What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mine Examiner (Viking) position at Foresight Energy?
Seeking a safety-focused, detail-oriented, and certified Mine Examiner to join our underground mining operations. The Mine Examiner plays a critical role in maintaining a safe working environment by conducting required examinations, identifying hazardous conditions, ensuring compliance with federal and state mining regulations, and supporting the mine’s overall safety and production objectives.
This position requires a strong understanding of mining laws, mine-specific safety plans, and underground mining practices. The successful candidate must demonstrate sound judgment, excellent observational skills, and the ability to work independently in physically demanding underground conditions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Conduct required Pre-Shift, On-Shift, and Weekly Mine Examinations in accordance with applicable regulations.
· Travel throughout the underground mine, including air courses, beltlines, escapeways, and active working sections, to inspect for hazardous conditions.
· Identify, document, and communicate hazards, unsafe conditions, and regulatory violations.
· Take appropriate corrective actions and ensure hazards are addressed before miners are exposed.
· Accurately complete examination reports, records, and required documentation.
· Monitor ventilation systems, air quality, methane levels, and other environmental conditions.
· Verify compliance with Roof Control Plans, Ventilation Plans, Emergency Evacuation Plans, Safeguards, and other approved mine plans.
· Ensure compliance with all Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations and Illinois State Mining Laws.
· Communicate examination findings and safety concerns to mine management and affected personnel.
· Assist with accident prevention, hazard recognition, and continuous safety improvement efforts.
· Maintain familiarity with the mine layout, travel ways, escapeways, and emergency procedures.
· Participate in safety meetings, inspections, and required training.
· Perform additional duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
· Mine Examiner certification
· Thorough knowledge of MSHA laws and regulations applicable to underground coal mining.
· Thorough knowledge of Illinois State Mining Laws.
· Ability to become proficient in mine-specific plans, including:
o Roof control Plan
o Ventilation Plan
o Air Quality Monitory Program
o Emergency Evacuation Plan
o Safeguards
o Mine maps and underground layout
· Strong understanding of underground mining operations and hazard recognition.
· Ability to interpret mine maps, ventilation maps, and technical documents.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills
· Strong attention to detail and sound decision-making abilities.
· Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Preferred Qualifications
· Previous experience as a certified Mine Examiner in an underground coal mine.
· Experience with underground ventilation systems and atmospheric monitoring.
Requirements
Ability to safely work in an underground mining environment.
Ability to walk several miles during a shift while conducting examinations.
Ability to climb ladders, negotiate uneven terrain, and travel thorough confined areas.
Ability to lift up to 115 lbs., push/pull up to 90 lbs.
Work may include rotating (12) hour shifts, or straight 3rd shift, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency call-outs as operational needs require.
Compensation at an attractive hourly rate of $35.19.
In addition, there's potential to earn various bonuses based on safety, production metrics, and attendance.
At Foresight Energy, we pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer. We offer an outstanding wage and benefits package, which includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; life insurance; 401(k) plan; paid holidays; vacation time; and so much more.
Salary : $35