05/30/1997 75930

MINERAL RESOURCES PROGRAM SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: This is professional work in the development and evaluation of a statewide mineral resources management program in the Department of Environmental Protection.

An employee in this class performs a variety of technical and administrative duties in a statewide environmental regulatory program governing coal and industrial minerals mining, or oil and gas production. Work involves developing, interpreting and recommending changes to rules, regulations, policies and procedures for the assigned mineral resources management program; conducting evaluations of regional or district programs to ensure uniformity of actions and to monitor progress in attaining program goals and objectives; developing technical program guidances; conducting technical investigations of issues and problems with significant statewide impact; conducting training for field personnel and the regulated community; and representing the program on special committees and in dealings with federal or interstate agencies. Work may involve responsibility for all technical and administrative aspects of a statewide mineral resources program, such as the blasting and explosives program or the technical assistance and funding program for operators in the extractive mineral industries. Work may also include supervising a small staff of clerical, administrative and/or technical employees. Work is assigned in the form of goals and objectives and the employee exercises considerable freedom in scheduling and completing the work. Work is reviewed upon completion by a professional supervisor for technical accuracy and quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs professional work in the development and evaluation of a statewide mineral resources management program.

Develops rules, regulations, policies and procedures to promote and ensure compliance with the Commonwealth's laws governing the extractive mineral industries.

Develops technical program guidances for the consistent interpretation and application of rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Manages the statewide licensing program for blasters and the statewide licensing and permitting programs for the storage, purchase and use of explosives.

Conducts, or directs the conduct of, special studies on blasting technologies and on controversial blasting sites or incidents.

Conducts formal and ad-hoc evaluations of districts for proper issuance of compliance orders and violation notices and to ensure that timeframes are met.

Administers the Small Operator Assistance Program and the Remining Operators Assistance Program to provide technical assistance and funding programs for eligible mine operators; reviews and approves contracts with consulting firms; and reviews applications, including conducting field conferences and determining work order costs.

Develops and implements programs to identify and evaluate recommendations for changing existing policies and procedures; develops or coordinates revisions to policies and procedures that include input from the regulated community; and participates in workforce analysis studies to ensure proper program staffing in response to changes in the regulated industries.

Prepares, reviews and analyzes reports of regional or district activity to determine the work being performed, program trends and program effectiveness.

Reviews, investigates and prepares responses to public complaints for the assigned program.

Compiles and presents data for use in program planning, program evaluation and budget preparation.

Accompanies field staff during inspections and investigations to observe techniques, and provides oral and written advice on how to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

Evaluates the education and training needs of field staff and develops, recommends or obtains appropriate training to address deficiencies in knowledge or skills.

Assists field personnel in the enforcement of unusual or difficult cases.

Develops guidelines for penalty assessments and for "work in lieu of penalty" programs.

Prepares documentation for the suspension or revocation of permits or licenses.

Provides expert testimony at administrative hearings and other legal proceedings.

Reviews and comments on environmental impact statements for proposed mining activities.

Reviews proposed legislation for possible impacts on the mineral resources management program, and recommends the position that management should take on the proposed legislation; and develops draft legislation for the assigned program as required.

Prepares technical reports and articles for publication in professional or trade journals.

Prepares interagency agreements or memoranda of understanding to accomplish program objectives.

Plans and conducts special studies at the direction of management, and prepares reports of findings and recommendations.

Conducts surveys of industry practices and trends.

Develops and conducts training programs to prepare individuals for certification or licensing examinations.

Develops public information documents, such as fact sheets, newsletters and brochures, to explain program functions and activities.

Prepares letters, reports and correspondence to exchange information with the regulated community and the public.

Represents the assigned mineral resources management program on special committees and in dealings with federal or interstate agencies.

Provides information and advice to operators, consultants, public officials, other Commonwealth agencies and the public on Departmental programs, regulations, policies and procedures.

Prepares and delivers formal presentations to special interest groups on Departmental functions and programs.

Operates a motor vehicle to travel to various work sites.

An employee in this class who supervises staff may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the Commonwealth's and federal laws and the Department of Environmental Protection's rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing coal and industrial minerals mining, or oil and gas production.

Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques used in the industries and activities regulated by the Department's mineral resources management programs.

Knowledge of the biological, chemical and physical sciences related to the extractive mineral industries.

Knowledge of the procedures and techniques used in inspecting extractive mineral industry operations for compliance with regulations and permit conditions.

Knowledge of the procedures and techniques used in documenting violations, assessing culpability, negotiating settlements, and in encouraging or compelling compliance with environmental protection laws and regulations.

Knowledge of the procedures and techniques used in the Department's permitting programs for activities related to coal and industrial minerals mining, or oil and gas production.

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

Ability to develop and interpret rules, regulations, policies and procedures for mineral resources management programs.

Ability to conduct interviews and analyze records and reports in order to evaluate the effectiveness of program implementation.

Ability to prepare technical reports of findings and recommendations in order to document the results of a study or investigation.

Ability to develop or review proposed legislation for mineral resources management programs.

Ability to read and interpret Commonwealth and Departmental administrative rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Ability to develop and present training courses for Departmental employees and the regulated community on program requirements and initiatives.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, managers, public officials, special interest groups, the regulated community and the public.

Ability to travel to various field sites and to traverse uneven terrain.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A Bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering field related to environmental protection, and three years of professional experience in an environmental regulatory program for the extractive mineral industries;

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Two years of experience as a Surface Mine Conservation Inspector, Mining Specialist, Blasting and Explosives Inspector, or Oil and Gas Inspector;

                                                                                                                                                       or

One year of experience as a Mining Permit and Compliance Specialist or an Environmental Protection Compliance Specialist;

                                                                                                                                                       or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which affords the applicant the required knowledges and abilities.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Certain positions in this class may require possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.

Certain positions in this class may require possession of a Class A "General" blaster's license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.