Deputy Mine Inspector III

The priority mission of the Mine Inspector is to enforce mining laws which protect mine employees, residents, and the Arizona Environment. The focus is on providing the best customer service to Arizona Residents and Mine Enterprises.

Deputy Mine Inspector III

*This position can work remotely throughout the entire State of Arizona*

1700 West Washington Street 4th Floor

Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Annual Salary: $65,000  

Grade: 20

This position will remain open until filled  

Works independently with minimal supervision. Authority to inspect any mine within the State for compliance with the Arizona Mining Code; determine reasonable abatement periods for violations; issue cessation-of-operation orders; investigate fatal and serious accidents, and health and safety complaints, at any mine within the State; serve as Agency Liaison and coordinate search and rescue operations at abandoned mines.

This position requires daily travel, with overnight stays of up to one week duration. Subject to physical exertion including. Climbing up and down ladders and stairs, slopes, rough terrain, and occasional crawling through confined spaces. Inspects large mining operations for an entire eight-hour shift, and may work in excess of 12-hour shifts in emergency situations.

Performs the full range of occupational safety and health inspections and investigations in underground or open pit mine, mills, smelters, quarries, sand and gravel operations, asphalt hot plants, concrete batching plants, mine related explosives storage facilities, and abandoned or inactive mines throughout Arizona, ensuring the health and safety of workers and the public, and compliance with the Arizona Mining Code.

Participates in the safety education of all miners employed within the State and in rescue operations at mine disasters within the State; testifies as an expert witness at inquests and trials.

The Mine Inspector Deputy Ill is distinguished from the Mine Inspector Deputy II by the application of one, or more, specialized skills such as mine rescue training, elevator inspection and crane inspection.

• Completes inspection and investigation reports; follow-up compliance inspections; issuance of underground diesel emissions permits and electrical service entrance certifications; approved applications for above-ground flammable liquid storage tanks; training plans developed, and miners trained regarding first aid, hazard recognition and mine emergency rescue procedures

• Conducts investigations of complaints and incidents related to abandoned mines; supervises search and rescue operations at abandoned and inactive mines

• Conducts safety, health and electrical inspections to ensure compliance with the Arizona Mining Code; performs emissions testing

• Conducts investigations of employee safety and health complaints, and inspections of fatal and serious non-fatal accidents

• Writes inspection reports and conducts close-out conferences with mine operators for corrective action on violations

• Uses computer word processing and data base software to generate safety performance records and reports

• Performs follow-up visits and abatement inspections to ensure violations have been corrected

• Provides field supervision, training and evaluation of subordinate new hires

• Prepares reports and gives expert testimony at hearings, trials and inquests

• Conducts qualification interviews with Deputy Mine Inspector applicants

• Performs internal audits of the Inspection Division

• Performs related work as required

Knowledge:

• Arizona Mining Code; industrial hygiene procedures for cyanide analysis and sampling of dust, diesel emissions, and toxic, explosive and radon gases

• The use, transportation, storage, environmental effects and disposal of hazardous substances and explosives used in mining operations 

• Accident investigation techniques; first aid, hazard recognition, and mine emergency rescue procedures

• OSHA CFRs, MSHA CFRs, NFPA, NEC, UFC, UBC, ASME A17.1 & 830

• The electrical code, wiring practices and use of electrical test equipment

• Surface and underground mining methods and practices

• Inspection and investigation techniques and methods

• Milling equipment and practices

Skill/Ability to:

• Establish and maintain relationships with other agency employees, with representatives of other governmental entities, private industry, the media and the public

• Operate, calibrate and maintain a variety of safety, testing, monitoring and rescue equipment

• Interpret mine plans, design drawings and laboratory results

• Apply principles of leadership, supervision and training

• Enforce the Arizona Mining Code rules and regulations

• Word process, do computer entry and generate reports

• Use and care for all assigned equipment

• Conduct health and safety inspections

• Investigate fatal and serious accidents

• Communicate verbally and in writing

• Train miners

• Safety Engineering degree or equivalent such as a CMSP, Certified Mine Safety Professional which is accredited by the International Society of Mine Safety Professionals

• The AZ State Mine Inspector may waive the educational requirement in lieu of experience

• Experience in fields under the jurisdiction of the AZ State Mine Inspector

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

• Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver license record checks, required to maintain acceptable driving records and complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11)

• Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver license appropriate to the assignment

• Class D License required

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance

• Vacation plus 10 paid holidays per year

• Health and dental insurance

• Retirement plan

• Sick leave

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

• Please note that enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment

• If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Shawn McConnell at staffing@azdoa.gov for assistance