Infrastructure Technician

Job Overview

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Infrastructure Technician works in the Operations Division under the Hoists & Shafts Department and is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repair of surface and underground structures to ensure a safe environment and stable structure.

• Maintaining and constructing underground structures and systems
• Maintains and repairs existing structures (shaft steel and timber, ventilation, drainage, water, etc.) to ensure safety and compliance.
• Reads and follows blueprints drafted by engineers to ensure proper placement and structure.
• Constructs new underground structures (drills, blasts, mucks, rock bolts, etc.).
• Builds and repairs track for track mounted equipment (pulleys, carts, etc.).
• Installs and repairs pipes containing air, water, etc.
• Ensures upkeep of ventilation system, underground water treatment facility, drainage system and other underground support systems.
• General Construction: uses hand tools to manually remove, replace or repair large pieces of timber or steel structure that could weigh more than 100 pounds.
• Rock Bolting:
  Uses a jackleg machine weighing 100 pounds to install rock bolts within shaft.
• Material Handling:
  By manual means, removes large amounts of debris, muck and boulders from shaft; often times boulders will weigh in excess of 100 pounds.

• Loads skips & cages with materials and equipment.
• Records number of containers and personnel.
• Calculates capacities and estimates weight to prepare for hoisting.
• Moves loads on and off conveyances.
• Makes necessary notifications when cage is used to carry personnel.
• Plans and prioritizes (in conjunction with other staff) the materials and personnel being raised/lowered in the cage.

• Reports material inventories to ensure proper material orders.
• Stages and coordinates transport of materials.
• Gives directions to other workers in loading of cage to ensure conformance to safety regulations.
• Maintains supply storage areas, equipment and supplies, such as fire extinguishers, lamps and batteries.
• Assists in setting up and operating a variety of equipment and other machinery.
• Records material intake and usage.
• Monitors air and gas levels within the underground.
• Assists in general duties:
  Assists engineers and technicians in data collection for analysis, collects samples to be used in Science research and disposes of waste.

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

• High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.

• N/A.

• Experience in general construction practices, concrete work, timber framing, etc.
• Experience in the mining industry or related field (including shaft inspection and repair) is preferred.
• Experience operating heavy machinery and equipment.
• Experience and understanding of environment, safety and health policies (application of safety equipment).
• Demonstrated experience reading and interpreting blueprints.

• 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.
• Initiative—Persists despite difficult conditions and makes suggestions for improvements.
• Reliable—Dependable in performing work-related duties and prioritizing assigned projects to ensure deadlines are met. Keeps absences to a minimum and is punctual.
• Safety—Ability to learn, understand, and comply with the SDSTA’s safety programs.
• Teamwork—Work cooperatively and support others in the workgroup.

• Perform work in the SURF underground environment at depths up to 5,000 feet.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, dust, noise, and potentially hazardous conditions typical of underground mining operations.
• The noise level in this work…