Underground Operations Logistical Coordinator/Infrastructure Technician

Description

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Underground Operations Logistical Coordinator/Infrastructure Technician is responsible for organizing and administering the transport of equipment, supplies and materials throughout the underground via the operational shafts and drifts. The Underground Operations Logistical Coordinator is also responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repair of surface and underground structures to ensure a safe environment and stable structure during a crew vacancy. The Underground & Surface Operations Logistical Coordinator is responsible for snow removal and maintaining the yard road. 

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:

• Unloads/loads trailers and or trucks carrying equipment, supplies or materials needed for underground work. This activity may or may not use load handling equipment.
• Stages equipment, supplies or materials for underground deployment; includes securing to rolling-stock, if required.
• Calculates capacities and estimates weight to prepare for hoisting or lowering.
• Moves loads on and off conveyances.
• Manages inventory and movement of rolling-stock used within the underground, i.e., locomotives, timber trucks, flat decks, low-boys, man-cars, diesel fuel tanks etc.
• Keeps the shaft yard organized and stages equipment, supplies and materials in cooperation with other shaft yard stakeholders.
• Coordinates loading of cage to ensure conformance to safety regulations.
• Maintains supply storage areas, equipment and supplies, such as fire extinguishers, lamps and batteries.
• Performs and assists staging and operation of a variety of equipment and other machinery.
• Snow removal and maintaining yard.

Administrator for the Shaft Manifest tool

• Interfaces with SDSTA personnel, contractors, vendors, science and visitors to ensure the underground logistical service requirements are captured within the Shaft Manifest.
• Serves as the point-of-contact for personnel needing assistance to enter data into the Shaft Manifest.
• Manages data in the Shaft Manifest and resolves logistical conflicts, as needed.
• Utilizes the Shaft Manifest tool to help ensure shaft resources are efficient.
• Reconciles the Shaft Manifest daily/monthly and yearly transfers against shaft logs.
• Coordinates with Information Technology (IT) Department on potential software changes made to the Shaft Manifest.

Trip Action Plan (TAP) back-up administrator

• Acts as a back-up to the primary administrator of TAP system : Reports daily headcount numbers populated in TAP at daily Operations meeting.
• Coordinates with those that use TAP system in the event scheduled number of personnel underground exceeds allowable numbers as well as individual cage runs.
• Assists in ensuring daily underground headcounts do not exceed allowable numbers.
• Reconciles daily TAP against the brass-in board(s), if required.
• Coordinates with IT Department on potential software changes made to TAP system.

Manages materials

• Manages consumable inventory of supplies and materials needed by the shaft crew during Shaft Maintenance activities.
• Coordinates with Shaft Superintendent for procurement of equipment, supplies and materials needed to support shaft maintenance activities.
• Coordinates with Mobile Equipment Foreman for repair and replacement of rolling stock, as required.

Communication and reporting for underground logistical services

• Serves as point-of-contact in coordination meetings when underground logistical services are required.
• Provides data and maintains spreadsheets and other management tool, as required.
• Communicates with the Shaft Superintendents, Leadmen and other Underground Operations Logistical Coordinator's to ensure seamless continuity between shafts.
• Communicates with Shaft Leadmen and other underground staff on efficient coordination and use of all shaft resources.

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.

Other Essential Functions

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

Requirements

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Certifications and Licenses

• N/A.

Experience

• Experience in general construction practices (concrete work, timber framing, etc).
• Experience in the mining industry or related field (including shaft inspection and repair).
• Knowledge of environment, health and safety policies (application of safety equipment).
• Experience operating heavy machinery and equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret blueprints.

Competencies, Knowledge and Skills 

• Attention to Detail—Maintains constant awareness of surroundings and ensure tasks are completed carefully and accurately.
• Communication—Communicates well both orally and in writing with a wide variety of people.
• Adaptability—Ability to effectively adjust to changing priorities and demands.
• Initiative—Persists despite difficult conditions and to make suggestions for improvements.
• Reliable—Dependable in performing work-related duties and prioritizing assigned projects to ensure deadlines are met.
• Safety—Ability to learn, understand and comply with SURF’s safety program and properly use required personal protection equipment.
• Teamwork—Works cooperatively and supports others in the workgroup.

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 surface and underground environments at depths up to 5000 feet, which may include exposure to extreme conditions, confined spaces, and varying temperatures.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, dust, noise, and potentially hazardous conditions typical of underground mining operations.
• The noise level in this work environment is moderately loud and may require hearing protection.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed.
• 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
• 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

Job Information

Supervisory Duties: No

Direct Reports: N/A.

Work Arrangements: On-Site

Hours: 7-on 7-off; 12.5hrs shifts

Travel Required: 0%

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.