Environmental Safety Health Experiment and Construction Safety Specialist

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Environmental Safety Health (ESH) Experiment and Construction Safety Specialist provides leadership and technical expertise in the implementation and management of the ESH program related to the planning, implementation, and operations of science and construction experiments and projects at SURF. The Specialist works closely with SDSTA staff, science collaborations and contractors to ensure that safety, health, and sound environmental practices are a central focus of science and construction 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:

Experiment and Construction Safety

• Manages onsite experiments and construction projects as Safety Point of Contact (POC) or designates personnel from the ESH department as POC.
• Serves as the technical expert in executing the ESH work planning and control process including reviewing and approving its associated documents.
• Coordinates with the science or contractor’s safety liaison on ESH-related items.
• Provides expertise and leadership in anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of health/safety hazards and related compliance at the site.
• Develops and enforces policies, procedures, programs, standards and design criteria affecting safety of experiments and construction at SURF.
• Directs science personnel and contractors to adhere to all safety requirements.
• Reviews and approves health and safety plans and procedures prepared by experimenters or contractors.
• Implements and maintains standard policies and procedures for experiment and construction safety.
• Encourages, reinforces, and supports experimenters and contractors for desirable safety behaviors in accordance with the SURF ESH Manual.
• Supports strong communications with SURF management, science collaborators and contractors to ensure hazards are identified and managed.
• Conducts regular inspections at the experiment or construction site to ensure compliance and promote hazard prevention.

Reporting and Data Management

• Prepares and submits accident reports in accordance with applicable standards and regulatory requirements
• Reviews incident data and metrics to identify trends and recommend corrective action to address.
• Proactively meets KPI requirements to reduce exposure and control risk.

Other Essential Functions

• Leads and/or participates in investigations related to incidents, unsafe acts and conditions, and near misses using effect root cause analysis techniques; communicate findings and trends as appropriate.
• Provides assistance with ESH projects through data analysis, data organization and participating in field inspections.
• Acts as key team member on the evaluation team in the contractor selection process.
• Maintains consistent and reliable attendance.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education

• A bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, safety, or a closely related discipline or equivalent experience is preferred.

Certifications and Licenses

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or related certification.

Experience

• Five plus years of laboratory health and safety experience in developing and implementing experiment/construction health and safety programs for a large federal/public or private organization, or similar organizations.

Competencies, Knowledge and Skills 

• Adaptability—Ability to effectively adjust to changing priorities and demands and work independently to solve problems and keep management informed of progress and status. Ability to accept criticism from review panels tactfully and to adjust plans as appropriate.
• Attention to Detail—Ability to maintain constant awareness of surroundings and ensure tasks are completed carefully, accurately and safely.
• Communication—Communicates effectively and clearly with a wide range of audiences in both written and oral form. Ability to present complex topics simply and appropriately to review panels, scientists, and senior agency officials.
• Decision Making—Ability to assess situations, evaluate options, choose the most appropriate course of action, and effectively communicate decisions to staff.
• Initiative—Ability to persist despite difficult conditions and to make suggestions for improvements.
• Influence—Ability to gain acceptance or support for ideas, projects and solutions.
• Mentoring—Ability to advise and instruct staff in the development of environment, health, and safety skills to assist in furthering their abilities as safety professionals.
• Organization—Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, and keep order and coordinate numerous activities including coordination of priorities to staff.
• Safety—Ability to learn, understand and comply with SDSTA’s safety program. 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, work at height, confined spaces, dust, and varying temperatures.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in most areas where scientific activities are performed, but moderately loud in some other areas, and may require hearing protection.
• The organization 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.
• Use of 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 and collaborators.
• Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures.
• Sitting for extended periods of time while using a computer.
• Occasional standing, walking, climbing up and down flights of stairs, and otherwise moving around the office to perform tasks
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods.
• Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses).
• Dexterity to operate office equipment such as computers, printers, and telephones.
• Perform occasional physical labor and light lifting up to 20 pounds.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Job Information

Supervisory Duties:  No

Direct Reports:  N/A.

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.