Mine Safety and Health Inspector

Mine Safety and Health Administration • Little Rock, AR

11d • Onsite

About The Position

This career-ladder position is with the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), serving the Barbourville, Beckley, Birmingham, Dallas, Lakewood, Madisonville, Morgantown, Norton, and Vincennes Districts. MSHA works to prevent death, illness, and injury from mining and to promote safe and healthful workplaces for U.S. miners. It carries out the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended by the MINER Act of 2006.

The duties described are at the GS-11 level. Employees selected below GS-11 perform less complex work in a developmental capacity, with specific instruction and guidance from a supervisor or senior-level employee. At GS-11, the inspector independently conducts onsite safety and health inspections and investigations of mining operations, mills, preparation plants, and related facilities. The inspector documents findings, issues citations and orders for violations, promotes safety and health through training and related activities, and advises mine operators on compliance and operational improvements. The role also represents MSHA as an information source and may require testimony at judicial hearings.

The work includes inspecting or investigating surface and underground mining operations in hazardous and stressful environments. Underground conditions may be dark, wet, and cramped, with exposure to noxious gases and fumes, potentially explosive dust or gases, electrical fires, roof falls, and radiation. The position requires the ability to perform arduous duties safely and to meet specified medical and vision, hearing, and other physical requirements. Employment is subject to a background investigation, drug testing, medical examination, and financial disclosure requirements.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 16 years old.
• Must obtain the necessary security/investigation level and undergo a background investigation.
• Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
• Must complete a required medical examination and maintain the physical requirements for the position, including the ability to perform arduous duties without hazard to self or others.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Subject to confidential financial disclosure requirements; selected employees must complete OGE Form 450 annually.
• For GS-09 qualification by experience: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 in mining, mine engineering, or onsite mine safety and health inspection, including practical mining experience and comprehensive knowledge of mining methods, equipment, and occupational health and safety hazards; or qualifying graduate education; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• For GS-11 qualification: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 performing mine safety and health inspection, analysis, and evaluation of mining operations and processes, or evaluation, analysis, or development of agency programs. Education cannot substitute for the required GS-11 specialized experience.
• Must meet the medical standards for the position, including specified corrected and uncorrected vision, near vision, depth perception, field of vision, color distinction, and hearing requirements.
• Must meet all legal and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Independently conduct onsite safety and health inspections and investigations of mining operations, mills, preparation plants, and related facilities.
• Prepare written inspection and investigation reports and issue citations and orders for violations found.
• Promote mine safety and health by directing and participating in training programs, meetings, demonstrations, mine rescue competitions, and related activities.
• Provide technical advice and guidance to mine operators to help resolve problems and comply with mine safety and health requirements.
• Assist mine operators in planning modifications to improve operations or correct deficiencies, including selecting and installing equipment and changing materials or methods.
• Serve as an MSHA representative and information source on mine safety and health.
• Testify at judicial hearings regarding notices of violations and orders of withdrawal.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed