GEAR UP Advisor

Overview

Under the general direction of the Utah State University Eastern (USU Eastern) GEAR UP (GU) Director, the Emery County GEAR UP (GU) Advisor shall:

• Provide academic, career, and college advising to GU students and their families/guardians at Emery High School, Canyon View Middle School, and San Rafael Middle School in both one-on-one and groups settings (e.g. workshops, tutoring, activities, etc.)
• Regularly interact and communicate with school administration, teachers, students, and families/guardians to facilitate and plan GU workshops and activities for students and their families/guardians at Emery High School, Canyon View Middle School, and San Rafael Middle School under the direction of the Region 9 GU Director
• Act as an ambassador for the GU program to recruit students into the GU program at Emery High School, Canyon View Middle School, and San Rafael Middle School in collaboration with the Region 9 GU Director
• Travel regularly to and from Emery High School, Canyon View Middle School, and San Rafael Middle School in Emery County to serve high- and middle-school students
• Travel to the Region 9 GEAR UP home office at Utah State University Eastern for quarterly staff meetings and an annual retreat in August
• Occasionally work evenings for special events such as parent-teacher conferences, professional development opportunities, Graduation Celebrations, and more
• Address the needs of diverse learners and serve as a positive role model.
• Utilize discernment, follow-through, and effective decision making in all communications and planning for GU students at Emery High School, Canyon View Middle School, and San Rafael Middle School
• Have annual travel opportunities in June and July to a statewide, regional, and/or national GEAR UP conference for professional development purposes, subject to funding availability

Work Details:

• Hours: 15 hours per week (non-benefited).
• Duration: 10 months, with no work during university/school holidays, school fall break, winter break, and spring break. Scheduled hours in June and July contingent upon staffing needs for GEAR UP summer activities, professional development, or summer student outreach as approved the Region 9 GU Director

Responsibilities

Responsibilities by approximate percentage:

50%:

• Assist GU students with homework, ACT/SAT prep, and other academic activities; scholarship, financial aid (FAFSA), and college applications; college preparatory activities; advancement to rigorous coursework (advanced classes, AP classes, concurrent enrollment, CLEP tests), and other GU-related functions during GU classes, office hours, or after school
• Design and conduct workshops about college and career readiness, academic skills, life skills, and other GU-related topics for students and families/guardians under the direction of the USU Eastern GU Director
• Attend and assist with GU Region 9 special events; create a post-secondary education-attending culture at school and with GU students and families/guardians; identify supports and barriers for students to complete high school and attend a regionally-accredited post-secondary institution.

30%:

• Serve as advisor and positive role model for GU students
• Identify and encourage student participation in GU
• Meet with GU students/families/guardians in person, small group, or classroom on a regular basis
• Communicate with GU students/families/guardians via phone, text, or email
• Make appropriate referrals to school or community organizations based on student/family/guardian need

20%:

• Promote GU program and activities; contribute to GU social media content; contribute to monthly GU newsletter
• Participate in GU training, staff meetings, campus visits, activities, and events
• Submit required paperwork according to GU deadlines.

Additional Responsibilities:

• This position falls under USU’s Title IX “Responsible Employee” designation, requiring the reporting of any disclosures of sexual harassment or sexual violence to the USU Title IX Coordinator and/or appropriate school district/school authority.
• Utah law mandates reporting of child abuse or neglect to the nearest peace office, law enforcement agency, or office of the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS).

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Must have reliable transportation to and from Emery High School, Canyon View Middle School, and San Rafael Middle School

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or certificate of completion from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution or regionally accredited vocational/trade school
• Current or previous experience with a GEAR UP program
• Previous experience mentoring or working with high school and middle school students
• Knowledge of college/university admissions, financial aid/scholarship programs, and degree requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong basic math and reading skills for tutoring
• Exceptional ability to find answers in situations where you don’t know the answer
• Excellent critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Above-average public speaking skills
• Ability to work independently and hold to pre-set schedules and appointments as needed
• Ability to handle confidential information, including FERPA
• Ability to follow GEAR UP and school/district/university policies, regulations, and procedures
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook email, Google Calendar, Mac and/or PC platform

Offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check.

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”
• Contract Information from at least 3 Professional References to be entered in the Candidate Profile
• Answer during your application:
  • This position requires regular in-person responsibilities throughout Emery County, including areas such as Huntington, Castle Dale, and Ferron, UT. Are you able to regularly report to and work in these locations as required?

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

Advertised Salary

Comensurate with experience and education

ADA

The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work each department performs. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Incumbents may nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing).

Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Additionally, indoor or outdoor work environments may include being confined or in narrow spaces for periods of time. The incumbent may also be exposed to loud noises or vibrations from equipment, and conditions that may affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and poor ventilation. Bending, crawling, and crouching may be required. Incumbents may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects up to 50 pounds and be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time.

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