Technical Lead

The expected hiring range for this position is:

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

LOCATED IN LEAD, SOUTH DAKOTA

ABOUT THE ROLE:

A Lead Technician is sought to join Fermilab’s Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) and Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) Project team. The LBNF/DUNE Project is hosted by Fermilab in Batavia, IL, but includes participation from universities and laboratories from around the world. The project includes construction of a beamline and near detector at Fermilab and a large underground detector at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, South Dakota. LBNF/DUNE project will design and construct one of the largest proposed neutrino experiments in the world over the next several years.

What your day-to-day as Lead Technician at Fermilab will look like:

• Coordinate technical aspects of the area of assignment including design, fabrication, assembly, implementation, testing, calibration and maintenance of a wide variety of highly complex equipment, support systems and devices.
• Generate, or assist in generating Hazard Analyses for work requiring such.
• Participate in organizational functions; develops best practice procedures, completes project documentation, technical notes and travelers. Contributes to the selection of plans, techniques, designs, layouts, cost estimates and scheduling of technical projects.
• Procure technical parts or equipment for assigned projects. Interacts with outside vendors, resolves technical problems. May conduct on-site vendor visits, and expedites deliveries. Orders parts, tooling, and supplies for assigned projects.
•  Enforce safety rules and regulations to provide for a safe working environment.
• Lead, train and assist technicians as assigned. May set goals, assign projects and contribute to performance appraisals for assigned technicians.
• Process and ship radioactive and chemical waste as assigned.
• Assist in the design and development of equipment and systems including providing engineering support activities to assigned projects or tasks.
• Analyze and explains results of projects in area of assignment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Abide by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and Laboratory policies, procedures and practices pertinent to this position.

1.    Technical Knowledge:

• Rigging Equipment: Expertise in using various rigging tools and equipment such as hoists, winches, slings, and shackles.
• Cranes: Understanding of different types of cranes (e.g., overhead, mobile, tower) and their operation.
• Load Calculation: Ability to calculate load weights, rigging configurations, and determine the appropriate equipment.

2.    Safety Compliance:

• Regulations: Knowledge of OSHA regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices related to rigging and crane operations.
• Hazard Identification: Skills in identifying potential hazards and implementing safety measures to mitigate risks.

3.    Leadership and Supervision:

• Team Coordination: Experience in leading and coordinating a team of riggers, ensuring tasks are completed safely and efficiently.
• Training: Ability to train and mentor junior riggers and new team members.

4.    Problem-Solving:

• Troubleshooting: Skills in diagnosing and solving issues that arise with rigging equipment or crane operations.
• Adaptability: Ability to adjust plans and techniques based on changing conditions or unexpected challenges.
• Communication:
• Coordination: Effective communication with team members, crane operators, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.
• Documentation: Skills in recording and reporting on rigging operations, safety inspections, and equipment maintenance.

Skills and Attributes for Success (one or multiple preferred):
1.    Certified Rigger (CR)

• Overview: Certification from organizations like the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) that verifies proficiency in rigging practices.
• Skills Covered: Load calculations, equipment inspection, and safe rigging techniques.

2.    NCCCO Rigger Level I and Level II

• Overview: The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) offers these certifications for various levels of rigging expertise.
• Level I: Covers basic rigging knowledge and skills.
• Level II: Advanced rigging techniques, including complex load handling and problem-solving.

3.    Crane Operator Certification

• Overview: While focused on crane operation, this certification is valuable for rigging leads to understand crane mechanics and operations.
• Certifying Body: NCCCO or similar organizations.

4.    OSHA Rigging Certification

• Overview: Provides training on safety regulations and practices as outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• Focus: Compliance with OSHA standards and regulations related to rigging and lifting.

Skills and Attributes for Success continued: HS degree (or technical certificate or equivalent) plus 12+ years of advanced expertise and experience in a highly technical function of strategic importance to a Laboratory project or experiment (e.g., cryo, radio frequency, radiation protection, clean room, etc.).

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Possesses and applies advanced and specialized knowledge of electrical, mechanical and/or ES&H technology concepts, practices and procedures.

May be required to legally operate a government vehicle.

WORK ARRANGEMENT:

Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Lead, SD project location.

PERKS & BENEFITS:

Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:
Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
Paid time off
Life insurance
Short and Long-term disability insurance
Retirement benefits 

Why Fermilab: 
Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening  

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.

Equal Opportunity Statement   

Fermilab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace by recruiting and developing its workforce without discrimination. Fermilab encourages and considers all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination based on any characteristics protected by law.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview. 

What To Expect Next:
We’ll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals. In the meantime, we encourage you to check us out on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or our About Us page.