(a) There is created the office of Assistant State Mine Inspector.
(b) His or her term of office shall be for a period of two (2) years, to run coextensively with the term of the State Mine Inspector and until his or her successor has been appointed and qualified.
(c) He or she shall be appointed by the Governor and work under the direction of the State Mine Inspector.
(d) He or she may be removed by the Governor for neglect of duty or for any other reasonable cause.
(e) He or she shall have been a resident of the State of Arkansas for the number of years and possess the same qualifications as are required of the State Mine Inspector.
(f)
(1) Before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties as Assistant State Mine Inspector, he or she shall take and subscribe to the oath of office prescribed by law for the State Mine Inspector and shall execute a bond to the State of Arkansas, with approved security, in the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000), conditioned upon the faithful performance of his or her duties as such official.
(2) The bond shall be approved as in the case of the State Mine Inspector and, when so approved, shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State.
(g) The Assistant State Mine Inspector shall report to the State Mine Inspector and shall be an employee of the Department of Labor and Licensing.