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Underground Mine Foreman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position reports to the on-shift Underground Mine Foreman. Hours are as scheduled and include overtime in the utility miner classification. Job Requirements: * Under this position the employee ...

This position reports to the on-shift Underground Mine Foreman. Hours are as scheduled and include overtime in the utility miner classification. Job Requirements: * Under this position the employee ...

Mine Examiner, Assistant Mine Foreman, or as a mine foreman for underground Bituminous Coal Mines * Requires Pennsylvania Experienced Miner Certificate * Must be available to work overtime, weekends ...

Must possess or be willing to obtain MSHA Instructor, Underground Mine Foreman/Fireboss, First Aid and Dust and Noise Sampling certifications. * Strong effective verbal communication skills.

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Showing results 1-20

Underground Mine Foreman information

See salary details

$56.5K

$97.8K

$168.5K

How much do underground mine foreman jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for underground mine foreman in the United States is $97,771.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underground mine foreman?

Underground mine foremen are supervisors responsible for overseeing mining operations below ground. They ensure the safety and productivity of crews, enforce safety regulations, and coordinate daily work such as drilling, blasting, and transporting ore. Foremen also inspect equipment and work areas for hazards, train miners on safety procedures, and report progress to management. This role requires strong leadership skills, mining experience, and knowledge of regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underground mine foreman?

To thrive as an Underground Mine Foreman, you need in-depth knowledge of mining operations, safety regulations, and supervisory experience, often supported by certifications like Mine Foreman or Mine Manager qualification. Familiarity with mine planning software, ventilation systems, and safety monitoring equipment is typically required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are crucial for managing crews and ensuring compliance. These competencies are vital to maintain operational efficiency, minimize risks, and uphold safety standards in hazardous underground environments.

What are some of the main challenges an underground mine foreman faces when managing safety and productivity underground?

One of the key challenges for an Underground Mine Foreman is balancing strict safety protocols with the need to maintain productivity. Foremen must ensure that all crew members follow safety regulations while also meeting production targets, which can be demanding due to the unpredictable nature of underground environments. Additionally, they often need to quickly adapt to changing geological conditions and equipment issues, making strong problem-solving and communication skills essential. Collaborating closely with engineers, miners, and safety officers helps address these challenges and maintain a safe, efficient operation.

What is the difference between Underground Mine Foreman vs Underground Miner?

AspectUnderground Mine ForemanUnderground Miner
CredentialsCertifications in mining safety, supervisory trainingBasic mining certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role overseeing operationsHands-on work in underground tunnels
Employer UsageEmployers assign foremen to manage teamsEmployers hire miners for direct extraction tasks

The Underground Mine Foreman typically holds supervisory certifications and oversees underground mining operations, ensuring safety and efficiency. In contrast, an Underground Miner performs the physical work of extracting minerals underground. While both roles work in the same environment, the foreman manages teams and enforces safety protocols, whereas miners focus on extraction tasks.

How to become an underground mine foreman?

To become an underground mine foreman, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by several years of experience working in mining operations. Many employers require completion of safety training, industry certifications, and demonstrated leadership skills, with some preferring candidates who have completed technical or mining-specific training programs.

What does an underground mine foreman do?

An underground mine foreman oversees mining operations below the surface, ensuring safety protocols are followed and production targets are met. They coordinate with workers, monitor equipment, and enforce safety regulations, often requiring certifications and knowledge of mining equipment and safety standards.
More about Underground Mine Foreman jobs

What states have the most Underground Mine Foreman jobs?

States with the most job openings for Underground Mine Foreman jobs include:

Infographic showing various Underground Mine Foreman job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,771 per year, or $47 per hour.

BITUMINOUS UNDERGROUND MINE INSPECTOR (EXAM)

Harrisburg, PA • On-site


State of Pennsylvania
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 177 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 50 rated states

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


$84K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Salary: $84,499.00 - $105,238.00 Annually
Location : Multi-County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-20202659-71690
Department: Department of Environmental Protection
Division: EP BMS Bitmns Mn Sf Div
Opening Date: 07/14/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Code: 71690
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: G1
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00355830
Bureau / Division: Bureau of Mine Safety Bituminous Mine Safety Division
Worksite Address: Positions located in the bituminous coal region of western Pennsylvania.
Contact Name: OA, CE DEP
Contact Email: ra-depjobs@pa.gov
THE POSITION
Join the Department of Environmental Protection, the Bureau of Mine Safety, to use your experience and expertise to provide a safe environment for mine workers.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
Bituminous Underground Mine Inspectors conduct technical inspections of bituminous underground coal mines to enforce and promote compliance with underground mining laws. They are a vital component to ensuring the safety of Pennsylvania's underground bituminous coal mines and mine workers and perform highly responsible work measuring the velocity and oxygen content of the air and testing for noxious and explosive gases; explaining unsafe conditions and ordering corrective action to mine owners and mine officials; and issuing enforcement actions. They also investigate mining accidents to determine causes and preventative action. An important aspect of this work involves the authority to order the withdrawal of mine employees if threatened with imminent physical danger and to close the mine until conditions are corrected.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
  • Full-time employment
  • Normal work hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; 40 hrs/week, Mon-Fri.
    • Employees will be on call 24 hrs/day, 365 days/year
  • Positions will have a home office.
  • Must be willing to travel. Travel expenses will be paid.
  • Multiple positions will be filled with this job posting as they become available in one of the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Fayette, Green, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington, and Westmoreland counties
  • Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
Qualifications:
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements
  • Ten years of experience in underground bituminous coal mines, and graduation from high school or certification of equivalent training.
Necessary Special Requirements:
  • Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.
  • Possession of a current and valid certificate as a bituminous mine foreman, assistant mine foreman or mine examiner issued by or acceptable to the Department of Environmental Protection.
Conditions of Employment:
  • Must be at least 30 years of age.
Other Requirements:
  • You must meet the For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the and click on Residency.
  • You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
  • A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
  • You must pass a background investigation.
How to Apply:
  • Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
  • If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
  • Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
Veterans:
  • Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
  • 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
EXAMINATION INFORMATION:
IMPORTANT: To schedule this examination, you must first apply to this posting. If you meet eligibility requirements, you will be sent an email notification (separate from the application received notification) regarding how to schedule the exam at a test center.
TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS: IF YOU ARE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY WHO REQUIRES A TESTING ACCOMMODATION, A REQUEST FOR TESTING ACCOMMODATION FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND APPROVED PRIOR TO SCHEDULING YOUR EXAMINATION.
Test Subject Areas Questions
PART 1
Bituminous Underground Mining Law 50
PART 2
Principles and Techniques of Ventilation 20
Computation of Quantity and Velocity of Air 10
Principles and Practices of Roof Control 15
Effective Interpersonal Relationships 15
Written Communication - Effective Expression 15
Total Questions 125
  • You have a maximum of 2 1/2 hours to complete this computerized multiple choice exam
  • The test will consist of two parts. You must pass Part 1 in order to move onto Part 2. You must pass both parts and meet the METs and NSRs to receive a final score.
  • Part 1 is based on bituminous underground mining laws. It will be to your advantage to study the Safety Laws of Pennsylvania for Underground Bituminous Coal Mines Act 55, SB 949 Session of 2008. A copy may be obtained by contacting the Bureau of Mine Safety at (724) 404-3143; by accessing the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection website ; or by using the following direct link h
  • You may retest one month after the date of your last exam. A new application must be submitted.
  • Your results will be provided via email.
  • Only your most recent exam score is counted.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Do you possess ten years of full-time experience in underground bituminous coal mines, and graduation from high school or certification of equivalent training?
  • Yes
  • No

02
CS-MET 1 If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03
CS-Driver's License Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
  • Yes
  • No

04
CS-Driver's License Details V2 - If you answered yes, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.
05
Do you have a current and valid certificate as a bituminous mine foreman, assistant mine foreman or mine examiner issued by or acceptable to the Department of Environmental Protection?
  • Yes
  • No

06
If you answered yes, please provide the license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.
07
Are you at least 30 years of age?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

State of Pennsylvania logo

About State of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Pennsylvania, based in Harrisburg, PA, US, functions as the state government entity to serve and govern the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The State of Pennsylvania operates in the governmental industry, and its official website is accessible at pa.gov. In terms of its offerings, it is tasked with providing a myriad of crucial public services encompassing areas such as health, education, transportation, public safety, to name just a few. Founded in 1787, it has the primary mission of serving the people of Pennsylvania through responsible leadership, effective planning, and high-level execution of public policies and programs.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Harrisburg, PA, US

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