OSMRE AmeriCorps Fellow: Instructional Designer

About Stewards

Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health. 

For more information regarding Stewards, please visit our website.

Living Stipend: $600/weekly

About the Site

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). Established in 1977 under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), OSMRE's primary mission is to ensure that coal mining activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner and that the land is restored to beneficial use following mining operations. The office provides oversight and assistance to state and tribal regulatory programs, promotes reclamation of abandoned mine lands, and supports research and training to improve reclamation techniques. OSMRE is committed to balancing the nation's need for coal as an energy source with the need to protect and restore the environment.

For more information regarding the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, please visit the website here.

About the Position

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Instructional Design Intern to join our team. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in instructional design while contributing to meaningful projects that support our mission. 

The Instructional Designer (ID) intern directly contributes to the agency's training mission. They will help design and develop training which improves regulatory capabilities, keeping coal mining safer for the public and the environment. The ID intern also creates training which improves the effectiveness of reclamation projects across the nation's coal mining communities. The ID intern contributes to training design and development for reclamation activities across the nation. The training is developed for online delivery and or delivery by surface mining SMEs. The training will enhance the reclamation capabilities of States and Tribes, as they work to restore abandoned coal mines to their condition prior to mining operations. The intention is to restore the abandoned mine lands to their former beauty and utility. The Office of Surface Mining is committed to ensuring the responsible use and reclamation of our nation's coal resources. As part of this commitment, we recognize the importance of providing high-quality training to our stakeholders on surface mining regulations and environmental conservation practices. This project aims to enhance the effectiveness of our training programs by developing two e-learning courses and providing producer support for virtual instructor-led classes.

This position can be eligible for full time remote up to 50 miles from the community it serves

Project Objectives

Develop Two E-Learning Courses:

• Collaborate with subject matter experts to identify key topics and learning objectives for the courses.
• Design engaging and interactive e-learning modules using appropriate instructional design principles and e-learning authoring tools.
  • Incorporate multimedia elements such as videos, simulations, and interactive quizzes to enhance learner engagement and retention.
  • Ensure the courses are accessible and compatible with various learning management systems (LMS).
• Provide Producer Support for Virtual Instructor-Led Classes:
  • Assist with the technical setup and configuration of virtual classrooms using web conferencing platforms.
  • Coordinate with instructors to ensure all materials and resources are prepared and accessible to participants.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues during live sessions and provide timely support to instructors and participants.
  • Facilitate smooth communication and collaboration among virtual class participants through chat, polls, and breakout rooms.
• Develop Electronic Course Surveys:
  • Design electronic surveys to gather feedback from participants on the effectiveness of the training programs.
  • Include questions to assess learner satisfaction, knowledge retention, and perceived impact on job performance.
  • Analyze survey data to identify areas for improvement and inform future iterations of the training curriculum. 

Position Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the instructional design team to develop two e-learning courses on topics related to surface mining regulations and environmental conservation.
• Provide producer support for virtual instructor-led classes, including assisting with technical setup, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring a smooth delivery.
• Assist in the development of electronic course surveys to gather feedback from participants and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs.
• Work closely with subject matter experts to gather content and ensure accuracy and relevance of course materials.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute creative ideas for enhancing the design and delivery of training materials.

Essential Responsibilities

• Work with supervisor and GIS tech to select and map testing sites that will provide a wide/inclusive sample size area.
• Locate testing sites, take photo test site, and collect water samples at each designated site.
• Keep records of sites tested, analyze samples, record and enter data from test samples into appropriate NPS databases.

Benefits

• Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $ $7,395.00 (pre-tax).
• Professional Development and Training
• Alumni Network
• Childcare Benefit

Find out more here: Your Benefits | AmeriCorps

Stewards Individual Placements does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application, interviewing, and/or onboarding process, please send your request to the hiring manager in your preferred method of communication.

(Preferred) Skills

• Strong desire to learn and develop skills in instructional design and e-learning development.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience with e-learning authoring tools.
  

Bachelor's Degree in Adult Education/Instructional Design