06/13/2011 75941

DIRECTOR, DISTRICT MINING OPERATIONS

DEFINITION: This is professional managerial work directing the Bureau of District Mining Operations in the Department of Environmental Protection.

The employee in this job directs, through subordinate managers, the activities of a professional and administrative staff engaged in a variety of duties involving mining permitting, enforcement, and compliance activities. Work involves determining goals and priorities for the implementation of the Commonwealth-wide mining and reclamation programs; developing and implementing rules, regulations, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines to manage program activities; reviewing proposed legislation for possible impact on the program; and determining and preparing budgetary requests. An important aspect of the work involves working with federal, state, local, and private industry officials concerning mining and reclamation issues. Work is assigned in the form of broad goals and objectives, and the employee exercises considerable independent judgment in determining specific goals, objectives, and program priorities. Work is reviewed upon completion by the Deputy Secretary for Active and Abandoned Mine Operations through reports and conferences for attainment of goals and objectives and overall program quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs, through subordinate managers, the planning, development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of mining program activities encompassing monitoring and compliance, permitting, reclamation, bonding, blasting and safety.

Directs the development of statewide policies, technical standards, and procedures for permitting, monitoring, enforcement and technical assistance activities for the mining and reclamation programs.

Ensures consistency in operations among the districts and resolves conflicts within the programs.

Resolves conflicts between the district offices and field operations environmental protection programs or between the district offices and federal regulatory and resource agencies.

Reviews and analyzes activity reports to identify work being performed, program trends, and program effectiveness and determines program goals and objectives.

Develops and prepares budget and rebudget requests.

Reviews proposed legislation for possible impacts on the mining and reclamation program and recommends whether the Department should support or oppose the legislation.

Interprets rules, regulations, policies, procedures, standards, and objectives of the organization or program for subordinates.

Reviews water, air quality, and waste management permit applications related to mining activities for compliance with regulations and authorizes final action on permit.

Provides advice to staff on unusual or difficult technical and managerial problems.

Provides advice and information to regional program staff, industry representatives, and the public regarding Departmental functions, programs, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Supervises the negotiation of trust fund agreements for the abatement of post-mining discharges and executes the agreements on behalf of the Department.

Directs the monitoring and analysis of trust fund fiscal performance, authorizes disbursements from trust fund to pay for operation and maintenance of treatment facilities or capital improvement projects, and authorizes renegotiation to maintain acceptable fiscal levels.

Directs the negotiation of surety reclamation agreements for bond forfeiture cases and executes the agreements on behalf of the Department.

Directs the development of contracts for the reclamation of abandoned mine sites.

Reviews and approves requests for mine reclamation projects and approves project plans and authorizes solicitation of bids by contractors.

Approves major enforcement actions taken for noncompliance with regulations and permit conditions.

Testifies as an expert witness before courts or the Environmental Hearing Board.

Represents the Office or deputate in dealings with federal officials and other Commonwealth agencies.

Responds to public comments or complaints. Develops and delivers speeches and presentations to special interest groups, legislators, media and the public on office programs.

Travels to various field sites.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing mineral resource management.

Knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques utilized in mining and reclamation.

Knowledge of the biological, chemical and physical sciences as related to mining and reclamation.

Knowledge of the safety precautions required for mining and mine reclamation work.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

Knowledge of programmatic conflict resolution techniques.

Ability to analyze and interpret administrative rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications used in mine designs and reclamation projects.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Nine years of professional experience in mineral resource management that includes four years of managerial experience; and a bachelor’s degree in an engineering or scientific field related to mineral resources;

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An equivalent combination of education and experience that includes four years of managerial experience in mineral resource management.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid PA non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.