Federal Position Descriptions
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Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health

Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health, Department of Labor
Responsibility
Management Scope

In fiscal 2016, the Mine Safety and Health Administration had an enacted budget of $375.887 million and 2,250 full-time equivalents.

Primary Responsibilities

• Administers federal mine safety and health laws to reduce hazardous exposures through enforcing compliance with mandatory safety and health standards
• Promotes effective training and encourages adoption of new technologies and improved work processes
• Engages with stakeholders in order to promote improved safety and health conditions
• Oversees the investigation of mine accidents and required inspection of all underground mines four times a year, and all surface mines twice a year, to determine compliance with health and safety standards or whether an imminent danger exists
• Represents the secretary of labor, deputy secretary of labor and the Mine Safety and Health Administration in meetings with ranking officials of Congress, other federal agencies, states, industry and labor
• As necessary, represents the secretary and deputy secretary to provide an on-site presence during a major mine emergency operation event and provides on-site rescue and recovery advice and guidance

Strategic Goals and Priorities
[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration.]
Requirements

• Experience or demonstrated ability supporting and managing a staff of investigators
• Experience with government enforcement at the local, state or federal level

Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent leadership skills
• Ability to work under high pressure

Past Appointments
  • Joseph A. Main (2009 to 2017): Mine Safety Consultant; Administrator, Health and Safety Department, United Mine Workers of America; Safety Inspector, Administrative Assistant and Deputy Director, Safety Division, United Mine Workers of America
  • David D. Lauriski (2001 to 2004): President, Lauriski and Associates, LLC; General Manager, Energy West Mining Company; Director of Health, Safety, Environmental and Government Affairs, Interwest Mining Company
AGENCY

Department of Labor

Mission: To foster and promote the welfare of U.S. job seekers, wage earners and retirees by improving their working conditions, advancing their opportunities for profitable employment and protecting benefits

COMPENSATION

Level IV $155,500 (5 U.S.C. § 5315)1

REPORTS TO

Secretary of Labor

SENATE COMMITTEE

Health, Education, Labor and Pensions

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Footnote
  1. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31, May 5, 2017), contains a provision that continues the freeze on the payable pay rates for certain senior political officials at 2013 levels during calendar year 2017.
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