Mine Safety and Health Inspector

Full Job Description

This position is with Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Enforcement, Dallas District.

MSHA works to prevent death, illness and injury from mining; promote safe and healthful workplaces for U.S. miners.

MSHA carries out the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) as amended by the Mine improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006.

To qualify for this position, your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements as defined below.

If qualifying based on experience, be sure these types of examples are evident in your resume.

The Mine Safety and Health Inspection Series, GS-1822, has basic requirements for positions covered by this standard.

Applicants must meet both the basic requirements (IOR) and specialized experience for the specific grade level to qualify.

Basic Requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower level: Performing mine safety and health inspection, analysis and evaluation of health/safety aspects of mining industry operations and processes; or evaluation, analysis or development of agency programs.

Examples of creditable experience include: Direct on-site inspection; special accident investigation; development of mine safety and health standards; data analysis and evaluation of operational mine safety and health programs; special assessments; and development of industry-wide training or safety and health awareness programs.

Specialized Experience: For the GS-12 grade level: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-11, in the Federal service.

Specialized experience must include all of the following: Independently conducts a wide variety of on-site safety and health inspections and investigations of mines, preparation plants and related facilities; Identifies and determines the cause(s) of mining hazards, accidents, and safety and health problems; Prescribes corrective action in unusual or difficult mining situations; Effectively communicates both orally and in writing to report inspection findings.

Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.

Medical Requirements: Applicants and employees must be physically able to perform arduous duties efficiently and without hazard to themselves or others.

Medical examination is required for all applicants for positions that involve regular or intermittent performance of inspection, investigation, rescue duties, or duties involving on-site visits.

Medical conditions that constitute a hazard to safe and efficient job performance are disqualifying.

The presence of medical disorders that would be aggravated by the environmental conditions of these positions and thereby hinder safe and efficient job performance are also disqualifying.

Remediable defects and/or curable diseases will not permanently disqualify an applicant for appointment, but may result in the applicant's suspension from the appropriate list of eligibles pending submission of medical evidence or correction of the condition.

Uncorrected distant vision must test at least 20/50 Snellen in one eye and 20/70 in the other, correctable with eyeglasses (contact lenses are not acceptable) to at least 20/30 Snellen in one eye and 20/50 in the other.

Near vision must be sufficient to read without strain printed material the size of typewritten characters Normal depth perception and field of vision are required, as is the ability to distinguish basic colors.

Applicants, with or without the use of a hearing aid, must have no hearing loss in either ear of more than 40 decibels in the 500, 1000, or 2000 Hz ranges. Major Duties:

For GS-1822-12: Independently conducts a wide variety of onsite safety and health inspections and investigations where there have been persistent safety and health problems, and where the systems involved are extremely complex.

Prepares written reports of inspections and investigations, issuing citations and orders for violations found during examinations.

Investigates serious accidents, fatalities, and disasters to determine the root cause, how they might be prevented in the future, and whether or not Federal laws and/or regulations were violated.

Participate on teams led by nationwide experts to investigate major disasters.

Conducts special investigations of complaints filed by mine workers and/or their representatives concerning safety and health problems or issues.

Serves as the MSHA spokesperson and authority on mine safety and health.

Gives advice and assistance relating to those mines, systems, and processes for which safety and health issues and solutions are undetermined, or where common practices have not been effective at pinpointing and resolving problems.

Provides technical advice and guidance to mine operators to help them solve problems and comply with mine safety and health requirements.

Assists mine operators in the planning of modifications to improve and/or correct deficiencies in the operations.

Promotes safety and health among mine operators and workers by directing and participating in safety and health training programs, meetings, demonstrations, mine rescue competitions, and related activities.

Counsels and instructs mine operators and workers on appropriate safety and health procedures, practices, and techniques.

Testifies at judicial hearings regarding notices of violations and orders of withdrawal.

Work Environment: The incumbent inspects and/or investigates both surface and underground mining operations as applicable, which is a very hazardous and stressful work environment surrounded by a high risk of exposure to potentially dangerous situations.

In addition to the characteristically dark, wet, and cramped environment, underground mines contain noxious gases and fumes, and the danger of potentially explosive dust or gases, electrical fires, roof falls, and exposure to radiation.