Position Overview

Under the direct supervision of the Land Reclamation Division Supervisor, this position serves as supervisor for the Northern District. The position is responsible for the following: supervises subordinate staff; develops and implements division regulations and operating procedures; serves as liaison for the Interstate Mining Compact Commission; serves as liaison to the federal Office of Surface Mining (OSM) concerning oversight issues; oversees the coordination of enforcement of the blasting regulations by the Blasting and Explosives Division; and provides input for the district for submission of annual budget.

Job Responsibilities

1. Serves as working supervisor for the Permit Coordinator and assists the Southern District Supervisor with management of the northern district inspection and enforcement staff.

• Assigns and reviews work.
• Provides guidance and training to assigned staff.
• Counsels staff regarding work performance.
• Reassigns staff to meet day to day operating needs.
• Establishes annual goals and objectives.
• Approves time off.
• Prepares and signs performance evaluations.

2. Oversees all permitting activities in the State of Illinois in order to ensure compliance with statutory mandates and effective implementation of the Surface Coal Mining Land Reclamation and Conservation Act, 225 ILCS 720, and its regulations at 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1700-1850.

• Tracks the progress of New Permit, Significant Permit Revisions, Permit Renewal, and Permit Transfer applications through the permitting process and provides updates to the Division Supervisor.

3. Develops and implements division regulations and operating procedures:

• Determines when rule making and/or policy changes are needed.
• Makes staff assignments as necessary to achieve the final written product.
• Serves as liaison with Department’s legal counsel pertaining to these matters.

4. Serves as liaison to the federal Office of Surface Mining Regulation and Enforcement (OSMRE) agency concerning oversight matters.

• Monitors and reviews OSMRE oversight activities.
• Reviews and responds to oversight reports and proposed rules.
• Prepares OSMRE Ten-day notice Responses for the Division Supervisor’s Signature
• Participates in oversight meetings.

5. Works in tandem with agency Blasting and Explosives Division to ensure compliance with regulations under the Surface Coal Mining Land Conservation and Reclamation Act. Recommends enforcement action against the regulated industry related to non-compliance.

6. Provides technical review and consultation related to area of expertise to ensure compliance with the Surface Coal Mining Land Conservation and Reclamation Act.

7. Maintains active participation in the Interstate Mining Compact Commission. Attends meetings, responds to informational requests, and informs staff of latest developments and initiatives.

8. Performs other duties as assigned or required within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Requirements

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college with courses in engineering, biological, or other earth sciences.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience with the surface mining regulatory authority

Specialized Skills

• Requires two (2) years direct experience applying the SCMLRA permitting, permit processing, and performance standard rules and regulations found at 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1773, 1816, and 1817.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of progressively responsible coal mining regulatory program experience in the administration and/or enforcement of the Surface Coal Mining Land Conservation and Reclamation Act (SCMLRA) at Illinois coal mines in accordance with SCMLRA rules and regulations.
• Three (3) years experience reviewing coal mine permit applications with emphasis on comprehension of surface coal mining and reclamation operations in accordance with SCMLRA rules and regulations.
• One (1) year utilizing strong management skills, preferably in a regulated industry setting, where duties included enforcement of rules/regulations and supervision of permit management team.
• Two (2) years direct experience applying the SCMLRA permitting, permit processing, and performance standard rules and regulations found at 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1773, 1774,1816 and 1817.

Employment Conditions

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position.

• Requires a valid and current driver’s license.
• Requires ability to work overtime.
• Requires ability to travel including overnight.

Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting Illinois’ natural resources, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands and oil wells, parks, historic sites – and everything in between. Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including health, vision and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs.

The Office of Mines and Minerals (OMM) is comprised of four divisions: Land Reclamation, Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation, Mine Safety and Training, and Blasting, Explosives and Aggregate Reclamation. Within these divisions, the office:

• regulates the mining industry throughout the State of Illinois,
• regulates the possession, use, and storage of explosives,
• and enforces various acts which govern the mining industry.

In addition, the office is charged with ensuring the health and safety of the thousands of mine workers through the Mine Safety and Training Division, and through administering the Abandoned Mined Land Reclamation program, provides reclamation ensuring public and environmental safety from abandoned mine sites.