Emergency Response Team (ERT) Field Technician

South Dakota Science and Technology AuthorityLead, SD
$27 - $39Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED is required.
  • National Registry or South Dakota EMR, EMT, AEMT or Paramedic is required or able to attain within one year.
  • 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 working in mining industry or related field.
  • 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

Nice To Haves

  • 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.

Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • Maintains consistent and reliable attendance.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
© 2026 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service