inspector competency model

7/31/2019 Inspector Competency Model

1/17

U.S. Department of Labor

MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION Competency Model

for MINE SAFETY INSPECTOR/SPECIALIST

February 2003FINAL (Rev. 05/04)


2/17

Mine Safety and Health Administration Mine Safety Inspector/Specialist

INTRODUCTION

The attached competency model was developed for Mine Safety Inspector/Specialists in the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The model was

established at the following three career levels:

Entry GS-5, 7, and 9 Intermediate GS-9 and 11 Senior GS-11 and 12

This Introduction provides information on:

Why the competency model was developed

The components of the model Using the model

I. Why the Model Was Developed

In the past, organizations focused on knowledge and skills to define the requirements for their employees even though knowledge and skills aretypically not the factors that differentiate superior performers from average performers. Over the years, research has shown that competencies define

the whole person and provide the important distinctions for job performance among all employees while also tapping into a more qualified talent

pool. The federal government has begun to adopt the use of competencies a practice used by the private sector as well as state and local

governments to define the requirements of the whole person and, thus, make more meaningful distinctions among job candidates and employees.

The Department of Labor determined that competencies should be developed for its mission-critical occupations as part of its effort to strengthen its

human capital management. Although competencies should serve as the basis for most (if not all) human resources functions, the Department

supported the fact that identification of competencies is a management function, not a human resources function. Thus, a process was established touse agency subject matter experts (managers, team leaders and/or senior specialists) who were selected for their ability to identify requirements for


3/17

the occupation, both current and for the future. The subject matter experts used research results, in the form of a competency database, from the U. S.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) as a foundation for identifying and validating appropriate competencies with supporting documentation. In

some models, the subject matter experts also used data from other sources i.e., survey questionnaire, focus groups, interviews and writtendocuments - to assist them in the design of their competency profiles.

Each competency model is intended to serve as the basis for designing competency-based tools for use in assessment and selection, careerdevelopment, and other human resources functions.

II. Components of the Model

A competency is a measurable pattern of knowledge, skills, abilities, behaviors and other characteristics that an individual needs to perform workroles or occupational functions successfully.

This model has two types of competencies: general competencies and technical competencies.

Ageneral competency is a competency that may be applied across occupations and organizations. Oral communication is one of the more

frequently used general competencies. The general competencies are based on OPMs governmentwide, empirical research and were augmented

with occupation- and agency-specific information and validated by others knowledgeable of the specific occupation.

Atechnical competency varies across occupations and frequently varies across organizations. Technical competencies are defined in terms of the

specialized or technical requirements of a particular occupation or position. The technical competencies, including all components, were developed

by the work group of subject matter experts and validated by others knowledgeable of the specific occupation.

In a printed version of the model, the general competencies are presented first (in alphabetical order rather than order of importance), followed by the

technical competencies (also in alphabetical order). To clearly distinguish between the two types of competencies in the model, each competency ismarked as a general competency or a technical competency.

Each competency has the following components:

Definition Benchmarks Indicators

Thedefinition is a statement or series of statements describing the competency in very broad terms. The definition applies across all career levels

from entry through senior and/or expert level.


4/17


5/17

III. Using the Model

As mentioned previously, competencies may be used for assessment and selection, career development, and other human resources functions. By

using competency based human resources tools, organizations improve productivity and the return-on-investment (ROI) of their human capitalmanagement practices. A few examples of the uses of competency-based human resources tools and associated benefits are listed below:

Selection: Organizations develop and use benchmarked behavioral interview questions to help supervisors focus on the critical factors thatdifferentiate superior performers from average performers, thus improving the match between the person selected and the job.

Training and Development: Organizations identify training and development activities for enhancing specific competencies, thus providinga training and development road map and improving the ROI of scarce development resources by focusing the use of those resources on

improving the competencies required for successful and superior performance.

Workforce Planning: Organizations assess employees competencies and compare those assessments to the competency levels needed, thusenabling the organization to measure and close competency gaps at multiple levels from the individual to the total organization.

Effective implementation of this model requires a direct linkage between the developmental indicators and training plans prepared for both

individuals and organizations. Agencies should review existing training strategies, plans and curricula to ensure that the specific developmental

indicators are addressed in the appropriate training and development deliverables.


6/17

Mine Safety and Health Administration Mine Safety Inspector/SpecialistCOMPETENCY: I n f l u en ci n g / N eg o t i at i n gDEFINITION Persuades others to accept recomm endations, cooperate, or change their behavior; w orks with ot hers towards an agreement; negotiates to find m utually

acceptable solutions.

ENTRY

General

I NTERMEDI ATE SENI OR

BENCHMARKS

Initiates exchanges of resources or information with others Negotiates important issues with others who are Negotiates critical issues with others who arewho are willing to negotiate. Persuades other employees or resistant to negotiation. Persuades immediate resistant to negotiation or do not stand to gain bycustomers to accept recommendations. supervisor, other employees, or customers to negotiating. Persuades management, other

cooperate or accept recommendations. employees, internal or external stakeholders, orcustomers to cooperate, accept recommendations,or change their behaviors.

SELECTI ON I NDI CATORS

DEVELOPMENTAL I NDI CATORS

Promotes or assists in promoting mine operators compliancewith the Mine Safety and Health Act by appropriately citingviolations and explaining basis for citation and how unsafecondition(s) can be corrected.

Promotes or assists in promoting mine operatorscompliance with the Mine Safety and Health Act byappropriately citing violations and explaining basisfor citation and how unsafe condition(s) can becorrected.

Promotes mine operators compliance with theMine Safety and Health Act by appropriately citingviolations and explaining basis for citation and howunsafe condition(s) can be corrected.

Promotes mine operators voluntary compliance

with the Mine Safety and Health Act by identifyingand using information and reasons that areimportant to them.

Promotes miners use of safe procedures byidentifying and using information and reasons thatare important to them.

Promotes mine operators voluntary compliancewith the Mine Safety and Health Act by identifying

and using information and reasons that areimportant to them.

Promotes miners use of safe procedures byidentifying and using information and reasons thatare important to them.


7/17


COMPETENCY: I n t e gr i t y / H on est yDEFINITION Contribut es to maintaining t he integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and un derstands the impact of violating t hese standards

ENTRY

on an organization, self, and others; is tr ustworthy.

General


BENCHMARKS

Is trustworthy, ethical and honest. In all work activities, Is trustworthy, ethical and honest. In all work Is trustworthy, ethical and honest. In all workdemonstrates a high level of personal integrity that reflects activities, demonstrates a high level of personal activities, demonstrates a high level of personalwell on the organization. integrity that reflects well on the organization. integrity that reflects well on the organization. Acts

Follows the organizations ethical guidelines even as a role model in following the organizationsin difficult situations. ethical guidelines even in difficult or complex

situations.


Is trustworthy, honest, and ethical in speech and actions. Is trustworthy, honest, and ethical in speech and Is trustworthy, honest, and ethical in speech andactions. actions.

Cites all violations appropriately without any typeof favoritism.

Avoids situations involving disagreements betweenmine operators, miners, and/or labororganizations.


Cites or participates in citing violations appropriately without Cites all violations appropriately without any typeany type of favoritism. of favoritism.

Avoids situations involving disagreements between mine Avoids situations involving disagreements betweenoperators, miners, and/or labor organizations. mine operators, miners, and/or labor

organizations.


8/17


9/17

Mine Safety and Health Administration Mine Safety Inspector/SpecialistCOMPETENCY: Ora l Com m un ica t ionDEFINITION Expresses information ( for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, t aking into account the audience and nature of the inform ation (for

example, t echnical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens t o others, attends t o nonverbal cues, and respondsappropriately.

ENTRYGeneral


BENCHMARKS

Communicates basic ideas or information clearly. Thoughts Communicates or explains moderately complex Communicates, explains, or defends complex ideasare fairly well organized. Listens to others and responds ideas or information clearly. Thoughts are well or information clearly and adapts to the audience'sappropriately. organized. Listens to others, and recognizes level of knowledge. Thoughts are extremely well

potential miscommunications. organized. Actively listens to others and clarifiescommunications.


Actively listens and ensures that others ideas and Actively listens and ensures that others ideas and Actively listens and ensures that others ideas andperspectives are heard. perspectives are heard. perspectives are heard.

Presents information in an understandable manner. Makes presentations to internal and/or external Presents complicated or controversial informationaudiences. to internal and external audiences.


Participates in making formal and informal presentations to Presents complex/technical information in an Adapts presentation to audiences receptivenessinternal and external audiences. understandable manner. and level of expertise based upon knowledge of

audience and on verbal and nonverbal cues.

Testifies in court cases as a witness under oathand is subject to examination conducted by Testifies in court cases as a witness under oathattorneys representing both the government and and is subject to examination conducted bythe employer. attorneys representing both the government and

the employer.


10/17

Mine Safety and Health Administration Mine Safety Inspector/SpecialistCOMPETENCY: Plann ing and Eva lua t ingDEFINITION Organizes work, sets priorities, and determ ines resource requirements; determines short- or long-t erm goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with

other organizations or parts of t he organization t o accomplish goals; monit ors progress and evaluates outcomes.

ENTRY

General


BENCHMARKS

Organizes work according to established project strategies.Assesses own work products and monitors progress againstassigned goals. Coordinates work with other employees onthe project team.


Establishes project requirements and priorities anddevelops strategies, including coordinating workrequirements and project resources, to achieveshort- or long-term goals. Monitors and evaluatesproject activities and outcomes. Coordinates workwith employees involved in other projects in thework unit.

Establishes organization/work unit needs andpriorities and develops strategies to achievemultiple short-and long-term goals, includingdirecting and monitoring work, and determiningand allocating resources. Monitors and evaluatesorganization/work unit performance. Coordinateswork activities with other organizations or parts of

the organization.


Based upon review of last inspection(s) or status Based upon review of last inspection(s) or status ofof current inspection, plans inspections/parts of current inspection, plans inspections/parts ofinspection for the upcoming week to make inspection for the upcoming week to makeeffective and efficient use of time, conduct a effective and efficient use of time, conduct athorough inspection, and provide compliance thorough inspection, and provide compliance

assistance to mine operators. assistance to mine operators.


11/17

Mine Safety and Health Administration Mine Safety Inspector/SpecialistCOMPETENCY: Prob lem So lv ingDEFINITION Ident ifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of inform ation; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to m ake

recommendations.

ENTRY

General


BENCHMARKS

Uses logic to identify alternatives to solve routine problems. Uses logic to identify alternatives to solve Uses logic to identify alternatives to solve complexReacts to and solves problems by gathering and applying moderately difficult problems. Identifies and or sensitive problems. Anticipates problems, andinformation from standard materials or sources that provide a solves problems by gathering and applying identifies and evaluates potential sources oflimited number of alternatives. information from a variety of materials or sources information and generates alternatives to solve

that provide several alternatives. problems where precedents do not exist.



Interprets guidelines for application to specific cases andproblems.

Helps mine operators correct hazardous situationsby conducting root cause analysis to distinguishbetween symptoms and causes.

Helps mine operators correct hazardous situationsby conducting root cause analysis to distinguishbetween symptoms and causes.

Interprets guidelines for application to specificcases and problems.

Interprets guidelines for application to specificcases and problems.

Works with mine operators to correct situations

endangering health and safety of the miners,using additional MSHA resources (e.g., techservices) as appropriate.

Works with mine operators to correct situations

endangering health and safety of the miners, usingadditional MSHA resources (e.g., tech services) asappropriate.


12/17

Mine Safety and Health Administration Mine Safety Inspector/SpecialistCOMPETENCY: Se l f Managem entDEFINITION Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commit ment towards completing assignments in a t imely m anner;

works with minim al supervision; is m otivated t o achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.

ENTRY

General


BENCHMARKS

Adheres to goals and deadlines set by supervisor. Will takeon new or additional responsibilities when asked. Applieslimited effort, persistence, and autonomy towardachievement of goals.

Sets goals and priorities for own work to ensuredeadlines are met. Willingly accepts new oradditional responsibilities and challenges. Appliesmoderate effort, persistence, and autonomytoward achievement of goals.

Sets goals and priorities for own work andcoordinates activities and time lines with others toensure project goals and deadlines are met. Takesinitiative and seeks new or additionalresponsibilities and challenges. Continually appliesgreat levels of effort, persistence, and autonomytoward achievement of goals.


Allocates time appropriately to complete assigned work bygiven deadline.

Allocates time appropriately to completeinspections of assigned mines within givendeadlines.

Allocates time appropriately to completeinspections of assigned mines within givendeadlines.

Models good time utilization without compromisingquality.

Sets realistic personal goals, making adjustmentsas needed to achieve agency or organizational

goals.DEVELOPMENTAL I NDI CATORS

Pursues professional development by suchactivities as joining professionalsocieties/organizations or obtaining certification.

Pursues professional development by suchactivities as joining professionalsocieties/organizations or obtaining certification.

Models good time utilization without compromisingquality.

Sets realistic personal goals, making adjustmentsas needed to achieve agency goals.


13/17

Mine Safety and Health Administration Mine Safety Inspector/SpecialistCOMPETENCY: Teach ing Other sDEFINITION Helps others learn through form al or informal m ethods; ident ifies training needs; provides constructive feedback; coaches others on how to perform tasks; acts

as a mentor.

ENTRY

General


BENCHMARKS

Teaches or coaches others on simple concepts, material, or Teaches or coaches others on moderately complex Teaches others complex or technical material in atasks in an informal setting. Teaches using routine methods material and provides feedback on performance. formal setting, and evaluates progress of studentsor a standard style. Adjusts teaching style to audience's needs when and conducts course evaluation. Anticipates or

asked. recognizes audience's or individual's needs andadjusts teaching style appropriately.


Teaches safety during walk-around talks in mines,using appropriate techniques to evaluate minersuse of safe work practices and to teach safe workpractices.

Presents short safety talks, targeted at theaudience and using information that will catch theirattention and make an impression.


Teaches safety during walk-around talks in mines. Adjusting style to fit audiences level of expertise,coaches mine operators on ways to present

Presents short safety talks, targeted at the effective safety training.audience and using information that will catchtheir attention and make an impression. Adjusting style to fit audiences level of expertise,

coaches mine operators on ways to improvesafety.


14/17


COMPETENCY: W r i t i n gDEFINITION Recognizes or uses correct English gramm ar, pun ctuation, and spelling; communicates informat ion (f or examp le, facts, ideas, or m essages) in a succinct and

ENTRY

organized manner; produces writt en informat ion, which m ay include technical material, that is appropriate for the int ended audience.

General


BENCHMARKS

Composes documents or correspondence involving simple or Composes documents or correspondence involving Composes documents or correspondence involvingroutine information. Proofreads own work. non-technical information. Proofreads or edits complex or technical information, and adapts

brief, non-technical writing of others. writing to the audience's level of knowledge.Proofreads or edits complex or technical writing ofothers.


Prepares original written material using proper grammar, Prepares written materials that are accurate, Prepares technical/complex written materials thatpunctuation and spelling. clear, logical, well organized, and understandable are accurate, clear, logical, well organized, and

and contain proper grammar, punctuation, and understandable and contain proper grammar,spelling. punctuation, and spelling.

Prepares written reports of inspections andinvestigations of complaints, including notices ofviolations and orders of withdrawal.


Prepares or assists with preparing written reports of Prepares written reports of inspections and Prepares written reports of accident/fatalityinspections and investigations of complaints, including notices investigations of complaints, including notices of investigations.of violations and orders of withdrawal. violations and orders of withdrawal.


15/17

Mine Safety and Health Administration Mine Safety Inspector/SpecialistCOMPETENCY: I n spec t i onDEFINITION Principles, practices, and techniques for conducting and documenting mine safety and health inspections and documenting findings and conclusions in a legally

defensible manner.

ENTRY

Technical


BENCHMARKS

Assists with conducting inspections of a routine naturedealing with mine safety and health violations and controlmethods. Has limited knowledge of the principles, practicesand techniques for conducting inspections.

Conducts inspections of a somewhat complexnature dealing with mine safety and healthviolations and control methods. Has generalknowledge of the principles, practices andtechniques for conducting inspections and ofhealth sampling techniques.

Conducts inspections of a highly complex naturedealing with mine safety and health violations andcontrol methods. Has detailed knowledge of theprinciples, practices and techniques for conductinginspections and of health sampling techniques.


Uses common hardware and software applications. Reviews file for previous inspection and plans,conducts and documents inspection.

Uses current computer hardware and softwareapplications to retrieve information to plan anddocument inspection.

Selects, calibrates, and uses a wide variety oftechnical equipment.

Classifies violations and completes case file,documenting case file to assure its accuracy,completeness, and legal sufficiency.


Reviews file for previous inspection and participates inplanning, conducting and documenting inspections.

Reviews file for previous inspection and plans andconducts inspection.

Selects, calibrates, and uses technical equipment. Uses current computer hardware and softwareapplications to retrieve information to plan anddocument inspection.

Selects, calibrates, and uses a wide variety oftechnical equipment.

Classifies violations and completes case file,documenting case file to assure its accuracy,completeness, and legal sufficiency.


16/17


COMPETENCY: Lega l , Governm ent and Ju r i sp rudenceDEFINITION Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, legal practices and documents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules,

ENTRY

government organization and functions, and t he democratic political process.

Technical


BENCHMARKS

Has limited knowledge of the laws, regulations, procedures, Has general knowledge of the laws, regulations, Has detailed knowledge of the laws, regulations,etc. that mine safety and health programs. procedures, etc. that govern mine safety and procedures, etc. that govern mine safety and

health programs. health programs.



Not applicable. Identifies and cites appropriate standard or other Identifies and cites appropriate standard or otherregulatory reference to assure legal sufficiency in regulatory reference to assure legal sufficiency inthe citation. the citation.


17/17

Mine Safety and Health Administration Mine Safety Inspector/SpecialistCOMPETENCY: Mine Sa fe ty and Hea l thDEFINITION Mine safety and health principles and practices, techniques and procedures, regulations, and standards as they apply to conducting inspections/investigations,

identifying and evaluating un safe conditions, giving citations, and recomm ending met hods to correct unsafe conditions.

ENTRY

Technical


BENCHMARKS

Has limited knowledge of the precedent techniques and Has general knowledge of the precedent Has detailed knowledge of the precedentaccepted procedures in identifying unsafe mine conditions, techniques and accepted procedures in identifying techniques and accepted procedures in identifyingpotential hazards, imminent danger, and other situations unsafe mine conditions, potential hazards, unsafe mine conditions, potential hazards,impacting miner safety and health. imminent danger, and other situations impacting imminent danger, and other situations impacting

miner safety and health. miner safety and health. Is able to offer reasonablesolutions to situations that do not fit into thestandard situations.


Identifies serious hazards and other violations of Identifies a wide range of serious hazards andmandatory standards. other violations of mandatory standards.

Identifies appropriate techniques/methods foreliminating a wide range of hazards and otherviolations of mandatory standards.


Identifies and cites or participates in identifying and citing Identifies and cites serious hazards and other Identifies and cites serious hazards and otherserious hazards and other violations of mandatory standards. violations of mandatory standards. violations of mandatory standards.

Participates in identifying appropriate techniques/methods for Identifies appropriate techniques/methods foreliminating hazards and other violations of mandatory eliminating hazards and other violations ofstandards. mandatory standards.

inspector competency model

Documents