Looking for an exhilarating opportunity to make a significant difference in Pennsylvania's environment? If you have a strong technical background in surface mining, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is eagerly anticipating your application! Don't let this amazing career opportunity within DEP's Pottsville District Mining Office slip away - apply today and embark on a journey to shape the future of environmental protection in Pennsylvania!

The primary responsibility of this role is to carry out thorough inspections on both coal and non-coal surface mines, ensuring strict adherence to environmental and safety laws, as well as the Department's regulations. In cases where violations are identified, appropriate enforcement actions are initiated. Additionally, this position involves conducting on-site meetings with operators and consultants to discuss site conditions and permit requirements. Furthermore, citizen complaints are diligently investigated, and field evaluations of mining activity permit applications are conducted, providing valuable recommendations on special operating conditions.

As part of the role, water samples are collected to closely monitor compliance with regulations and permit conditions, ensuring that mining activities do not have a detrimental impact on the environment. Moreover, this position is responsible for investigating mining-related accidents, aiming to identify the causes and implement measures to prevent future incidents. Additionally, recommendations are made regarding the release of bonds for different stages of reclamation, ensuring that the necessary financial resources are available for the restoration of mining sites. In cases where bond forfeiture is necessary, detailed profiles are prepared to facilitate the process.

It is important to note that the Federal Office of Surface Mining plays a crucial role in overseeing Pennsylvania's mining program, ensuring that all inspections on coal sites are conducted at specified frequencies to maintain compliance with Pennsylvania's Action Plan. This position plays a vital role in upholding the state's commitment to environmental protection and safety in the mining industry, ensuring that all operations are carried out in accordance with the established regulations and guidelines.

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.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Pottsville.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• 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; or
• Three years of progressively responsible surface mining and conservation experience; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

• 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.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• 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 will eliminate you from consideration for this position.

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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

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

• 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.