Cranes and Rigging Foreman

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Cranes and Rigging Foreman oversees the planning, training, execution, and management of crane and rigging operations at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). Ensures the SDSTA crane and rigging protocols meet or exceed applicable codes and standards. Collaborates with engineering, operations, and maintenance departments to support project requirements and minimize risks associated with overhead lifting / rigging activities. The Cranes and Rigging Foreman leads in a manner that fosters a positive work environment for rigging operations and SURF stakeholders.

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:

Maintenance

• Develop and manage the inspection, maintenance, and certification program related to on site cranes and rigging components.
• Utilize Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to plan, coordinate, and document crane/rigging inspections and maintenance activities.
• Ensure condition of onsite cranes meet applicable codes and standards.
• Work with third-party vendors for support of inspections and maintenance as necessary.
• Work with engineering on crane upgrade projects as needed.

Operation

• Assists in the development and oversees the creation of lift procedures and critical lift permits to ensure compliance with the requirements of the SDSTA and our partners.
• Develop and enhance crane and rigging policies and procedures.
• Ensure that the use of cranes by SDSTA employees and contractors complies with SDSTA's established policies and procedures.
• Maintain crane and rigging inventory to support the needs of the facility.

Training/Safety

• Work with ESH department to ensure that personnel receive proper training for the inspection and use of cranes and rigging.
• Assist with maintaining of training logs to ensure training stays up to date.
• Identify and implement methods of hazard reduction with respect to crane/rigging activities.

Supervising staff

• Evaluates workload to plan and assign work.
• Sets and communicates performance standards and expectations.
• Reviews, evaluates and addresses job performance.
• Reviews and approves leave requests and time forms.

Other Essential Functions

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

Education

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent technical experience is required. 

Certifications and Licenses

• Master Rigger Certification or willing to obtain within 2 years of employment. 

Experience

• At least six years of experience working with cranes and rigging.
• Working knowledge of industry standards related to rigging and material handling including OSHA 1910 and ASME B30 series.
• Experience with program management is highly desired.
• Experience with maintenance planning with CMMS is desired.
• Previous supervisory/team leadership experience, preferred.

Competencies, Knowledge and Skills 

• Decision Making—Ability to assess situations, evaluate options, and choose most appropriate course of action and effectively communicate decisions to staff.
• Problem-Solving—Demonstrated ability to research and analyze complex information and communicate it effectively and accurately and identify, prioritize and generate innovative ideas and solutions when troubleshooting and solving problems.
• Communication—Communicates effectively and clearly with a wide range of audiences in both written and oral form.
• Attention to Detail—ability to maintain constant awareness of surroundings and ensure tasks are completed carefully and accurately.
• Organization—Plans ahead and works in a systematic, organized way. Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time and meet deadlines.
• Adaptability—Ability to effectively adjust to changing priorities and demands.
• Initiative—ability to persist despite difficult conditions and to make suggestions for improvements.
• Safety—Ability to learn, understand, and enforce with the SDSTA’s safety programs.
• Teamwork—Works cooperatively and support others in the workgroup.
• Reliable—Dependable in performing work-related duties and prioritizing assigned projects to ensure deadlines are met. Keeps absences to a minimum and is punctual.

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 office, surface, and underground environments at depths up to 5000 feet, which may include exposure to extreme conditions, confined spaces, and varying temperatures.
• Perform work in a typical office environment which includes individual workstations, shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and common areas such as a break room and kitchen.
• The noise level is generally low to moderate in typical of an office setting and moderately loud when on the surface or underground, and may require hearing protection.
• The office is well-lit with a combination of natural and artificial lighting to ensure a comfortable working environment.
• The office maintains a controlled temperature environment, with heating and air conditioning systems to ensure comfort throughout the year.
• Ergonomic office furniture and equipment are provided to support employee health and well-being.
• 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 and collaborators.
• Sitting for extended periods of time while using a computer
• Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)
• Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• 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.
• 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.
• Occasional standing, walking, climbing up and down flights of stairs, and otherwise moving around the office to perform tasks.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Job Information

Supervisory Duties:  Yes

Direct Reports:  Rigging Specialist

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.