Mine Safety and Health Inspector

Open & closing dates

03/16/2026 to 03/30/2026

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

This is a career ladder progression position; the duties described below are at the GS-11 level. If selected at a grade below GS-11, the incumbent will serve in a developmental capacity, wherein the work is less complex in nature and the supervisor, or a senior level employee provides specific instruction and guidance. At the GS-11 grade level, the incumbent:

• Independently conducts a wide variety of onsite safety and health inspections and investigations of mining operations as applicable, mills, preparation plants and related facilities.
• Prepares written reports of inspections and investigations, issuing citations and orders for violations found during examinations.
• 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.
• 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 operation such as selecting and installing new equipment and changing materials or methods.
• 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.
• Serves as a MSHA representative and information source on mine safety and health.
• 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.

To qualify for the GS-09 level:
Specialized Experience: One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower level, GS-07, of Federal service: Mining, mine engineering, or on-site mine safety and health inspection experience performing a full range of tasks and operating a variety of equipment in underground or surface mines, or mineral processing plants. This includes practical mining experience in planning, installing, operating, monitoring, or maintaining a system or equipment for extracting the ore from the earth.

Specialized experience should include extensive hands-on mining experience that provided the applicant with a comprehensive knowledge of mining methods, equipment, and occupational health and safety hazards. Specifically, applicants should have knowledge of the transportation of materials and workers, ventilation in closed spaces, ground control, roof control (for underground positions), handling and storage of hazardous materials, worksite safety practices, worksite environmental conditions that affect the health of workers, and/or accident prevention.

OR

Education: Two full academic years of graduate level education or master's or equivalent graduate degree in a field of study such as mining engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, environmental engineering, industrial hygiene, occupational health and safety, geology, chemistry, or other fields of study related to mine safety and health work.

OR

Combination of Experience and Education: Equivalent combinations of education and experience listed above; the total percentage must equal at least 100%.

To qualify for the GS-11 level:
Specialized Experience: One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower level, GS-09 of Federal service: 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.