Surface Mine Conservation Inspector

Are you eager to make a significant impact on Pennsylvania's environmental landscape? The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is actively seeking individuals with expertise in surface mining to join our team. In this vital role, you will ensure that surface mine operations adhere to essential regulations, and you will participate in initiatives that promote sustainable practices and protect natural resources. 

Joining the DEP means embarking on a rewarding career where your skills will contribute to environmental conservation efforts, mining safety, and creating a healthier environment for future generations. Seize this opportunity to embark on a fulfilling journey with us! 

As a Surface Mine Conservation Inspector, you will join our Knox District Mining Office in implementing a program plan to ensure compliance with Commonwealth laws, regulations, and policies, and procedures for mining operations. This work will make a direct, lasting impact on the environment and mining safety. Your responsibilities will include the following duties:

• Inspect Mines: Evaluate mine conditions; document environmental issues, safety concerns, and mining law violations; and participate in or provide on-the-job training
• Communicate Professionally: Establish and maintain working relationships to promote voluntary compliance; provide assistance and communicate about a variety of safety and environmental issues to varied audiences at public meetings; and testify in court
• Enforce Compliance: Independently determine a mine’s compliance status PA mining laws, consult with senior mining compliance professionals to determine appropriate actions, and issue compliance orders and notices of violation as needed 
• Conduct Investigations: Investigate all mining accidents, complaints, and new mining permit applications
• Write Reports: Prepare reports of inspection and investigation findings, make recommendations concerning permits, and prepare other reports as needed for information exchange or administrative requirements 

This Surface Mine Conservation Inspector will be assigned these duties within the area of Beaver, Lawrence, and Mercer Counties, which is the current vacant inspection district. If hired, then opportunities to move to a different inspection district within the Knox Mining District in Northwest Pennsylvania may occur as other inspection districts become vacant in the future.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description. 

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position may have approval to take home an assigned state vehicle provided that the applicant lives within Beaver, Lawrence, and Mercer Counties or nearby (i.e. adjacent counties). If applicant does not live within or near Beaver, Lawrence, and Mercer Counties, the assigned state vehicle must be parked between the mine sites they are assigned to inspect and applicant's home. The workday will start at 8:00 AM at the location of the assigned state vehicle.
• Telework: You will not report into an in-office location on a regular basis. Instead, you will primarily travel to mine sites, but will be able to work from home when not in the field. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. Reporting to the Knox District Mining Office will be necessary on an as needed basis.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $51,971 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of experience as an Environmental Protection Trainee in the surface mining program (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or 
• Three years of progressively responsible surface mining and conservation experience; or 
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• This particular position also requires possession of a valid PA non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. 
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans: 

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position.  No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. 
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.