Education Specialist I

Utah State University•Price, UT

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The MSHA Certification and Training Specialist (Education Specialist I) serves as a key liaison between Utah’s technical mining industries and Utah State University’s non-credit workforce development programs. The position connects mining professionals at every stage of their careers with the training and resources needed to meet qualification requirements and advance professionally. As a high-impact member of USU’s workforce development team, the Specialist also serves as an Assistant Mine Trainer, delivering essential workforce development content to mining professionals. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position funded through a U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) grant. Continued employment is subject to available grant funding and the successful award of the MSHA Training grant each year. This position requires the candidate to manage external grant funding to support the MSHA Training program and other workforce education activities. This position’s primary role is training individuals in accordance with MSHA standards for underground and surface mining safety certifications and other areas of mineral extraction, crusher pits, and related industrial work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education plus experience is required.
Minimum of five (5) years' mining experience, surface and/or underground.
Two (2) years of verifiable teaching/training experience, including safety meetings, training classes, mining subjects taught, and other classes taught (e.g., OSHA).
Willingness to travel on occasion and visit with mine operators and contractors, and train workers throughout Utah.
Valid driver’s license to perform essential job responsibilities, such as driving university vehicles and transporting materials
Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build trusting, positive relationships across diverse student populations and institutional partners.
Verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present clearly and compellingly to both individuals and groups.
Ability to navigate and facilitate connections across complex institutional environments, including multiple campuses, departments, and partner organizations.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple demands and changing needs.
Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment and across institutional boundaries.
Ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds, including adult learners, workforce education students, and first-generation college students.
Ability to learn and remain current on transfer policies, articulation agreements, program requirements, and university procedures.
Knowledge of and proficiency in a variety of current and emerging technology platforms.

Nice To Haves

Five (5) years of mining experience in Mine Safety and Training.
Self-starter who can work with minimal supervision.
Proficient communication and instruction skills in a classroom environment.
MSHA instructor certification.
MSHA electrical certifications.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, schedule, and deliver MSHA safety training for mines statewide.
Prepare and deliver annual refresher training for underground and surface miners in compliance with 30 CFR Part 48 and Part 46.
Prepare and deliver required new miner training for surface miners under 30 CFR Parts 48 and 46.
Prepare and deliver required new miner training for underground miners under 30 CFR Part 48.
Prepare and deliver workshops, seminars, and training that enhance the skills, safety, and competency of Utah's mining workforce.
Deliver training meeting the requirements of mine operator and contractor MSHA training plans, as verified by administrative training assessments.
Evaluate existing and develop MSHA-related, site-specific safety curriculum using multimedia and effective instructional design that integrates student engagement techniques.
Consult with small mine operators and contractors through job site visits and telephone conversations to plan and recommend MSHA-required and site-specific safety training consistent with the operator or contractor's MSHA-approved training plan.
Develop MSHA-approved training plans to share with mines.
Recruit mine operators, contractors, and mineworkers for safety training statewide.
Meet Utah MSHA State Grant Program organizational goals for recruiting, registering, and training the targeted market share of mineworkers and contractors.
Travel statewide in a USU vehicle to visit mine operators and contractors and train workers on site.
Prepare and submit appropriate and timely progress reports as required by contract.
Maintain training records and administrative assessment documentation supporting compliance verification.
Maintain current MSHA instructor certification.
Maintain current knowledge of MSHA regulations and standards.