06/26/1996 71581

SURFACE MINE CONSERVATION INSPECTION SUPERVISOR

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

An employee in this class supervises the inspection of surface mines to determine compliance with Commonwealth surface mining laws and regulations. Work involves planning and coordinating the activities of a group of technical employees engaged in the inspection of surface mines, and mining practices and conditions; promoting and insuring compliance with Commonwealth surface mining laws; preventing water pollution; and promoting safety and environmental protection practices in surface mining operations. Work further involves developing, implementing, and evaluating methods, techniques, and procedures to improve the quality and effectiveness of surface mine inspections and investigations. A very integral part of the job involves meeting with labor unions, public officials, civic and private groups, mining officials, and the public to explain the Department's surface mining program, answer questions, and promote voluntary compliance with the Commonwealth's surface mining laws and regulations. Work also involves planning and organizing work, assigning work, evaluating employee performance, interviewing and recommending employee selection, receiving and answering grievances, and approving leave. Work is assigned in the form of overall goals and objectives and the employee exercises considerable freedom of judgment in planning and assigning work. Work is reviewed by an administrative superior through reports, meetings, and conferences for effectiveness of results, quality, and technical soundness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Supervises a technical staff engaged in the inspection of surface mines.

Plans and organizes work, assigns work, determines work flow, and reviews work performance.

Prepares and signs Employee Performance Evaluation Reports.

Interviews prospective employees and recommends employee selection or ranks applicants in terms of preferability for employment.

Receives grievances and complaints, conducts initial investigation into causes and conditions, discusses with employee, and resolves or recommends solutions to grievances and complaints.

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

Receives, reviews and approves or disapproves leave requests.

Provides technical advice and counsel to lower level inspectors.

Meets with labor unions, public officials, civic and private groups, mining officials, and the public to explain the surface mining program, answer questions, and promote voluntary compliance with the Commonwealth's surface mining laws and regulations.

Prepares and delivers presentations to interested groups on the surface mining program.

Supervises the investigation of fatal and non-fatal mining accidents to determine causes and conditions and to suggest preventative measures for avoiding similar accidents.

Supervises investigations of illegal operations to obtain data for legal action.

Supervises the investigation and resolution of complaints involving surface mines.

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 regulations.

Knowledge of conservation principles and practices.

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

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

Knowledge of the use and handling of explosives.

Knowledge of first-aid procedures.

Knowledge of the operating characteristics of surface mine machinery.

Ability to conduct inspections and investigations.

Ability to detect hazardous conditions and unsafe operating conditions.

Ability to read and interpret 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 learn to plan, organize, and assign work and to evaluate employee performance.

Ability to read and learn to interpret departmental regulations, policies, procedures, and bargaining unit contracts applicable to the work unit.

Ability to learn to supervise employees effectively.

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: Two years of experience as a Surface Mine Conservation Inspector or a Blasting and Explosives Inspector;

                                                                                                                                                                   or

Five years of progressively responsible surface mining and conservation experience;

                                                                                                                                                                   or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.