Education Specialist 1

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

Training Delivery and Instruction — 40%

• 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.

Curriculum Maintenance and Operator Consultation — 30%

• 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.

Recruitment, Outreach, Reporting, and Grant Performance — 30%

• 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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education plus experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.
• 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).
• MSHA instructor certification.
• 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
• MSHA electrical certifications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not necessarily from occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions. Occasional travel to industry and occupational partners and industry training sites is expected as part of this role.

College/Department Highlights

The department of Technology, Design and Technical Education (TDTE) provides instruction to students seeking a certificate, or an associate or baccalaureate degree. These innovative degree programs allow students to gain expertise in the fields such as business, cosmetology, health professions, machinery, protective services, skilled trades, transportation, and technology.  TDTE certificates and degrees are available in Logan, Brigham City, Price, Blanding, and Moab. Students are encouraged to enhance their education through hands-on application using specialized classrooms and laboratories throughout the state. Additionally, various industries and communities are served by career and technical (vocational) certifications offered through the Workforce Education division.

University Highlights

As Utah’s student-centered, land-grant research university, Utah State University expands opportunity and strengthens communities across the state through learning, discovery, extension, and engagement. Founded in 1888, USU now holds two Carnegie distinctions: R1 status for very high research activity and the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Its innovative research and scholarship is grounded in reciprocal partnerships with local, regional, and global communities, advancing knowledge and serving the public good across Utah, the nation, and the world. With over 50 world-class research facilities and the nation’s second-oldest undergraduate research program, USU prepares students to become active, civically engaged leaders who can address critical societal challenges.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, which it joined July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when it named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at 435-797-0122 or [email protected].

*updated 10/26

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[email protected]

(435) 797-1266

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

*updated 08/2026