Become an Instructional Systems Specialist with the Department of Homeland Security

Are you ready to take your instructional design career to the federal level? The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is currently hiring for an Instructional Systems Specialist (Content Developer) in Irving, Texas. This role is a vital component of the Office of Leadership and Career Development, where you will help shape the professional future of agency employees.

Job Responsibilities

As an Instructional Systems Specialist, your work will be diverse and impactful. You will be expected to:

Use the ADDIE model to manage the full lifecycle of training products.
Develop high-quality e-learning, instructor-led, and blended training programs.
Collaborate closely with subject matter experts to ensure content accuracy.
Utilize tools like Adobe Captivate and Articulate 360 to build engaging modules.
Analyze training effectiveness through performance data and learner feedback.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must demonstrate a mix of academic achievement and hands-on experience. The following table summarizes the primary requirements:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education	4-year degree + 24 semester hours in relevant educational subjects
Experience	At least 1 year at the GS-12 level performing instructional design
Documentation	2-page resume limit
Testing	Drug testing and Public Trust background check required

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $115,711 to $150,426 per year. Beyond the salary, federal employment provides a robust benefits package including health insurance, retirement options via the Thrift Savings Plan, and paid leave. The agency is also deeply committed to work-life balance, offering various flexible work arrangements.

Application Tips for Success

Federal hiring is a precise process. To stand out:

Tailor your resume: Ensure it highlights your specific contributions to the ADDIE lifecycle without copying announcement text.
Be prompt: Ensure your materials are submitted well before the closing date.
Follow formatting rules: The two-page limit for resumes is strictly enforced.

This role offers a unique opportunity to apply your instructional design expertise to a mission-critical government agency. If you have the drive to improve organizational performance and the skills to create world-class training, we encourage you to review the full requirements and submit your application today.

Why This Instructional Systems Specialist (Content Developer) Job Matters

Shape the future of law enforcement training by joining the DHS as an Instructional Systems Specialist in Irving, Texas.

Instructional Systems Specialist (Content Developer) Job Overview

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Leadership and Career Development is seeking a talented Instructional Systems Specialist (Content Developer) to design and implement innovative training programs. You will play a critical role in supporting the workforce by utilizing the ADDIE model, collaborating with subject matter experts, and creating engaging e-learning and blended content. This position is located in Irving, Texas, and offers the opportunity to drive professional growth within a vital federal agency.

Requirements for Instructional Systems Specialist (Content Developer)

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must meet the basic education requirement: A four-year degree including at least 24 semester hours in areas like learning theory, instructional design, evaluation, or educational technology.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
Demonstrated expertise in the full ADDIE process (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation).
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test and maintain a Public Trust background investigation.
Resume limited strictly to two pages.
Completion of the online assessment questionnaire.

Preferred Qualifications for Instructional Systems Specialist (Content Developer)

Advanced proficiency with authoring tools such as Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate, and Camtasia.
Proven history of managing project timelines while balancing requirements from diverse subject matter experts.
Strong analytical skills to interpret performance data and revise instructional materials for maximum impact.
Experience developing legally defensible training content for large, multi-faceted organizations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with annual adjustments.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
✓Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement).
✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.
✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave.
✓On-site fitness centers and wellness programs.

💡 How to Apply Instructional Systems Specialist (Content Developer) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Instructional Systems Specialist (Content Developer) Job

Log into or create your USAJOBS account.
Review the full announcement and prepare your two-page resume.
Submit your application and complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Provide academic transcripts or evidence of required coursework.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire Assessments within the provided timeframe.
Monitor your email and application status through the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly under two pages; only the first two pages will be reviewed.
Do not copy and paste text directly from the job announcement into your resume.
Be specific about your role in the ADDIE process in your work history.
Ensure your email address is valid to receive critical assessment links.
Double-check that all required documents, including transcripts and SF-50s, are uploaded before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AI to write my application responses?

No, you must certify that you are using your own words and did not use artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT or Copilot.

Is this position eligible for telework?

While the agency offers flexible work policies, specific telework eligibility for this role should be confirmed during the interview process.

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

Only the first two pages of your resume will be considered; any content beyond that will be ignored.

Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) serves a critical mission in protecting the nation from cross-border threats. Within the DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stands as the primary investigative branch, employing over 20,000 professionals globally. The Office of Leadership and Career Development (OLCD) specifically focuses on empowering ICE personnel through high-quality training and professional growth initiatives.