(a) The Chief of the Division of Safety and Inspection shall:
(1) Be a qualified elector;
(2) Have had 12 or more years' experience in the working, ventilating and drainage of coal mines in this state or eight years of such experience plus four years' experience as a state or federal coal mine inspector;
(3) Have a practical scientific knowledge of all noxious and dangerous gases found in such mines;
(4) Have a mine foreman certificate of competency of the State of Alabama; and
(5) Be not less than 30 years of age.
(b) The chief shall be stationed in a city or town as near the center of the mining industry as is practical.