Yates Shaft Superintendent

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Yates Shaft Superintendent directs all shaft construction, maintenance and operations activities to ensure safe and efficient underground access in accordance with established Yates Shaft requirements. The Yates Shaft Superintendent reports to the Hoists and Shafts Director and provides direct supervision of Yates Shaft Foremen. The Yates Shaft Superintendent leads in a manner that fosters a positive work environment for Yates Shaft crews and SURF stakeholders. The Yates Shaft Superintendent also ensures Yates Shaft Foreman are positively leading efforts as the primary contact to key stakeholders on site for coordinating activities associated with Yates Shaft access and activities.

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:

Planning, scheduling and supervising shaft construction and project activities

• Determines priorities of shaft project related work based on needs of the facility and its users while ensuring safe operation and access is not compromised.
• Prepares schedules and timelines for projects and manages activities.
• Periodically reviews the progress of projects and verifies quality and cost effectiveness of work.

Planning, scheduling, supervising, and inspects routine maintenance and shaft operations

• Prepares routine maintenance schedules.
• Oversees removal of snow and parking lot maintenance.
• Monitors environmental management systems to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective use of HVAC equipment while maximizing energy conservation.
• Ensures adequate supplies and equipment are available for current and forecasted needs.
• Oversees custodial, grounds and building security activities to ensure facilities are clean, hygienic, safe and present a neat appearance.
• Inspects and ensures the proper working order of all safety equipment and all tools and equipment used for Yates Shaft activities.

Monitoring contractor performance to ensure compliance with contract and quality requirements

• Provides technical details of requests for proposals and bid specifications.
• Reviews and approves contractor plans and schedules.
• Reviews progress and inspects completed work to ensure quality and contract compliance.

Documenting maintenance and distributing reports

• Develops a system for documenting maintenance activities.
• Tracks and documents maintenance activities, blueprints, maps, and appropriate schematics to ensure an accurate representation of facility status is maintained and available for reference.
• Compiles and distributes progress notes and final inspection reports.

Supervises staff

• Evaluates workload to plan and assign work.
• Ensures all Yates Shaft employees are trained in relevant SDSTA SOPs, JHAs, and programs/policies.
• Sets and communicates performance standards and expectations.
• Reviews, evaluates and addresses job performance.
• Reviews and approves leave requests and time forms.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Certifications and Licenses

• N/A.

Experience

• Five years of experience planning and managing construction and maintenance of major facility infrastructure. Experience in underground infrastructure is highly desired.
• Knowledge of methods, practices, tools, and materials used in maintenance, repair of mine shafts and related infrastructure.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Competencies, Knowledge and Skills

• Adaptability—Ability to effectively adjust to changing priorities and demands.
• Attention to Detail—Ability to maintain constant awareness of surroundings and ensure tasks are completed carefully and accurately.
• Communication—Ability to communicate effectively and clearly with a wide range of audiences in both written and oral form.
• Influence—Ability to gain acceptance or support for ideas, projects and solutions.
• Initiative—Ability to persist despite difficult conditions and to make suggestions for improvements.
• Organization—Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, and keep order and coordinate numerous activities.
• 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 SDSTA's safety programs. Willing to accept and enforce strict safety practices.

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: Yes

Direct Reports: Yates Shaft Foreman; Underground Operations Logistical Coordinator/Infrastructure Technician

Work Arrangements: On-Site

Hours: M-F; 7AM - 4PM

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.