Coal Mining Technician

Overview:

• The Production Technician, Underground Mining, performs any one of several different functions at the face of the mine (inby), including the operation of mining and material handling equipment, roof bolting, the preparation of the mine face, staging of equipment and supplies, the preparation and staging of ventilation equipment, and routine and preventive maintenance of mining equipment.
• Relocation assistance not provided for this position **

Responsibilities:
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, any one of the following assigned areas.

• Continuous miner equipment operations.
• Haulage and Materials Handling Equipment – Ram Cars and Conveyors.
• Roof Bolting.
• Section Scoop.
• Installation, moving and maintenance of ventilation devices.
• Installation and moving of power distribution equipment.
• Must possess artisan level skill in at least two or more areas

Responsibilities also include a strong applied knowledge of the following:

• All underground equipment including the ability to diagnose equipment malfunctions.
• State and Federal underground mining regulations.
• Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) rules.
• Reading and understanding Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Qualifications:
Education/Experience

• High School or GED Required.  In addition, All qualified individuals MUST possess one or more of the following in order to be considered for employment at Prairie State:
• First Class Papers (12 months experience, Certificate of Mine Competency).
• Coal Mining Certificate from an accredited college.
• 2 year Associate's degree in coal mining or related technical field.
• Honorable discharge from any branch of the military.

Certification/Licensure

• Must apply for and receive First Class Certificate of Competency (first class papers) within 18 months of employment.

Knowledge of

• Operating assigned equipment is a safe and effective manner.
• All state and federal laws and regulations governing the mining of coal.
• Safety and health hazards associated with the mining of coal.

Skills, abilities and physical requirements

• Ability to clearly communicate with co-workers, supervisors and others.
• Ability to read and understand mine plans.
• Ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
• Ability to work any assigned shift, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work overtime as required.
• Ability to work unsupervised as required.

• Physical Requirements:
• Stand for 5 to 10 hours on uneven rocky surfaces
• Be seated for up to 10 hours to operate equipment or vehicles.
• Walk for up to four hours at a time in uneven and wet conditions through sections of the mine with varying degrees of clearance and headroom.
• Lift up to 80 pounds without mechanical assistance.
• Work from elevated positions, walk or climb up and down stairways and ladders and clime on and off of equipment and must be able to bend or stoop for a full shift as a result of the mine height.
• Don and wear required safety equipment including SCSR, respirators, hearing and eye protection, and protective clothing.
• Perform repetitive hand and writ motions (push, pull, twist, handle), and have rapid reflex movements of the arms and legs and good hand to eye coordination.

Work Environment

• The characteristics listed herein describe the work environment the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this employment position.  Reasonable Accommodations May Be Made To Enable Individuals With Disabilities To Perform The Essential Functions.  While performing the duties of this employment position, the employee:
• Will work in a dusty or damp, dimly lit, and possibly confined work area.
• Will encounter noise levels that will necessitate the wearing of hearing protection.