Supervisory General Engineer

This position is with Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Technical Support, Mine Emergency Operations (MEO) Division. 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.

Provides engineering expertise and analyzes highly complex technical problems associated with mine emergencies, investigations, and while planning for mine emergency preparedness. Advises the Director of Technical Support and other high-level Agency officials on a wide range of technical issues during a mine emergency and while maintaining mine emergency preparedness. Provides national oversight and conducts internal audits of District preparedness, emergency equipment, training programs and mine emergency response plans. Represents the Agency at national and international conferences and on committees relating to mine emergency regulations, policies, and procedures. Plans, directs, and reviews the work of subordinate staff, comprised of engineers, scientists, and technical specialists. Provides advice, counsel and/or instructions to individual employees on technical and administrative matters. Coordinates MSHA mine emergency activities with State officials, labor representatives, and mine operators, as well as other equipment or service provider that may be on-site. Identifies training needs and ensures that appropriate training is provided. Develops, conducts, and critiques Mine Emergency Response Drills to simulate actual mine emergencies and provides evaluations and recommendations to appropriate Agency personnel and mine operators. Provides advice on all aspects of mine explosion and fire related issues. Disseminates complex technical, regulator and accident-related information to top Agency officials, field entities, mine operators, labor organizations, manufacturers, State Inspection agencies, other Federal Agencies, Congress, and the public. Organizes and conducts open meetings, seminars, and symposiums to share information, improve communications, and develop relationships that will facilitate cooperation during the mine emergencies. Directs the analysis, evaluation and testing of new systems, equipment and response techniques to further enhance emergency preparedness. Periodically evaluates the effectiveness of the Office's efforts and programs, and institutes changes as necessary. Advises high-level Agency officials of findings from the analysis of mine fires, explosions and other mine emergencies and offers suggestions or recommendations for proactive prevention of similar events. Manages MSHA's mine emergency personnel including training and logistical support, and assures mine emergency readiness and preparedness.