Description

Build the Future of Parks Through Training, Safety, and Career Development

Do you have a passion for developing people, fostering safe workplaces, and creating pathways for professional growth? El Paso County Parks Department is seeking a Senior Training & Safety Program Specialist to lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive training, safety, and career progression program that supports our dedicated parks workforce.

In this dynamic role, you will serve as the department's training and safety champion, developing innovative learning experiences that equip employees with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed. From onboarding new team members and delivering engaging safety training to creating career development pathways and measuring program effectiveness, you will play a key role in strengthening employee performance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Working closely with managers, supervisors, and subject matter experts, you will assess organizational needs, develop curriculum, provide coaching and mentorship, and help shape career advancement opportunities across the Parks Department. Your expertise will help ensure employees are prepared to work safely, grow professionally, and deliver exceptional service to our community.

This position supports a diverse workforce responsible for park operations, grounds maintenance, open space management, recreational facilities, and other public-facing amenities. Candidates with experience working in parks, public works, facilities maintenance, construction, landscaping, recreation, natural resources, or other outdoor operational environments, especially within local government, are strongly encouraged to apply. Experience developing safety programs, conducting field-based training, and supporting workforce development initiatives for operational employees will be highly valued.

If you are a collaborative trainer, safety-minded professional, and passionate advocate for employee development, we invite you to bring your talents to El Paso County Parks and help cultivate the next generation of parks professionals.

This position will remain open until filled. Applications are reviewed weekly, and the hiring department may begin interviewing qualified candidates at any time. To receive full consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.

Hiring Range: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 annually

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, subject to change.

Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.

 This position is responsible for researching, designing, and implementing training. Prepares and delivers training; develops metrics to analyze the effectiveness of training. Establishes, maintains, and updates training materials.  Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function. This position may be subject to grant funding. 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Responsible for researching, designing, and implementing curriculum and training for assigned programs to ensure improvement of outcomes. Establishes, maintains, and updates training materials on programs, rules, policies, procedures, and other areas of skill development.
• Prepares and delivers information through a variety of instructional techniques and formats relevant to adult learners.
• Maintains knowledge of technological changes in training methods and incorporates new and emerging mediums, which may include interactive Internet-based training, multimedia programs, distance learning, satellite training, videos and other computer-aided instructional technologies, simulators, conferences, and workshops.
• Responsible for developing metrics to analyze the effectiveness of training.
• Oversees, develops, and participates in delivering training related to departmental and assigned program area needs; ensures adherence to applicable regulations, policies, and procedures. Assesses training needs through surveys, focus groups, colleague interviews, and management input; designs and adapts programs and workshops to meet the department/program needs.
• Conducts or participates in program-related training for new employees. 
• Develops and/or recommends training in any areas identified as needing improvement. Collaborates with subject matter experts, managers, and supervisors as appropriate.
• Provides one-on-one coaching and mentoring; facilitates unit team-building workshops as needed.
• As directed, oversees or assists with the career progression program
• Participates in administrative meetings involving planning, decision-making, and management.
  Serves as a liaison to community professionals, other agencies, and the public; responds to complaints and concerns relating to training or performance issues.
• Coordinates travel arrangements for training as needed.
• May provide back-up support to other programs or units as needed.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area. 

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically. 

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of instructional design methodologies and the ability to apply them in assessing and addressing diverse learning needs, skill levels, and job competencies across a broad employee population.
• Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and practices of staff development and professional training. 
• Exceptional verbal and written communications skills, presentation skills, including the ability to exercise a high degree of interpersonal skills and professionalism.
• Must possess strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Proficiency with computers and knowledge of Windows, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and program-specific databases or systems.
• Proficiency with recordkeeping, reporting, and basic data analysis.
• Ability to assess, develop, and deliver effective training.
• Ability to effectively train others; ability to objectively review and evaluate the performance and work of employees.
• Ability to research and analyze data, develop and deliver effective presentations and training workshops in a comprehensible delivery system to large and small groups of individuals, and convene and facilitate group discussions or focus groups with internal and external resources.
• Ability to assess situations and make prudent and appropriate decisions; ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, clients, other agencies, community professionals, external agencies, and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service. 
• Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment. 
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Requirements

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• One year of training, facilitation, or related experience.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Experience in curriculum design and instruction.
• Bachelor’s degree in safety management, occupational safety, risk management, or related field.
• Experience working in parks, public works, the landscape industry, or outdoor operations.  

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Parks Department:
  • First Aid / CPR / AED Instructor certification or must obtain and maintain within six months of employment.
  • Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) or must obtain and maintain the certification within one year of employment. 
  • Associate Safety Professional (ASP) or similar certification preferred.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post-offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, drug screen, and physical examination. 
   
  Work Conditions

Duties are primarily performed in an office and remote work environment dependent upon Department discretion and business needs; some travel may be required for training and meetings. Some evening or weekend work may be required.   Must be able to safely lift, push, pull, manipulate, and maneuver up to 30 pounds. Position requires standing, walking, reaching, bending, and crouching.