NATURE OF WORK
Under general supervision, inspects all areas and equipment in and around underground mines within an assigned district to determine compliance with safety and health laws and regulations. May specialize in mine roof inspection. May be required to be a member of a mine rescue team or perform related duties. Performs related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF WORK
Inspects underground mine working conditions, equipment, airways, haulage ways, work practices, mining operations and all mining procedures for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
Writes reports on findings from investigations and inspections.
Investigates serious and fatal accidents to determine cause.
Issues notices of safety violations to mine operators and unsafe workers.
Observes miners work practices to determine compliance to safety standards.
Prepares written applications for mine openings, blasting permits and other mine related permits.
Investigates mine fires, explosions and other accidents to determine cause.
Gives miner's certificate test to apprentice miners.
Gives a gas examination test to personnel using methane detectors.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to underground mining.
Knowledge of the technical operations and safety practices of underground mines.
Knowledge of mining hazards and applicable precautionary measures.
Ability to understand and apply laws and regulations pertaining to underground mining.
Ability to investigate and prepare technical reports on findings.
Ability to make recommendations to mine operators on corrections for unsafe mine practices and conditions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with mine company officials and employees.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Training:  Bachelor's degree in a natural or applied science or closely related field, or graduation from an approved reclamation technology program.
Substitution: Four years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid employment in underground mining, natural resource management, natural resources law enforcement or closely related field may be substituted for the above training on a year for year basis.

Experience:  Five years of full-time or equivalent part-time practical experience in coal mines, at least two years of which have been in mines of this state, PROVIDED, that graduation from any accredited college of mining engineering may be considered the equivalent of two years of the practical experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
Must pass a physical examination and periodic physical examination(s) after employment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS PER HOUSE BILL 4491:
(1) a citizen of West Virginia, in good health, not less than twenty-four years of age, of good character and reputation and of temperate habits;
(2) a person who has had practical experience with dangerous gases found in coal mines; and
(3) a person who has a good theoretical and practical knowledge of mines, mining methods, mine ventilation, sound safety practices and applicable mining laws and rules.

Must pass required examination with a grade of at least 75%, or an overall combined average score of 80%. Examination administered by the Mine Inspectors' Examining Board.

Established: 9/16/93
Revised:      4/11/05, 6/23/06
Effective:     6/23/06

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