04/13/2009 71665

MINE SAFETY EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND TRAINING SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: This is specialized technical and safety work in developing, coordinating and promoting underground mine emergency response management and training programs in the Department of Environmental Protection.

An employee in this job develops and ensures the effectiveness of emergency response plans and operations for underground mining facilities in an assigned geographic area of the Commonwealth. Employees develop, schedule, conduct, coordinate and evaluate underground mine safety health training courses, and direct the activities of assigned mine rescue teams. Work involves developing, evaluating and promoting emergency response plans; coordinating on-site emergency and disaster response and recovery activities; and developing and conducting training programs related to emergency response management. Work also involves providing technical assistance to other agency staff, federal mining agencies and mine management; coordinating and promoting underground mine emergency response and training programs; representing the Department in dealings with federal, state and local government officials; participating on special committees and at mine safety conferences; and delivering speeches and presentations to special interest groups and the public. Work includes conducting initial and refresher safety training courses for underground coal miners and underground and surface industrial minerals miners. An important aspect of this work is operating a mine rescue vehicle and maintaining mine rescue equipment in good operating condition. Work is assigned in the form of program goals and objectives, and the employee exercises independent judgment in determining, developing and implementing specific program activities. Work is reviewed by a program manager through reports and conferences for attainment of goals and objectives, completeness and overall program quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops, promotes and coordinates emergency response and training plans and programs for the prevention and mitigation of, and recovery from, mining disasters.

Assesses the safety training needs of underground miners.

Develops, plans, schedules, conducts and evaluates approved underground miner safety training courses and exercises.

Maintains course and miner training records in accordance with federal and Commonwealth requirements.

Directs the activities of assigned mine rescue teams.

Develops, plans, schedules and instructs classes to teach underground mine employees the proper procedures and techniques for rescuing miners during mine disasters.

Demonstrates proper methods, techniques and procedures for administering first-aid and using mine rescue equipment.

Promotes and coordinates underground mine emergency response planning and training programs in an assigned area of the Commonwealth.

Participates in the development and implementation of policies and procedures pertaining to underground mine emergency response and training programs and ensures integration with federal and state agencies.

Assesses the availability of underground mine emergency resources, facilities and support functions to develop plans and procedures for resource utilization during emergency situations.

Presents lectures and leads meetings and discussions on emergency response and mine safety topics for all levels of government and other organizations.

Represents the Bureau, Department and Commonwealth in dealings with federal, state and local officials on special committees and at conferences.

Analyzes emergency planning data to make recommendations to improve mine disaster and emergency response procedures.

Prepares a variety of correspondence, reports and other official publications pertaining to underground mine emergency planning activities.

Operates a mine rescue vehicle.

Participates in mine rescue operations by coordinating or supporting on- site operations or activities.

Travels to underground mining sites to provide technical assistance and conduct training.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing safety in the underground mines.

Knowledge of the methods, techniques and processes used in underground mining operations.

Knowledge of the operating characteristics of machinery used in underground mining operations.

Knowledge of the construction and operation of underground mine electrical installations.

Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions required while working in underground mines.

Knowledge of mine rescue methods, techniques, procedures and equipment used in underground mines.

Knowledge of the methods, techniques, procedures, material and equipment used in developing and conducting underground mine rescue and miner health and safety courses.

Knowledge of the texts, materials, audio-visual aids and information technology used in underground miner health and safety training.

Knowledge of the processes and techniques of emergency response planning related to mine emergencies.

Ability to demonstrate the use and operation of mine rescue equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus.

Ability to read, understand, interpret and write technical mining material.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations utilized in the underground mining program.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to coordinate or support on-site response and recovery activities.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Five years of underground mining experience, including one year of experience as a mine rescue instructor within the past five years;

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Five years of underground mining experience, including two years of experience as a member of a mine rescue team.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.