4/28/07 12980

DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF MINE SAFETY

DEFINITION: This is professional managerial work directing the activities of the Bureau of Mine Safety in the Department of Environmental Protection.

The employee in this job directs the activities of a professional and technical staff engaged in a variety of duties involving the statewide anthracite, bituminous and noncoal underground mine safety programs. Work involves determining goals, objectives and priorities for the program; developing and implementing rules, regulations, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines to manage program activities; developing program related legislation or reviewing proposed legislation for possible impact on the program; and determining and preparing budgetary requests. Important aspects of the work include directing rescue and recovery operations during mine emergencies and disasters; managing the enforcement of the anthracite, bituminous and industrial minerals mining laws; and representing the Commonwealth’s mine safety program in meetings with federal officials and mining industry representatives. 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 Mineral Resources Management through reports and conferences for attainment of goals and objectives and overall program quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs the planning, development, implementation, coordination and evaluation of statewide underground mining programs designed to ensure work safety in the underground mines of the Commonwealth.

Directs the development of statewide policies, technical standards and procedures for permitting, monitoring, enforcement and technical assistance activities involving the underground mine safety program.

Directs the safety inspection of all underground mines, the investigation of complaints concerning hazardous working conditions, and the review and approval of plans and equipment utilized in underground mining operations.

Directs and coordinates emergency response activities during mine emergencies and disasters.

Oversees the issuance of mine official certifications.

Oversees the review and approval of mining plans and mining equipment.

Reviews and analyzes activity reports to determine work being performed, program trends and program effectiveness.

Develops and prepares budget and rebudget requests.

Reviews proposed legislation for possible impacts on the mine safety program, recommends whether the Department should support or oppose the legislation and develops proposed legislation as needed.

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

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

Provides advice and information to mine operators, industry officials, advisory groups and the public regarding Departmental functions, programs, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Represents the bureau or deputate in dealings with federal officials, mining industry representatives and other Commonwealth agencies.

Develops and delivers speeches and presentations to special interest groups, legislators, media and the public on bureau programs.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

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

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing mine safety.

Knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques and machinery utilized in surface and underground mining operations.

Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions relating to underground mining.

Knowledge of the applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to read and interpret written material.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A bachelor’s degree in an engineering or scientific field related to underground mining and miner safety, and nine years of professional experience in the underground mine safety field. Four of the nine years of required experience must have included managerial and second-level supervisory experience;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes a minimum of four years of managerial and second-level supervisory experience.