiple strategic initiatives while maintaining core business continuity and workforce readiness. As organizational needs and technologies evolve, the Learning & Development Specialist will ensure both classroom and digital training solutions are impactful, accessible, and aligned with SMUD's strategic goals. If you are skilled at both facilitating engaging classroom learning and creating innovative digital training, and you thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply. Purpose Performs professional delivery of effective learning and development programs and services; plans, designs, develops, coordinates and delivers training to engage, develop, and retain a highly skilled, competent and motivated workforce. Nature and Scope This classification is comprised of two levels: Level E is the entry-level where incumbents are provided formal training and/or certification for progression to the journey-level of the classification. The incumbent is promoted/progressed to the journey level J upon successful completion of all training and/or certification requirements for the classification. Incumbents hired at the entry-level are required to successfully progress to the journey-level within 18 to 60 months, depending on the length of the training and/or certification program. If an employee is unsuccessful with progressing to the journey-level they will return to last class held or separate from SMUD. Duties and Responsibilities Develops and manages a wide array of learning and development programs, projects, services and systems that support and advance SMUD business strategies, and meet identified learning and development needs; coordinates efforts and resources across SMUD. Manages and delivers career development programs and services to include but not limited to individual employee, team, and peer career coaching services and training; career program management e.g., peer career program; also provides professional employee testing and assessment services, and develops and delivers career development tools Designs, develops, promotes and delivers internal online learning and development programs; performs technical requirements analysis, to design, and deliver multi-media trainings; coordinates closely with business unit representatives, end-users and the learning and development community to craft eLearning solutions for training, performance support, social collaboration and professional learning needs. Incorporates a variety of eLearning methodologies, including synchronous, asynchronous learning, social and other types of informal learning e.g., self-study tools, etc.; utilize a variety of software tools for eLearning training development and delivery. Manages external training programs and vendor relationships; evaluates the need for contracted vendor led training programs and vendor services on a cost-benefit basis; develops and evaluates requests for proposals RFP, helps select vendors, coordinates and manages work, develops and tracks budgets, analyzes variances, and resolves any contractor related issues to ensure successful program/service delivery; may also work directly with vendors to jointly develop and/or deliver course content. Partners with SMUD management teams, business unit representatives and more experienced colleagues to assist in evaluating and determining short and long-term learning and development needs based on analyses of business requirements, considering both internal organizational factors and external environmental conditions. Conducts business and employee performance analysis as an internal performance consultant by working with managers, supervisors and employees to determine performance needs, competencies and KSA knowledge, skill and ability gaps; Proactively identifies skill-related risks to the business and employee performance; Performs root-cause analysis of identified items and designs and delivers learning and development strategies to close gaps. Monitors metrics and measures to evaluate the quality, cost and impact of learning and development programs and services; Identifies improvement opportunities and makes timely adjustments to optimize service quality and overall costs. Stays current in profession through maintaining professional memberships, relationships, online education and research, peer networking, and by participating in professional educational and association conferences, seminars, courses and other events. Performs related duties as assigned. Required Education High school diploma or equivalent Required Experience Three + years of progressively responsible and relevant work experience in training,learning/development, needs assessment, instructional design, learning program development and delivery, and evaluation and measurement. Knowledge Of Instructional design methods; best practices in employee development and training techniques; procedures and practices for monitoring and managing projects; concepts and systems related to adult learning and trends in development training programs; applicable laws, codes and regulations governing training and development systems, trends and best-practices related to employee coaching and employee/management development and training techniques; business and employee performance improvement methods; Human Performance Improvement HPI gap analysis concepts and techniques, principles and practices for contract management; concepts for cost control and project scheduling; modern office practices and procedures; safety practices and procedures typical in a business environment; standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards. Skills To Analyze business strategies and objectives to determine employee learning and development needs, and develop and implement solutions; develop, design and manage learning and development programs; measure, evaluate and quantify the impact of learning and development work efforts; develop and present business cases for such efforts to management; proactively analyze skill-related risks to the business; serve as reference person for other employees; interact with others to influence, motivate and challenge; develop and maintain project budget and schedule; express ideas/facts clearly and concisely, taking into account the audience and nature of information; adapt to changing priorities and requirements; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; determine and analyze the costs and benefits of utilizing external training programs, write requests for proposals RFP, evaluate and select vendors, and manage contracts; proficiently use common MS Office application e.g., Word, Excel, Power Point and learning technology tools; establish and maintain mutually beneficial working relationships; collaborate and coordinate closely with all levels of employees across the organization. Desirable Qualifications Certification/training in instructional design (e.g., ADDIE), or industry-recognized certifications through the Association for Talent Development's CPTD and/or APTD certification; or related SHRM certification(s). Experience with LMS platforms, including Cornerstone LMS, e-learning tools such as Articulate, Camtasia, and Vyond, and other learning technologies including Microsoft Office and SharePoint.* Experience managing training and LMS administration for enterprise technology system implementations, including associated training project management, and workstream coordination. Experience designing, delivering, and evaluating learning programs in a corporate setting, both in-person and virtual formats, including leadership development and enterprise-wide training initiatives for adult learners. Knowledge of instructional design principles and rapid development methods, including ADDIE. Strong project, event, and vendor management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and RFP development; process or project management certification or coursework preferred. Ability to assess business needs, identify skill gaps, recommend learning solutions, and measure training effectiveness using metrics and feedback. Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to present to leadership, influence stakeholders, and adapt to changing priorities. BA/BS degree in Adult Education, Public or Business Administration, Psychology or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience is highly desirable. Successful completion of a formal apprenticeship program or equivalent can be substituted for a BA/BS degree in operations business groups. Master's degree in Adult Education, Business/Public Administration, HR, Organizational Development, or related field. Physical Requirements Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation. Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers.Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations. Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities. By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together. An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020. This requires equal pay for employees who perform "substantially similar work," when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification. As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance. SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests. Why Sacramento, California? The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49er's aren't far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few. Hybrid Work This position may be eligible for SMUD's remote work employee benefit, the schedule of which will be determined by the successful candidate and the Hiring Manager. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to remote work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD's business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis. CalPERS SMUD is a CalPERS agency. As a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit www.calpers.ca.gov. SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SMUD complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated. Req ID: 3238 Apply now