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Careers - FAQ

If I send a resume, will I automatically be considered for an open position with Foundation Coal or one of its Affiliates?
Candidates with the specified qualifications will be accepted for review.  When applying for an open position, please email us your resume and cover letter to the regional business affiliate of interest listed on our contacts page.

Does Foundation support continuing growth and training for its employees?
Our Vision Statement sets forth our beliefs by stating “employees are our most valuable resource.”  We commit sizeable investments and resources to develop our employees.  To support this important aspect of our business, we designed the Management Development Program to improve employee performance and productivity.  This is in addition to required safety, health training, and continued certification training.  This program provides training to ALL employees, providing the skills and tools to do their job to the best of their ability.

What kinds of internships are offered at Foundation Coal and its Affiliates?
An internship at Foundation Coal is an opportunity to complement your education with real life professional experience.  We offer Co-op Programs and Summer Internships at all of our locations as well as our corporate office.  For more information please follow this link to contact the desired business affiliate. 

When will I be eligible to receive benefits with Foundation, and what are some of the benefits you offer?
Based on the differences between affiliated operations, your benefits could begin as early as the first day you are actively working for the Company. Foundation Coal’s Affiliates offer generous benefits packages - some benefits costs are paid entirely by the Company, while employees pay a nominal premium for other benefits.  The following is a partial list of benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Basic Life Insurance
  • Short and Long- term Disability Insurance
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • 401K Savings Plan (immediate vesting and eligibility for Company match)
  • Flex Health and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Legal Plan
  • Paid holidays
  • Educational Assistant Program  - 100% reimbursement

Where is Foundation Coal Corporation located?
Foundation Coal’s corporate headquarters is located 10 minutes from downtown Baltimore in Linthicum Heights, Maryland adjacent to the BWI Airport.  Its Affiliates have operations in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming.

Please follow this link for a more detailed look at our operations.

I am a recent engineering graduate, what opportunities are available for engineers at your mining operations?
Employing and developing new engineers (mining, civil, electrical, mechanical, and environmental) is critical to our ongoing success.  Foundation Coal Affiliate’s have developed Engineering Trainee Programs designed to provide training and experience in all facets of the respective mining operation.  The programs seek to expose new engineers to actual work environments which help determine areas of special skill and interest.

Where the process begins:
Following the selection and employment process, the starting point for each candidate can differ based on: the prior experience of the new engineer, the needs and goals of the operation and the area of specialization of the engineer. Many new engineers will enter the program while still in college. Many of our engineers will begin their careers through our co-op program and enter the trainee development program at that time. When the co-op graduates from college, they will be noticeably advanced in the engineer trainee process.  Please visit the contact page to get in touch with a specific business affiliate of interest.

Are there any specific certifications and/or qualifications needed to work at one of your mine operations?
Yes, there are.  These requirements may vary based on location.  Please contact an HR representative at the location of interest for more information.

However, in accordance with Federal Law all individuals who would like to be considered for employment with Foundation Coal affiliates must, as a condition of their employment, produce certain documentation verifying their identity and U.S. citizenship status or, if aliens, their legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Why join the Foundation Coal team?
Join the Foundation Coal team to work with people who are committed to safety first, quality, integrity, continuous improvement and environmental awareness where:

  • your talents and initiative are recognized and rewarded
  • you are challenged and professionally developed
  • your contributions make a difference to the success of the company and your environment


Industry Quick Fact


The coal industry has reclaimed in excess of 2.0 million acres of mined lands over the past 25 years -- an area larger than the state of Delaware.