Specialist, Assessment & Simulation Rail Training (O&M)

At Regional Transportation District (RTD), we make lives better through connections. When you join RTD, you will be among dedicated employees exhibiting RTD’s values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration, and ownership. RTD is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace, encouraging employees to honor diversity in thought, people, and experience.

About the role

This position supports the design, delivery, and evaluation of immersive, technology-based learning programs for RTD’s commuter and light rail operations and maintenance workforce. It ensures employees acquire the technical competencies, operational knowledge, and skills necessary to safely and effectively deliver rail service, with an emphasis on simulation, assessment, and performance evaluation.

The role collaborates with subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop simulation scripts and training scenarios aligned with specific instructional objectives, operational standards, and regulatory requirements. It designs, implements, and manages immersive learning experiences using rail simulators, virtual reality (VR), and audiovisual (AV) recording systems to replicate real-world commuter and light rail operations and maintenance situations, including traction power, signaling, braking, doors, HVAC, accessibility systems, and onboard electronics.

This position leads pre-briefings to orient learners, facilitates structured debriefings to encourage self-reflection, and identifies performance gaps. It develops assessment and evaluation tools such as rubrics, checklists, and objective pre- and post-assessments to measure learner competency, readiness, and skill acquisition. The role also performs routine troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and software updates on complex simulation technology to ensure reliability and accuracy.

The position develops, edits, and refines simulation content, scenarios, and multimedia materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with instructional objectives. It evaluates training effectiveness, implements improvements, and supports instructors in delivering high-quality, technology-based learning experiences. The role participates in needs assessments, gap analyses, and continuous improvement initiatives to maintain curriculum relevance in response to operational changes, emerging rail technologies, and fleet or service modifications.

This role collaborates closely with rail operations, maintenance, safety, and regulatory partners to ensure simulation-based training supports operational readiness, workforce development, and regulatory compliance. Success requires strong instructional design, simulation technology, assessment, analytical, communication, and project management skills, with the ability to translate operational and technical needs into effective, immersive learning solutions.

The position directly contributes to the agency’s mission by developing a competent, knowledgeable, and safety-focused workforce for RTD’s commuter and light rail services.

This position is designated as a Disaster Response Worker, which may require night and weekend work during natural disasters and other emergencies (e.g., activation of 24-hour Emergency Operations Center staffing). Regular office hours and work schedules may vary and include weekdays, weekends, and hours outside of 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

You may be required to obtain or maintain certification/qualification as a rail operator or technician. The position may also require working in bus-focused functions within operations and maintenance, such as Bus Operations, Bus Maintenance, Regional Operations Center, and Service Planning & Scheduling, depending on business needs and career growth.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement immersive, technology-based learning experiences for commuter and light rail operations and maintenance training programs, including simulator, virtual reality (VR), audiovisual (AV), classroom, hands-on, eLearning, and blended delivery methods.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to identify learning objectives, performance expectations, skills, and knowledge required for employees to safely and effectively deliver rail service according to operational standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct needs assessments and gap analyses to identify deficiencies within existing simulation and training programs, recommending, creating, or selecting appropriate learning experiences to close gaps.
• Develop and manage full simulation courses and curriculum for rail operations and maintenance programs, including scenario scripts, instructional materials, supplemental guides, resources, activities, assignments, and assessments.
• Create, test, and refine multimedia and simulation content, including video, audio, VR scenarios, interactive exercises, and gamification. Write scripts and develop content to optimize knowledge transfer, engagement, and operational relevance for commuter and light rail operations.
• Structure instructional content, scenarios, and simulation activities to support adult learning principles, performance outcomes, and operational competency. Continuously refine materials to address evolving operational, technological, and regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate simulation-based training sessions, including pre-briefings to orient learners, guided exercises, and structured debriefings to encourage reflection, assess performance, and identify improvement areas.
• Collaborate with operational leaders, instructors, SMEs, and external stakeholders to ensure simulation content is accurate, relevant, and aligned with current rail fleet operations, safety standards, and agency policies.
• Develop and implement assessment tools such as rubrics, checklists, and objective pre- and post-tests to measure learner competency and effectiveness of simulation-based training programs.
• Maintain documentation of simulation design, scenarios, course materials, assessments, and revisions to ensure accuracy, clarity, compliance with agency standards, and alignment with project timelines and objectives.
• Perform routine troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and software updates on simulation equipment and technology to ensure reliability and operational readiness.
• Evaluate simulation training effectiveness, gather feedback, analyze performance metrics, and recommend adjustments to optimize learning outcomes and workforce readiness.
• Provide guidance and support to instructors on the use of simulation technologies, course delivery, and application of instructional materials to ensure consistent, high-quality learning experiences.
• Conduct research, stay current on simulation and instructional design best practices, and apply tested methodologies to improve rail training programs and curriculum effectiveness.
• Proactively communicate project status, risks, and issues to stakeholders and management; request feedback and take action to resolve content, curriculum, or learning design challenges.
• Support department-wide initiatives, special projects, and strategic learning objectives by contributing simulation expertise to program strategies, workforce development goals, and operational improvement efforts.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for internal stakeholders and leadership regarding simulation course development, learner performance, and program outcomes.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive learning environment, promoting high-quality instruction, employee engagement, and continuous professional development.
• Build strong relationships with operational and instructional teams and encourage cross-functional collaboration to support simulation-based rail training objectives.
• Perform all other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Organizational Development, Education, Instructional Design, Workforce Development, or a closely related field required, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in training, instructional design, curriculum development, or simulation-based learning, preferably within rail operations or maintenance.
• Demonstrated experience supporting the design, development, or delivery of technical training programs, including classroom, hands-on, eLearning, blended, or simulation-based formats.
• Experience assisting with simulation or scenario-based training development, including drafting scripts, coordinating immersive learning activities, and evaluating learner performance.
• Ability to conduct training needs assessments, identify learning gaps, and support the creation of instructional or simulation-based solutions aligned with operational, technical, and regulatory requirements for rail operations.
• Knowledge of commuter and light rail operations and maintenance environments, including fixed rail lines, yards, stations, and support services.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies, and best practices for creating effective and engaging technical or simulation-based training.
• Familiarity with applicable local, state, and federal rail safety and operational regulations (e.g., FTA, FRA, APTA, OSHA, ADA) and ability to ensure training content supports compliance and operational standards.
• Must have a valid Colorado driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire. No DUI, DWI, or Reckless Driving violations in the past 5 years.

Skills

• Knowledge of commuter and light rail operations and maintenance environments, including fixed rail lines, yards, stations, and support services.
• Knowledge of simulation-based training methods, scenario development, and immersive learning technologies used in technical, safety-sensitive, and regulated rail operations.
• Knowledge of instructional design principles, curriculum development, and adult learning strategies applicable to hands-on, eLearning, blended, and simulation-based rail training.
• Knowledge of training standards, assessment techniques, certification requirements, and learning management systems applicable to rail operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations governing rail operations, maintenance, training, and certification (e.g., FTA, OSHA, ADA).
• Skill in designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating simulation-based and technical training programs, including classroom, hands-on, eLearning, blended, and immersive rail solutions.
• Skill in developing assessment tools, rubrics, checklists, and pre/post evaluations to measure learner competency, operational readiness, and adherence to safety standards.
• Skill in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting simulation technologies, VR systems, and audiovisual equipment.

Benefits

RTD offers a comprehensive benefits package. For details, visit RTD Employee Benefits. Represented employee benefits are outlined in the Labor Agreement included on the same page.