The Senior Specialist, Emerging Technologies, will be responsible for overseeing and managing the immersive learning lab, focusing on a range of advanced technologies including virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), interactive displays, tablets, interactive whiteboards, and collaboration tools. This role involves developing and implementing innovative training programs, ensuring the effective use of these technologies for hands-on training simulations, collaborating with various departments, interacting with external vendors, and coordinating projects to enhance employee skills and operational efficiency.

Required Education/Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Engineering, or Education. Advanced degrees or certifications in VR/AR or other relevant technologies are a plus and 3 years of relevant work experience or
• Associate's Degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Engineering, or Education. Advanced degrees or certifications in VR/AR or other relevant technologies are a plus and 4 years of relevant work experience.

Relevant Work Experience

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, interact with external vendors, and present complex information clearly
• Required
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and address issues related to training programs
• Required
• Strong organizational, administrative, decision making and interpersonal skills, with attention to detail and a solid teamwork approach
• Required
• Proven experience in managing projects involving VR/AR and other advanced technologies, preferably in a training or educational setting. Experience with immersive learning technologies and hands-on training simulations is highly desirable
• Preferred
• Strong project coordination and management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple projects and ensure their successful completion
• Preferred
• Proficient in MS Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Power Apps, & Power Automate
• Preferred

Physical Demands

• Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 25 pounds
• Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 40 pounds
• Sit or stand to answer a phone for the duration of the workday
• Sit or stand to use a keyboard, mouse, and computer for the duration of the workday
• Possess manual dexterity and the ability to use hands for the duration of the workday
• Ability to stoop, bend, reach, and kneel throughout the workday
• Stand to use/operate office equipment for the duration of the workday
• Ability to read small print and symbols
• Work rotating shifts, including nights, midnights, weekends and holidays

Additional Physical Demands

• Must be able to respond to Company emergencies by performing a System Emergency Assignment to restore service to our customers.
• Must be able and willing to travel within Company service territory, as needed.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage Immersive Learning Lab: Oversee the daily operations of the immersive learning lab, ensuring the effective use of VR/AR, interactive displays, tablets, interactive whiteboards, and collaboration tools for training and development purposes.
• Develop Training Programs: Design and implement training programs that utilize these technologies to simulate high-risk scenarios, allowing employees to practice complex procedures safely and build competence before moving into real-world environments.
• Collaborate with Departments: Work closely with other departments, including IT, HR, and operational units, to integrate these training solutions into existing training frameworks and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Interact with External Vendors: Establish and maintain relationships with external vendors to source and implement the latest VR/AR and other relevant technologies, ensuring the lab is equipped with cutting-edge tools and resources.
• Project Coordination: Coordinate and manage projects related to the implementation and enhancement of immersive learning technologies, ensuring timely delivery and successful execution.
• Evaluate and Improve: Continuously assess the effectiveness of training programs, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments to improve training outcomes and employee performance.
• Stay Current with Technology: Keep abreast of the latest developments in VR/AR and other relevant technologies, identifying opportunities to incorporate new advancements into the training programs.
• Provide Expert Guidance: Act as a subject matter expert on these technologies, providing guidance and support to other team members and departments as needed.
• Perform other related tasks and assignments, as required and as determined by job title.