Mine Safety Inspector & Trainer

State of Montana•Helena, MT

About The Position

Montana’s mining industry fuels local economies and strengthens communities — and the Mine Safety Inspector and Trainer stands at the front line of ensuring that work is done safely and sustainably. In this role, you’ll protect lives, promote responsible mining practices, and help strengthen safety culture in every corner of the state. From remote coal mines to gravel pits shaping Montana’s infrastructure, your expertise will directly safeguard miners, their families, and the communities they help build. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to keeping Montana’s mining operations safe, compliant, and ready for the future. MISSION STATEMENT: Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity. DLI CORE VALUES: Responsiveness Respect Integrity Excellence Cohesiveness It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here. Position Overview: The Mine Safety Inspector and Trainer protects miners and communities by inspecting coal mines and sand and gravel pits, enforcing safety standards, and providing MSHA compliant training statewide. This role delivers technical guidance to mine operators and workers, helping them recognize hazards, control risks, and maintain compliance with state and federal mine safety and health regulations.

Requirements

Apply mine safety and health expertise\: Use occupational safety and health principles and knowledge of surface and underground mine operations to design, implement, and evaluate safety programs and training in coal and sand and gravel environments.
Interpret and apply regulations\: Read, interpret, and explain complex MSHA and state statutes, rules, and regulations and apply them consistently during inspections, investigations, and compliance discussions.
Deliver effective training\: Design and deliver engaging, MSHA compliant training tailored to different audiences and work sites, using adult learning techniques and clear instructional materials.
Analyze risk and solve problems: Collect, organize, and evaluate information using analytical and critical thinking methods to identify root causes, prioritize risks, and recommend practical corrective measures.
Manage conflict and de-escalate\: Effectively manage and de-escalate adversarial or hostile situations that may arise during inspections or enforcement conversations while maintaining professionalism and regulatory integrity.
Build relationships and provide service: Establish and maintain productive working relationships with mine operators, workers, industry associations, and partner agencies while providing responsive, customer focused technical assistance.
Communicate professionally: Prepare concise, accurate written reports and deliver clear verbal explanations tailored to technical and non-technical audiences.
Work independently and manage workload: Organize and prioritize inspections, training sessions, travel, and reporting to meet statutory inspection frequencies, grant requirements, and internal deadlines with limited supervision.
Visual Communication: Skilled in developing professional presentation materials that convey complex information in an accessible and visually compelling manner, ensuring audience understanding and engagement.
Presentation Expertise: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in public settings by delivering clear, engaging, and informative presentations tailored to diverse audiences, including staff, leadership, and external stakeholders.
Possession of a Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Part 48 instructor “blue card,” or the qualifying experience and background to obtain a Part 48 blue card within six months of hire, demonstrating competency in mine safety and health principles, regulatory interpretation, and delivery of effective new miner and refresher training.
Qualifying experience in surface or underground mining that shows applied knowledge of mining methods and hazards, regular use of hazard recognition and risk control practices, and independent decision making in dynamic field environments.
Demonstrated experience preparing clear written reports, correspondence, or training materials and presenting technical or regulatory information to varied audiences, evidencing competency in professional communication and stakeholder engagement.
Demonstrated experience planning and completing work with limited direct supervision, such as managing field schedules, travel, and reporting obligations, showing the ability to organize workload, meet deadlines, and work effectively in remote or dispersed settings.

Nice To Haves

Proven experience leading or supporting mine safety, training, or regulatory compliance activities (preferred), such as conducting inspections, delivering safety training, writing reports, or participating in enforcement discussions, demonstrating the ability to interpret regulations, educate stakeholders, manage resistance, and maintain professional relationships.

Responsibilities

Conduct mine safety inspections by evaluating coal mines and sand and gravel pits for compliance with MSHA safety and health standards and applicable state regulations, identifying hazards, and recommending corrective actions.
Deliver safety and health training by developing and providing new miner, annual refresher, and task specific training across Montana, requiring frequent in state travel and occasional overnight stays.
Provide technical consultation by advising mine operators, contractors, and workers on safe work practices, hazard recognition, and risk mitigation strategies for surface and underground mining operations.
Document and follow up on findings by preparing clear written inspection reports, tracking identified hazards, and monitoring corrective actions to ensure timely and effective resolution.

Benefits

Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
Military leave\: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP - click here to learn more.
Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - click here to learn more.
Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary.
A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. – Click here to learn more.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click here to learn more!
Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.
This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.
This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)