Environmental/Property Technician at South Dakota Science and Technology – Lead, South Dakota

The ideal candidate has a familiarity or willingness to learn about and care for perennial plants native to the region and enjoys working in an outdoor setting. This individual will work alongside Buildings and Grounds and Community Relations staff to ensure landscaped spaces are maintained and well-groomed.

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Environmental/Property Technician provides support to the Environment, Safety and Health (ESH) Department and Operations Division to help ensure environmental compliance, the health and safety of the workforce and provide infrastructure maintenance at SURF.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following reflects SDSTA’s definition of essential functions for this position and does not restrict other tasks that may be assigned. SDSTA retains the right to re-evaluate the duties of the position when considering a reasonable accommodation or at other appropriate times. The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Sustainability

• Collects, sorts and prepares recyclables for third party vendor acceptance (cardboard, white paper, colored paper, magazines, plastic, metal and electronics).
• Helps develop and implement waste minimization handling and disposal.
• Applies soil and water management best management practices (BMPs) to protect surface water and groundwater quality.
• Advances job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities to foster environmental sustainability at SURF.
• Complies with and stays abreast of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to environmental activities.

Waste Management

• Collects, sorts and manages solid and hazardous waste.
• Collects sorts and manages universal waste.
• Collects and manages used oil.

Inspections

• Performs environmental inspections property-wide.
• Maintains detailed records of inspections.
• Inspects equipment to identify defective or worn parts.
• Performs minor mechanical work on grounds equipment.
• Surface Maintenance and groundskeeping
• Addresses noxious plants property-wide.
• Provides storm water repairs.
• Removes ice, snow, and debris from sidewalks, parking lots and driveways.
• Mows lawns, cares for trees and shrubs, and applies pesticides and fertilizers.
• Identifies and installs surface signage.
• Performs basic building maintenance.
• Performs basic plumbing work.
• Transports materials, unloads, and places materials at the work site.
• Promotes a strong safety culture in support of all maintenance activities.

Other Essential Functions

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

Education

• High school diploma or GED is required.

Certifications and Licenses

• SD Pesticide Applicator license or commitment to obtain within one year of employment.

Experience

• At least four-five years of experience working at an industrial site is desired.
• Experience in managing solid and hazardous waste, waste reduction (recycling support) or hazardous materials management.
• Experience in facility maintenance and groundskeeping.
• Basic skills in the following: mobile equipment operation, hand tools, minor equipment maintenance and repairs and plumbing issues. Basic knowledge in mechanical and electrical.

Competencies, Knowledge and Skills

• Adaptability—Ability to effectively adjust to changing priorities and demands.
• Attention to Detail—Maintains 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.
• Customer Service—Ability to meet the needs of customers and treat them courteously.
• Organization—Plans ahead and works in a systematic, organized way.
• Problem-Solving—Ability to determine the root-cause of a problem, investigate and analyze complex information and identify, prioritize and select alternatives for a solution.
• Safety—Ability to learn, understand and comply with SURF’s safety program. Willing to accept and enforce strict safety practices.
• Teamwork—Ability to work cooperatively and support others in a workgroup as both a leader and part of a team.

Working Conditions

The working conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.

• This position may require working in both surface and underground environments at depths up to 5000 feet, which may include exposure to extreme conditions, confined spaces, and varying temperatures.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, or moderately loud when on the surface or underground, and may require hearing protection.
• The company is committed to providing a safe working environment and adheres to all relevant health and safety regulations.
• Employees are expected to comply with SDSTA’s ESH Manual safety program.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety Standards protocols are mandatory.
• Act in accordance with SDSTA’s core values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professionalism and Being a Team Player.

Mental and Physical Demands

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures.
• High level of alertness to maintain compliance with safety protocols, especially in high-risk environments involving heavy equipment, electricity, or gas lines.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods.
• Capacity to lift and carry items up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate forklifts and other warehouse machinery.
• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Repetitive movement of hands, arms and legs, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, pushing, wiping.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods

Job Information

Supervisory Duties: No

Direct Reports: N/A

Work Arrangements: On-Site

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: We do not compromise safety or endanger the environment.
• Care for Others: We embrace and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We listen knowing everyone has something to offer and to learn.
• Professional: What we do is important to our community and the world. We sweat the details to achieve big things. Our behavior and ethics exemplify our best.
• Team Players: We provide unmatched service. We are respectful and deliver for our customers and partners. We build trust not barriers.

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.