Rust Automation & Controls is a family-owned industrial instrumentation and automation sales organization founded in 1976 and headquartered in West Jordan, Utah. For five decades, Rust has supported customers across the Western United States by providing measurement and control solutions that help keep critical operations safe, reliable, and efficient. While headquartered in Utah, our experienced sales and service team is strategically located throughout our territory, delivering responsive local support backed by deep technical and application expertise. Rust serves a diverse range of industries, including oil and gas, water and wastewater, power generation, manufacturing, food and beverage, and life sciences, offering products, application support, training, and ongoing service.

Position Summary

The Workforce Development Specialist supports Rust’s sales and service organizations by developing and sustaining regional talent pipelines, with a focus on early-career and emerging talent. This execution-focused role engages directly with educational institutions, industry groups, and community partners across Rust’s operating footprint and works closely with sales and service leadership to align hiring priorities with workforce plans. The position supports hiring across Rust’s territory, with primary focus in Northern Utah (Salt Lake City), Denver, and Northern/Southern California, and secondary support across the remainder of the territory.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and sustain regional talent pipelines to meet current and future hiring needs.
• Administer and optimize the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to support recruiting, pipeline visibility, and reporting.
• Partner with regional sales and service leadership to align hiring priorities with workforce plans.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with schools and training programs (high schools, colleges, universities, and technical organizations).
• Serve as a regional ambassador for Rust, promoting STEM, skilled trades, and process automation career paths.
• Design and support workforce development programs, including internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing/site visits, and outreach initiatives.
• Create structured early-career pathways into Rust’s sales and service roles and engage aligned professional and educational organizations (e.g., National Society of Sales Engineers).
• Interact and engage with the Endress+Hauser Rep HR and Workforce Development Networks, as well as consult with Endress+Hauser HR Resources, and collaborate on initiatives such as Workforce and Collaborative People Planning.
• Measure program impact and drive continuous improvement by tracking participation and outcomes, and representing Rust at career fairs and regional recruiting events.
• Manage initial onboarding of new employees.

Qualifications & Core Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technical Education, Business, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 2+ years of experience in workforce development, recruiting support, education partnerships, sales support, or technical training.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage students, educators, and business stakeholders.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong regional relationships and partnerships.
• Highly organized self-starter with strong follow-through, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to understand stakeholder needs and support workforce solutions.
• Adaptable and effective in a dynamic, field-oriented environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel regionally (25–50%).

• Experience in industrial automation, instrumentation, process industries, or technical sales/service environments. (Plus)
• Experience supporting early-career programs such as internships, apprenticeships, or co-ops. (Plus)
• Familiarity with regional education and workforce development systems. (Plus)

Attributes for Success

• Energetic, positive, and relationship-oriented.
• Organized and dependable with strong time management.
• Confident in representing Rust in professional settings.
• Proactive and accountable, with a strong sense of ownership.
• Passionate about developing future technical and sales talent.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused culture.

What Rust Automation & Controls Offers

• Opportunity to directly support the growth of Rust’s sales and service teams
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• A collaborative, values-driven culture with long-term stability