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Special Operations Instructor Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Special Operations Instructor information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special operations instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Operations Instructor, you need extensive experience in military or law enforcement special operations, advanced tactical proficiency, and often a relevant certification or instructor qualification. Familiarity with specialized training equipment, simulation systems, and weapons platforms is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and the ability to adapt instruction to diverse learning styles are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure instructors can deliver rigorous, realistic training that prepares personnel for high-risk, dynamic operational environments.

What is a special operations instructor?

Special Operations Instructors are professionals who train military, law enforcement, or specialized security personnel in advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures used in special operations. Their role involves teaching skills such as close-quarters combat, weapons handling, survival, evasion, and mission planning. They often have extensive operational experience and use realistic training scenarios to prepare individuals or teams for high-risk and complex missions. These instructors ensure that trainees are equipped to handle challenging environments and situations encountered during special operations.

What are some common challenges faced by special operations instructors during training sessions?

Special Operations Instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting training methods to diverse skill levels, maintaining high safety standards during physically demanding exercises, and ensuring engagement in both classroom and field environments. Balancing the need for rigorous, realistic scenarios with risk management is crucial, especially when instructing candidates with varying backgrounds. Additionally, instructors frequently collaborate with other military and civilian professionals to coordinate logistics, support specialized equipment needs, and integrate feedback for continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Special Operations Instructor vs Military Training Instructor?

AspectSpecial Operations InstructorMilitary Training Instructor
CredentialsSpecialized military or law enforcement certifications, advanced tactical trainingBasic military training certifications, instructor qualifications
Work EnvironmentSpecial operations units, tactical training facilities, high-intensity environmentsBasic training centers, military bases, classroom and field settings
Employer & IndustryMilitary special operations units, government agenciesMilitary branches, defense training programs

Special Operations Instructors focus on advanced tactical skills for elite units, often requiring specialized certifications and experience. Military Training Instructors typically teach basic military skills to recruits. While both roles involve tactical instruction, Special Operations Instructors operate in more specialized, high-stakes environments, whereas Military Training Instructors focus on foundational military training.

How to become a special operations instructor?

To become a special operations instructor, candidates typically need prior military or law enforcement experience, specialized training, and certifications such as tactical combat casualty care or advanced weapons handling. Physical fitness, leadership skills, and the ability to operate in high-stress environments are also essential. Many instructors gain experience through operational roles before transitioning into training positions within special operations units.
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Senior System Operations Instructor - Distribution Operations Center/Distribution Dispatch

APS

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Atlanta Public Schools rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

539th of 627 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.  

Summary
Senior System Operations Instructor - Distribution Operations Center
 
This role plays a critical part in keeping Arizona's energy system safe and reliable. As a senior instructor for Distribution Operations, you prepare operators to manage the distribution grid with confidence, accuracy, and care. By designing and delivering highquality training, you help ensure employees are ready for certification, daily operations, and evolving system needs-supporting APS's mission to serve communities reliably today while building a more sustainable energy future.

What Your Day Would Be Like:

  • Design and update training programs that prepare operators to safely manage the distribution grid
  • Translate real operational needs into clear, effective learning and evaluation materials
  • Deliver technical instruction that supports operator certification and daytoday system operations
  • Partner with operations leaders and subjectmatter experts to keep training aligned with current grid practices
  • Support continuous learning for experienced operators through refresher and advanced training
  • Help strengthen operational excellence by building confidence and capability across the workforce

Who We're Looking For:

  • Experience analyzing operational work and translating it into effective technical training
  • Strong instructional skills, with the ability to explain complex system operations clearly
  • Knowledge of distribution grid operations or closely related utility operations environments
  • Ability to apply a structured, disciplined approach to training development and evaluation
  • Collaborative mindset and commitment to safety, reliability, and continuous improvement
  • Passion for developing others and contributing to longterm workforce readiness
  • Your previous work experience as an operator, dispatcher or trainer for a distribution  center or desk
Minimum Requirements

Senior System Operations Instructor - Distribution Operations Center

  • Bachelor of Science degree in an electrical engineering or training discipline AND five (5) years technical training or operations experience.
  • In lieu of bachelors degree, combination of college coursework and experience totaling nine (9) years in related technical electric utility operating experience (e.g., electrical, generator) or grid operations training experience or system operating experience in a distribution control center or field crew experience.


Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications: 

  • Technical training experience including three (3) years' experience using the systematic approach to training process and at least two (2) years' experience presenting electrical or operations training, including simulation scenarios.
  • Excellent organizational skills with an ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously. 
  • Background working as an Operator in a Distribution Operation Center or Distribution Center or background as a Distribution Dispatcher 
  • Demonstrated decision-making ability in production deadline-driven environment. 
  • Demonstrated ability to professionally interact with diverse groups on a wide range of technical matters. 
  • Demonstrated ability to stay current with changing technology and apparatus. 
  • Excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficient in PC software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and the ability to travel occasionally to statewide APS locations.
Major Accountabilities

1) Develops and maintains training programs for APS DOC Operators that are in compliance with regional and national standards.
2) Enhance the knowledge and skills of personnel in operations job classifications.
3) Create and administrate over needs, job, and task analysis for operations job classifications.
4) Design and develop initial training and continuing education for operations job classifications, using a variety of instructional media.
5) Present training in the classroom, on-the-job, and simulator settings.
6) Conduct evaluations of student performance, training materials, and training effectiveness, including upkeep of training database and commitment tracking.
7) Develops and delivers simulation based training to support both initial and continuing distribution operations training.
8) Oversee training and support vendors to ensure that they meet APS training requirements.
9) Work with operations leaders to define/address personnel knowledge and skill gaps.
10) Maximize training resource utilization through technology, integration, and resource sharing.
11) Prepare training schedules that integrate department needs with training resources.
12) Promote training/line partnership by developing professional rapport with all customers.
13) Maintain instructional/technical proficiency by attending relevant continuing education.

Hybrid: Employees in hybrid roles work both in their home offices (virtually) and alongside their colleagues (in person). 

In order for employees to build strong relationships and to promote meaningful in-person interactions, hybrid employees are expected to work about 40% of their time in-person at an APS or other (non-home office) location. 

  • Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).  
  • Working from a home office requires adequate technology and an appropriate ergonomic set up.  
  • Role types are subject to change based on business need. 

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