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MSHA News Release: [12/16/2004]
Contact Name: Eryn Witcher or Suzy Bohnert
Phone Number: (202) 693-4647 or x9420

MSHA Seeks to Hire Mine Inspectors in Missouri, Kansas

Applicants Should Pre-register for On-Site Testing in Springfield, Topeka

ARLINGTON, Va.—The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is continuing its innovative effort to recruit replacements for its force of federal mine inspectors. The agency is using the Internet and asking those interested in metal and nonmetal mine safety and health inspector positions in Rolla, Mo.; Topeka, Kan; Little Rock, Ark; Norman, Okla.; and Rapid City, S.D., to apply for available positions on-line before the Jan. 2, 2005, closing date.

The agency's Web site is at www.msha.gov, and the process will reserve a place for the applicant at the upcoming on-site screenings on Jan. 12, 2005, in Springfield, Mo., and Jan. 15, 2005, in Topeka, Kan.

Interested applicants should log on to MSHA's Web site at www.msha.gov and click on the “Jobs at MSHA” link under the About MSHA heading. To search for jobs at MSHA, click on the agency link and then the agency name to see the list of current vacancy announcements. After selecting a specific inspector position, click on it for more details. If interested in a specific job, applicants can click the button Apply On-Line. Once the application has been successfully submitted, the person will have pre-registered for the applicant screening, and will be notified via e-mail of the status. Applicants who are unable to pre-register on-line may be accepted for testing as a walk-in candidate, subject to space availability.

Similar procedures can be used to apply for MSHA inspector positions in other parts of the country. MSHA is currently recruiting for inspector positions in 13 states. See the Job Fair home page at the MSHA Web site under the heading Inspector Career Intern Program for other locations and applicant screenings.

MSHA mine inspectors not only enforce mine safety and health regulations at mining operations, but will also be expected to explain and hand out safety and training materials, evaluate the effectiveness of safety programs at mining sites, and conduct root-cause analysis of mining industry accidents.

At the on-site applicant screening sessions, applicants will be given brief math and writing tests and possibly interviewed during the same day. The applicants will be notified immediately of the test results, and selected candidates will participate in a two-year formal training program. Starting salaries for the inspector positions begin at approximately $40,000 annually. Applicants must be physically able to perform arduous duties.

Registration begins promptly at 7 a.m., and applicants must bring photo identification and a completed resume to these applicant screenings for the vacancy announcements that close on Jan. 2, 2005, for inspector positions in Rolla and Topeka:

Jan. 12, 2005 – Springfield, Mo. - Clarion Hotel, 3333 S. Glenstone Ave.
Jan. 15, 2005 - Topeka, Kan. - Capitol Plaza Convention Center/Hotel, 1717 S.W. Topeka Blvd.

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