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JOB DETAILS

Security Guard

CompanySouth Dakota Science and Technology Authority
LocationLead
Work ModeOn Site
PostedOctober 7, 2026
About The Company
The Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) is operated by the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) with funding from the Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Our mission is to advance world class science and inspire learning across generations. Located in Lead, South Dakota, SURF advances our understanding of the universe by providing laboratory space deep underground, where sensitive physics experiments can be shielded from cosmic radiation. Researchers at SURF explore some of the most challenging questions facing 21st century physics, such as the origin of matter, the nature of dark matter and the properties of neutrinos. The facility also hosts experiments in other disciplines—including geology, biology and engineering. SURF is located at the former Homestake gold mine, which was a physics landmark long before being converted into a dedicated science facility. Nuclear chemist Ray Davis earned a share of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2002 for a Solar Neutrino Experiment he conducted 4,850 feet underground in the mine. Homestake closed in 2003, but the company donated the property to South Dakota in 2006 for use as an underground laboratory. That same year, philanthropist T. Denny Sanford donated $70 million to the project. The South Dakota Legislature also created the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority to operate the lab. The state Legislature has committed more than $40 million in state funds to the project, and South Dakota also obtained a $10 million Community Development Block Grant to help rehabilitate the facility. SURF welcomes respectful discussion related to our research, operations, and mission. Comments that fall outside these standards—including abusive language, off-topic posts, personal information, commercial promotion, or political activity—may be removed. Repeated violations may result in restricted access. View our full Community Guidelines here: https://sanfordlab.org/community-guidelines
About the Role

Description

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Security Guard is responsible for assisting in the prevention of theft, vandalism and illegal entry by controlling access to building entrances, patrolling the property and maintaining watch over the various buildings. The Security Guard may be tasked to respond to safety and security threats, and establish a security presence.


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:


Prevents theft, vandalism, and illegal entry to property

  • Monitors and controls access at entry gates and property entrances.
  • Checks against guard house daily visitor log.
  • Patrols buildings and property observing any out of the ordinary conditions.
  • Ensures doors, windows and gates are locked and secure.
  • Alerts manager of any threats to security.
  • Assists with escorting unauthorized individuals off the property.

Ensures a safe environment

  • Identifies and removes safety hazards.
  • Reports any broken equipment, locks, windows, etc. to property maintenance.
  • Records any out of the ordinary conditions and incidents.
  • Inventories and maintains safety supplies.
  • Assists with loss control processes.
  • Assists with removal of ice, snow, and debris from sidewalks, security gates and remote sites.
  • Ensures appropriate communications are conveyed and in a timely manner.

Assists in maintenance of access control system

  • Assists with maintaining badge access control system database.
  • Updates access requirements on surface and underground access points.
  • Installs, maintains and repairs locks.

Assists with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Outfits SDSTA employees and SURF contractors, users and visitors with proper PPE.
  • Cleans, maintains and repairs cap lamps, W65 self-rescuers, self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs) and other safety-related equipment.
  • Organizes, maintains and supplies two PPE rooms.

Transportation

  • Escort employees to the local medical facility for reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing, as needed.
  • Picks up and delivers supplies and materials for various departments, as needed.
  • Transports employees and visitors to all areas of the property, as needed.

Other Essential Functions

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

Requirements

Education

  • High school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Courses in security-related field, psychology, or sociology is helpful.

Certifications and Licenses

  • N/A.

Experience

  • Experience in security or related field is preferred.
  • Knowledge of public safety and security protocols.
  • Basic computer skills are required.

Competencies, Knowledge and Skills 

  • Communication Skills–Communicates well both orally and in writing with a wide variety of people. Ability to hear clearly via radio, phone and other communications.
  • Customer Service–Interacts professionally and courteously with visitors and addresses their needs in a pleasant and efficient manner.
  • Initiative–Ability to persist despite difficult conditions and makes suggestions for improvements.
  • Organization–Prioritizes tasks, manages time, keeps order and coordinates a variety of activities.
  • Safety–Willing to accept and enforce strict security and safety practices.
  • Situational Awareness–Ability to assess situations, evaluate options and choose most appropriate course of action.

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.
  • 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:  No

Direct Reports:  N/A.

Work Arrangements:  On-Site

Hours:  7-on 7-off; 12 hrs shifts or Mon-Fri; 40 hrs/week

Travel Required:  0%


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.

Key Skills
Security protocolsPublic safetyAccess controlPatrollingCommunication skillsCustomer serviceSituational awarenessEquipment maintenanceSafety complianceRecord keepingEmergency responseComputer skills
Categories
Security & SafetyScience & ResearchTransportationAdministrative
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Security Guard is responsible for preventing theft, vandalism, and illegal entry by patrolling the facility and controlling access points. They also assist with safety hazard removal, equipment maintenance, and escorting employees or visitors as needed.
📋Job Type
full time
💰Salary Range
$18 - $22
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
89
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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