This is a part-time non-benefitted position specifically designed for individuals who will participate in 8–20 hours of required Emergency Response Team (ERT) training each month. This role does not have a regular weekly work schedule; hours are primarily limited to scheduled monthly ERT training.

Training prepares ERT members to respond safely and effectively to potential emergency situations at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF).

This opportunity is ideal for individuals with experience in emergency response, fire service, EMS, rescue, military, industrial safety, or related fields who are interested in maintaining and expanding their emergency response skills while contributing to the safety and preparedness of SURF.

Time Commitment: Approximately 8–20 hours per month for required ERT training.

Pre-Employment Physical Requirements: Due to the physical demands and emergency response responsibilities of this position, selected candidates must successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination and Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) as a condition of employment.

Summary

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Emergency Response Team (ERT) Field Technician is responsible for Emergency Medical Response, Rescue/Recovery Operations, Fire Mitigation, Health and Safety Inspections, Fire and Injury Prevention, Hazard Mitigation, Exploration and other duties as assigned. Supports the implementation and operation of the SURF safety program for both underground and surface activities. This support includes assisting the safe performance of science research 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:

• Trains and operates under MSHA part 49 Mine Rescue and OSHA 1926.800 Underground Construction standards. Assists ERT Supervisor with training implementation and documentation. Members shall be qualified in emergency medical response, technical rescue procedures, use and limitations of breathing apparatus, underground firefighting procedures, and hazardous materials response.
• 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. Maintains supply storage areas, equipment and supplies.
• Assists in setting up and operating a variety of equipment and other machinery.

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

• National Registry or South Dakota EMR, EMT, AEMT or Paramedic.
• Rope Rescue Technician.
• MSHA Metal/Non-Metal Mine Rescue.
• ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800.
• Confined Space Rescue.
• OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) or US EPA hazardous material (Hazmat) training.
• OSHA 30-hour Construction Course.
• CPR/AED Instructor.

Experience

• 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.

Competencies, Knowledge and Skills

• 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.

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

• 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.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to work in various environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, wet or muddy conditions, and confined spaces.
• Dexterity to handle and operate hand and power tools, machinery, and equipment used in infrastructure work (e.g., jackhammers, excavators, shovels).
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods

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.