03/30/2007 13600

MINING ENGINEERING TRAINEE

DEFINITION: This is entrance level training work to develop practical proficiency in mining engineering.

An employee in this job participates in a formal and on-the-job training program in mining engineering under the responsible charge of a professional engineer. Work is assigned in a planning, design, construction or regulatory program area, such as mine reclamation, surface mine permitting, underground mine permitting, deep mine safety or mine subsidence. Work assignments are designed to develop the employee’s ability to apply mining engineering theories and concepts to the solution of practical problems, to increase the employee’s ability to recognize and define problems in the early stages of project assignments, and to instruct the employee in developing problem solutions that conform to professional standards and agency policies, rules and regulations. Assignments are increased in complexity and completed with more independence as training progresses. Work is closely screened prior to assignment and reviewed in progress and upon completion by a professional engineer for completeness, technical accuracy, compliance with engineering principles and practices and conformance with departmental policies and procedures.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Assists in the review of permit applications involving the engineering aspects of mining operations and makes recommendations on measures to prevent or mitigate environmental degradation.

Assists in the review of underground mining plans to ensure miner health and safety.

Assists in conducting inspections of mining operations and related facilities for compliance with permit conditions and agency regulations.

Assists in developing engineering and operational recommendations for improved mining processes to reduce the potential for air, land or water pollution.

Assists in preparing engineering drawings and specifications for reclaiming abandoned mine lands, sealing abandoned mine shafts, preventing further mine subsidence or extinguishing bank and underground mine fires.

Assists in investigating subsidence events to determine if the cause is related to active or past underground mining.

Assists in the design of passive mine drainage treatment facilities.

Assists in developing regulations, policies, procedures, standards and guidance documents with mining engineering components.

Travels to various field sites.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of mining engineering principles and practices.

Knowledge of the engineering principles used in the development of drawings and specifications for components of mining engineering projects.

Knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry and physics.

Knowledge of linear algebra, analytical geometry and plane trigonometry.

Knowledge of differential and integral calculus.

Knowledge of fluid mechanics and hydraulics.

Knowledge of statics and dynamics.

Knowledge of soil mechanics and foundations.

Knowledge of structural analysis and design.

Knowledge of the engineering principles of construction cost estimating and construction inspection.

Knowledge of the characteristics and properties of natural and manufactured materials used in construction.

Knowledge of plane and engineering surveying.

Knowledge of engineering economics.

Knowledge of materials science.

Knowledge of physical geology, stratigraphy, rock mechanics, and petrology.

Knowledge of underground mine electrical systems.

Knowledge of geographic information systems.

Knowledge of computer modeling techniques used in engineering analyses.

Ability to read and interpret inspection and testing reports, engineering drawings and specifications, and topographic and other maps.

Ability to conduct technical investigations applying engineering principles and procedures.

Ability to analyze and present technical data in clear, concise engineering reports.

Ability to read and interpret federal, state and local codes, regulations and standards applicable to the design, construction or evaluation of engineering projects.

Ability to effectively communicate orally.

Ability to effectively communicate in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A bachelor’s degree in mining engineering;

                                                                                                                                                 or

One year of mining engineering experience, and possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Certain positions in this job will require possession of a valid driver’s license.