
Mining Engineering
Position Overview
Part of the Department of the Interior’s mission is to manage America’s natural resources. DOI’s mining engineers achieve this goal by conducting examinations and assessments of solid mineral mines and infrastructure. Mining engineers provide regulation of mining activities to ensure environmental protection. Mining engineers apply their scientific expertise to ensure mining activities are carried out safely and successfully.
This position is represented at the following bureaus
Candidate Description
The ideal candidate possesses a comprehensive knowledge of surface and underground mining engineering practices (e.g., explosives engineering, rock mechanics, ventilation), can conduct evaluations and complex scientific studies, and is able to communicate technical advice effectively.
Work Environment
Work is normally performed indoors in an office setting with observational work at mines or materials processing facilities. In field or regional offices, mining engineers perform field work to provide technical assistance to mine operators and perform field study and permit compliance activities. Headquarters staff coordinate special projects among regional and field offices related to national objectives and provide technical assistance to agency directors or congressional staff.
Minimum Education Requirements
Please see the Individual Occupation Requirements and the Professional and Scientific Positions Group Qualification Standard on the OPM websites.
Career Level Requirements
Responsibilities by Level
Entry:
- Learns about specific agency mining processes
- Observes field mining methods, practices, and equipment at specific mines
- Reviews and verifies implementation of approved mining plans and reclamation schedules
- Provides technical assistance to other engineers
Mid:
- Conducts mine planning and economic investigations for solid mineral resources, such as coal or phosphates
- Monitors mine production methods and rates to assess operational effectiveness and impacts on estimated reclamation costs
- Investigates and predicts environmental or structural impacts that could occur as a result of mining operations
- Examines maps, deposits, drilling locations, or mines to determine the location, size, accessibility, contents, value, and potential profitability of mineral, oil, gas, and geothermal resources
- Reviews proposed mining disturbance and reclamation schedules; Verifies economics of mining process for royalties and fees
Journey:
- Identifies technological, engineering, and other factors that could affect the costs, safety, and environmental impacts of coal, hard rock, surface, solution, or underground mining
- Directs mine planning and economic investigations for solid mineral resources, such as coal or phosphates
- Writes, reviews, and edits technical and scientific reports on mine plans, analysis methods, calculation of resource value, or posted reclamation performance bonds
- Writes review, environmental, and permit documents
Senior:
- Provides expertise in mine or geotechnical engineering, mineral economics, exploration, recovery, processing, marketing, environmental and social impacts, reclamation, and decommissioning assistance to Federal and state governments, academia, and private business
- Performs or oversees evaluations
- Oversees documentation, evaluation, or approval of mine engineering and reclamation permits
Strengths by Level
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AccountabilityHolds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Attention to DetailIs thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Customer ServiceWorks with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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FlexibilityIs open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Influencing/NegotiatingPersuades others to accept recommendations, cooperate, or change their behavior; works with others towards an agreement; negotiates to find mutually acceptable solutions.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Interpersonal SkillsTreats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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LearningUses efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills; uses training, feedback, or other opportunities for self-learning and development.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Oral CommunicationExpresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Organizational AwarenessKnows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Problem SolvingIdentifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Project ManagementKnowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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ResilienceDeals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Teaching OthersHelps others learn through formal or informal methods; identifies training needs; provides constructive feedback; coaches others on how to perform tasks; acts as a mentor.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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TeamworkEncourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Technical CompetenceUses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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WritingRecognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
Common Pathways
Candidates who made this career change most commonly held these occupations...
Geology

Miscellaneous Administration and Program

Civil Engineering

Where We Are
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