Emergency Response Team (ERT) Field Technician

About the role

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Emergency Response Team (ERT) Field Technician supports the implementation and operation of the SURF safety program for both underground and surface activities.

Responsibilities

• Trains and operates under MSHA part 49 Mine Rescue and OSHA 1926.800 Underground Construction standards.
• Affords assistance to ERT Supervisor with training implementation and documentation.
• Participates in in-house training programs to attain recognized certifications pertinent to position.
• Operates rescue equipment including Drager BG-4 CCR apparatus, high angle rope rescue equipment, confined space rescue equipment, lifting bags, thermal imaging camera, fall protection equipment, fire extinguishers, emergency medical equipment and AEDs.
• Operates ventilation and atmospheric testing equipment including anemometers, multi-gas detectors, smoke tubes, stain tube gas detectors, sling psychrometer, wet/dry bulb thermometer.
• Operates communications equipment including two-way radios, mine phones, telephones, computers and Con-Space communications system.
• Conducts physical security operations.
• Operates mobile and stationary equipment including rail locomotives, ATVs, skid-steers, LHDs, fluid pumps, air compressors, generators, oxygen booster pumps, foam and smoke generators, winches, shaft conveyances, light vehicles, and forklifts.
• Operates various types of hand tools including shovels, picks, saws, hammers, drills, torches, chain saws, impact wrenches and confined space equipment.
• Conducts life safety inspections of surface and underground work areas.
• Conducts general ESH Department duties including development of JHAs and SOPs, review of policies, participating in and/or conducting work related training classes, recording and documenting ERT training, exercises and inspections.
• ERT Field Technician may assist with Infrastructure or Facilities Technician job functions as needed.
• Follows safety policies and requirements. Communicates potentially dangerous areas or situations to coworkers. Documents and reports any possible safety issues and/or incidents. Safely manages hazardous materials. Manages materials. Records material intake and usage. Coordinates transport of materials. Monitors air and gas levels within the underground. Reports material inventories to ensure proper material orders. Prepares materials and supplies. Stages materials to be moved. Gives directions to others to ensure conformance to safety regulations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• National Registry or South Dakota EMR, EMT, AEMT or Paramedic is required or able to attain within one year.
• Rope Rescue Technician.
• MSHA Metal/Non-Metal Mine Rescue.
• ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800.
• OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) or US EPA hazardous material (Hazmat) training.
• OSHA 30-hour Construction Course.
• CPR/AED Instructor.
• Experience working in mining industry or related field.
• Desired qualifications or training include Fire, Rescue and/or EMS operations, facilities and physical security and or mine rescue operations.
• Knowledge of OSHA and MSHA standards as well as environmental, safety and health policies are helpful.
• Experience in use of computer-based tools such as Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is desired.
• Prior military service is a plus.

Qualifications

• Attention to Detail—Ability to maintain constant awareness of surroundings and ensures tasks are completed carefully and accurately.
• Communication—Communicates effectively and clearly with a wide range of audiences in both written and oral form.
• Continuous Learning—Ability to keep up to date on state and federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to site safety.
• Decision Making—Assesses situations, evaluates options and chooses most appropriate course of action.
• Initiative—Ability to persist despite difficult conditions and to make suggestions for improvements.
• Problem-Solving—Ability to determine the root-cause of a problem, investigates and analyzes complex information and identifies, prioritizes and selects alternatives for a solution.
• Organization—Plans ahead and works in a systematic, organized way and presents complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Teamwork—Ability to work cooperatively and supports others in the workgroup as well as represents SDSTA in a professional manner to all customers, vendors and staff.
• Team Leadership—Ability to effectively function as a team member under high stress emergency response situations in a manner that allows the team to focus and performs well under stress as a cohesive unit. Takes charge, initiates action, works cooperatively and provides motivation and guidance to others when needed.

Competencies, Knowledge And Skills

• Maintains consistent and reliable attendance.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Regular interaction with team members, supervisors, and other departments to coordinate tasks.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to stay focused and alert during long shifts, often under physically challenging conditions.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing work conditions, unexpected delays, or the need to shift tasks as needed.
• Ability to quickly respond to emergency situations and make decisions to ensure the safety of the team and other stakeholders.
• Maintain facial hair requirements within the Respiratory Protection Standard while on duty to ensure rapid deployment of respirator for emergency response.
• Ability to follow instructions, procedures and safety protocols.
• Recognize and stop work in conditions that present immediate danger.
• Flexibility to adjust to rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and emergency callouts.
• Ability to work at heights, and from ladders, scaffolding, and confined spaces underground, sometimes up to 5,000 feet deep.
• Capability to perform physically demanding tasks, including prolonged standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, squatting, and crawling.
• Ability to bend, twist, and work in awkward positions to access underground areas.
• Must regularly lift, push, and pull materials weighing up to 125 pounds.
• Ability to hear warning signals, auditory signals or team communications in noisy environments.

Job Information

• Supervisory Duties: No Direct Reports: N/A
• Work Arrangements: On-Site
• Hours: 7-on 7-off; 12.5hrs shifts
• Travel Required: Infrequent

Mission/Vision/Core Values

• Mission: We advance world-class science and inspire learning across generations.
• Vision: The world’s preferred location for underground science and education.
• Core Values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professional, Being a Team Player.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) is an equal opportunity employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. We foster a work community where every individual feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard and discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or political affiliation is prohibited.