Education Specialist

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.

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 mine workers for safety training statewide.
• Meet Utah MSHA State Grant Program organizational goals for recruiting, registering, and training the targeted market share of mine workers 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.

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…