06/01/1989 71580

SURFACE MINE CONSERVATION INSPECTOR

DEFINITION: This is technical work in the inspection of surface mines.

An employee in this class inspects surface mining operations in an assigned geographical area of the Commonwealth to determine compliance with Commonwealth surface mining laws and regulations. Work involves notifying mine operators of violations and requiring their correction, enforcing surface mining laws and regulations, explaining surface mining laws to mine officials and operators, promoting voluntary compliance with surface mining laws, investigating mining accidents, inspecting mining machinery, and preparing reports on inspections and investigations. An integral part of the work involves establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with mining personnel to promote voluntary compliance with mining laws and regulations, and safety regulations, and to provide direct advice and counsel on a variety of safety problems. Work may involve on-the-job training responsibilities over other inspectors. Employees normally schedule their own work following established procedures and guidelines. Work is reviewed upon completion by a technical supervisor for quality, completeness, and technical soundness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Inspects surface mines to determine compliance with Commonwealth surface mining laws and regulations.

Requires surface mine operators to correct conditions which do not comply with Commonwealth surface mining laws and regulations.

Investigates surface mining accidents to determine causes and conditions and to suggest preventative measures for avoiding similar accidents.

Investigates complaints involving surface mines and resolves or recommends solutions to resolve complaint.

Advises mine officials, operators, and employees on the provisions of the Commonwealth's surface mining laws and regulations.

Provides direct advice and counsel to mine officials and operators on methods to improve the efficiency and safety of their operation.

Assists mine operators in resolving mine drainage problems.

Prepares and submits reports on inspections and investigations.

Inspects machinery used in surface mining operations.

Conducts stream surveys to determine the effect of surface mining operations on ground and surface water.

Administers first aid at work sites as necessary.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of surface and auger mining operations.

Knowledge of surface mining laws and practices.

Knowledge of conservation principles and practices.

Knowledge of the safety precautions required while working in surface mines with surface mine machinery.

Knowledge of the use and handling of explosives.

Knowledge of water pollution control as related to surface mining operations.

Knowledge of the operating characteristics of surface mine machinery.

Knowledge of first aid procedures.

Skill in conducting inspections and investigations.

Skill in detecting hazardous conditions and unsafe operating conditions.

Skill in reading and interpreting topographic maps and surface mine plans.

Ability to obtain compliance with surface mining laws and regulations.

Ability to recommend preventative and corrective measures on hazardous, unsafe operating conditions, and water pollution and drainage problems.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to perform physical work under varying climatic conditions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with mine officials and workers.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of experience as an Environmental Protection Trainee in the surface mining program;

                                                                                                                                                               or

Three years of progressively responsible surface mining and conservation experience;

                                                                                                                                                               or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.