Director of Geotechnical Engineering

Job Summary

• Optimize mine design, pillar design, entry roof support design and longwall roof support design for all underground coal mines in different geological and stress conditions. Work together with other engineers as well as mine management to make prudent and engineered decisions to minimize the impact of ground control issues on daily production in case of roof deterioration or falls, to provide a safe work environment underground. Conduct geotechnical projects with government agencies, consulting companies and universities to maximize coal recovery and minimize roof control costs. Work with the geotechnical engineer and other tech services engineers to provide guidance and experience based knowledge related to design parameters associated with the use of computer aided software / design programs. This will include recommendations where necessary for site specific testing or modeling verses the use of statistically driven programs with conservatism built into the computer design models. Provide oversight and assistance in the review of LOM plans and assist groups with developing ground control plans that maximize resource recovery.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Senior Director of Engineering and Mine Management on existing and future ground control issues.
• Will Schedule and Prioritize Geotechnical support based on situation and need.
• Will include proactive work to enhance safety and minimize the impact of ground control issues on production and profitability.
• Jointly set annual goals and objectives with the Sr. Director of Engineering
• Provide assistance to mine operations as requested to evaluate the geotechnical conditions, provide geotechnical support and evaluate effectiveness of the ground control system (pillar sizes, primary roof support and secondary roof support) to identify improvement opportunities
• Assess geotechnical risks and communicate with site managers, engineers and geologists
• Conduct geotechnical hazard mapping activities at the mine sites
• Review Hazard maps with the Senior Geologist and develop recommendations for hazard mitigation plans
• Develop and/or assist sites in the development and maintenance of an effective and efficient roof support/control plan
• Provide geotechnical support to the project manager for new mine development projects.
• Provide relevant and practical guidance for data input into various design and computer modeling programs.
• Assist longwall operations with the design of shield supports, longwall panels, gate entries, orientation, and standing support to match ground response to enhance safety and longwall productivity.
• Assist the engineers in identifying and designing applications for longwall, shortwall and/or plow on Alpha reserve recovery, profitability, and sustainability.
• Coordinate the Geotechnical Group review of annual budget plans and provide risk assessment from a geotechnical perspective.
• Conduct Geotechnical Projects with the regulatory agencies, consulting companies, and universities to enhance safety, maximize safe coal recovery and minimize roof control costs.

Job Requirements

• BS/BA in Engineering or relevant industrial technology field.
• MS/MA or doctoral degree in Mining Engineering preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience in the coal industry.
• Professional Engineer’s License preferred.
• Proficient in common office computer programs, including AutoCAD and Carlson Software (SurvCADD).
• Strong knowledge and proficiency in the use of Ground Control Software accepted by regulatory authorities.
• Strong knowledge of mine design, rock mechanics, geology, geotechnical issues, and roof control products to enhance safety.
• Ability to manage, coordinate, and conduct research and development projects related to geotechnical issues.
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to identify improvement opportunities and organize means to achieve opportunities.
• Ability to develop good working relationships with mine management at all levels and disciplines as well as hourly personnel.
• Strong knowledge of Federal and State Laws and requirements that pertain to Underground Coal Mining, specifically Roof Control
• Ability to work independently, while communicating with supervisors.
• Familiar with coal mine design and coal mining methods and systems, including LW, shortwall, continuous miner room and pillar, and other full extraction methods.
• Ability to develop good working relationships with mine management at all levels and disciplines as well as hourly personnel.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong skill set to apply Running Right protocol to ground control methods to enhance safety of employees at mines.