The Mine Training Specialist is responsible for developing, coordinating, conducting, and documenting training programs for underground and surface employees in accordance with MSHA regulations, Illinois mining laws, and the mine's approved training plan. This position administers Part 48 training programs including New Miner, Experienced Miner, Annual Refresher, Task, Hazard, Contractor, and Mine Rescue training. The Mine Training Specialist maintains all required training records and certifications, coordinates regulatory training requirements, and evaluates training effectiveness to ensure a safe, compliant, and highly skilled workforce. This position works closely with mine management, supervisors, regulatory agencies, and employees to promote a culture of safety, compliance, emergency preparedness, and continuous improvement throughout the mining operation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Responsible for conducting, coordinating, and documenting Part 48 miner training for both surface and underground miners in accordance with applicable MSHA regulations and the mine's approved training plan.
• Conduct New Miner, Experienced Miner, Annual Refresher, Task, Hazard, Contractor, and other required Part 48 training programs.
• Conduct New Miner Training in both classroom and underground settings, providing new miners with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to safely and effectively work in an underground coal mining environment.
• Provide supervision and instruction of employees during training programs and evaluate employee comprehension, competency, and qualification requirements.
• Deliver classroom, field, hands-on, and computer-based training presentations for new and existing employees.
• Conduct site-specific hazard training and orientations for employees, contractors, vendors, visitors, and other individuals entering mine property.
• Conduct Self-Contained Self-Rescuer (SCSR) training and hands-on exercises to ensure miners are proficient in the proper use and deployment of self-rescuers during mine emergencies.
• Schedule, coordinate, conduct, and document Annual Refresher Training and other mandatory regulatory training programs required by MSHA, state agencies, and company policy.
• Maintain all required training records, databases, LMS systems, certifications, and documentation to ensure compliance with federal, state, and company requirements.
• Track training progress, monitor compliance status, and prepare weekly, monthly, and annual training reports for management and regulatory agencies as required.
• Assess and identify training needs throughout the operation and work with department managers to develop, schedule, and administer technical, safety, and mandatory training programs.
• Coordinate training provided by internal departments, outside instructors, contractors, regulatory agencies, and third-party training vendors.
• Deliver just-in-time training in response to equipment malfunctions, operating errors, safety concerns, incidents, regulatory changes, or identified performance gaps.
• Schedule and coordinate annual electrical retraining for qualified electricians and ensure all training requirements and documentation are completed and maintained.
• Coordinate with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to schedule, facilitate, and maintain records for required hoist operator certifications, examinations, and renewals.
• Coordinate and administer mine rescue training programs, emergency preparedness activities, and mine emergency response exercises in accordance with MSHA requirements and company standards.
• Organize and maintain mine rescue team training schedules, certifications, records, equipment readiness, and competition participation.
• Coordinate, schedule, and conduct mine tours for visitors, contractors, customers, educational groups, regulatory agencies, and company personnel while ensuring all participants receive required safety orientations.
• Assist Human Resources and Operations personnel with new employee onboarding and orientation, ensuring new hires receive required safety training, regulatory information, company policies, and an introduction to mine operations.
• Assist management with regulatory compliance initiatives, audits, inspections, investigations, and training-related requirements.
• Promote a culture of safety, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.
• Facilitate training sessions as necessary and maintain all associated records and documentation.
• Participate in safety meetings, training reviews, emergency drills, and other operational activities as assigned.
• Regular and reliable attendance required.

Other Duties/Responsibilities

 Participates in regular safety meetings.

• Conducts annual training review meetings.
• Performs housekeeping activities as required.

 Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises employees as they rotate through any training.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties in assigned area in a satisfactory fashion.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for this employment position.  REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Engineering, Occupational Safety, Education, or a related technical field preferred. Equivalent education, training, and/or significant underground coal mining experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible underground coal mining experience, including demonstrated supervisory experience with responsibility for safety, compliance, workforce management, and production activities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of MSHA regulations, Illinois mining laws, mine safety standards, and underground coal mining operations.
• Strong communication, leadership, coaching, mentoring, organizational, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience providing emergency medical response in an underground mining environment

Certifications/Licensure

• MSHA Approved Instructor with current IS (Surface) and IU (Underground) Instructor certifications.
• Illinois First Class Mine Manager Certification.
• Illinois Mine Examiner Certification.
• Illinois Electrical Hoisting Engineer.
• Certified Mine Rescue Trainer.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification preferred.
• Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications preferred.

  Knowledge of:

• MSHA regulations, Part 48 training requirements, Illinois mining laws, and mine safety standards.
• Underground coal mining methods, equipment, ventilation, roof control, haulage, electrical systems, and mine examinations.
• Mine safety hazards, emergency response procedures, mine rescue operations, and SCSR requirements.
• Training development, instructional techniques, employee coaching, and competency evaluation.
• Training records, LMS systems, regulatory documentation, and compliance requirements.
• Company policies, operating procedures, and safe work practices related to underground coal mining.

 Skills, abilities and physical requirements:

• Ability to evaluate employee competency, provide coaching and mentoring, and support workforce development initiatives.
• Ability to work underground and conduct classroom, field, and hands-on training in an active mining environment.
• Strong verbal, written, interpersonal, organizational, presentation, and communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with employees, contractors, regulators, and all levels of management.
• Leadership skills to effectively direct employees while in a training class environment and ability to properly evaluate comprehension and application of subject material.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to maintain accurate records, and a demonstrated sense of accountability and closure.
• Ability to read and understand mine maps, mine plans, blueprints, wiring diagrams, maintenance procedures, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS). Ability to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, training software, and recordkeeping systems.
• Proficient in maintaining regulatory training records, databases, learning management systems (LMS), and training documentation.
• Ability to develop classroom, computer-based, field, and hands-on training materials and presentations.
• Ability to work safely in underground mining environments, including confined spaces, uneven and wet conditions, low-clearance areas, elevated locations, stairways, ladders, and around mobile and stationary mining equipment.
• Physical Requirements:
• Ability to stand for extended periods, walk long distances underground, climb, bend, stoop, and perform field-based training activities while wearing required personal protective equipment.
• Lift up to 70 pounds without mechanical assistance. Work from elevated positions, walk or climb up and down stairways and ladders and climb on and off equipment and must be able to bend or stoop for a full shift as a result of the mine height.
• Ability to don and wear required safety equipment, including SCSRs, respirators, hearing protection, eye protection, steel-toed footwear, and other protective clothing as required.

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 position, the employee:

• Will work in damp, dimly lit and confined work areas and will be subjected to extremes of ambient temperature.
• Will encounter noise levels that will necessitate the wearing of hearing protection.

Compensation and Benefits

At Prairie State, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as one grows and develops within a role. The base pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this role is between $102,000 per year salary exempt, and $ 120,000 per year salary exempt. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as skills, qualifications, and relevant experience. In addition, this position is eligible to participate in the Company’s monthly incentive program.

Employees are also eligible to receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement savings plan with Company match, life and disability insurance, and tuition reimbursement. Click here to learn more about Prairie State’s benefits.

Prairie State offers all full-time employees paid time off, accruing 160 hours annually with gradual increases based on length of service, as well as nine paid holidays per year. Paid maternal and paternal leave is also available to employees that meet the eligibility requirements.

Note: Prairie State benefits, compensation, and employee incentive programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.