Pantex Proud: Eric Sandifer
Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Eric Sandifer work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.
We all have someone we look up to, but Eric Sandifer looks down for inspiration.
"I have been most inspired by my kids," Sandifer said. "My youngest is a senior at Randall High and is about to graduate. All three of my children have really blossomed as they are entering adulthood and are finding their place in the world. It makes me really proud as a dad to see what they are doing and of the future they are making for themselves."
Sandifer learned during his time serving in the U.S. Army to find leaders he admired and to imitate and learn from them so he can provide a good example for others. This has clearly worked for his thriving children.
"I've done that my entire professional life," Sandifer said. "I try to be the example for others in my group that I mentor. It's vital to what we do. I want to pass what I have learned in my time here to the next generation of Environmental employees and keep the department strong."
Sandifer is an Environmental Projects senior specialist primarily working on the remediation of legacy contamination. After 13 years at Pantex, he says it's great to learn from others in the way they do things, but also recognizes that sometimes there are new and better ways to get the job done.
"When you first come on, you might have great ideas of how you can change and improve things," Sandifer said. "Pantex is a big ship and it takes a lot to change its course. Learn how your department and system works first, then suggest ways in which it can be improved. Learn how the wheel works before you try to build a new one."
Why is pride in the workplace and the work you do important?
The work Environmental Projects does is important because it fulfills regulatory requirements that allow the plant to remain operational. Pride in my workplace and what I do is what keeps me going when things get difficult.
What has been your proudest moment at Pantex to date?
My proudest moment at Pantex was when I was an environmental remediation technician. We had gotten all three of our facilities and all 70+ extraction wells operational at the same time. It was the first time ever and I am not sure if it has been done since. They are complex systems with a lot of components, so it was quite an achievement.
What do you think makes Pantex so special?
One thing I have learned is that pretty much everyone I have dealt with at Pantex has been helpful. Now, their answer might be “No” when you are trying to get approval for something, but everyone has been helpful in finding some solution.
Why is communication important for your team to succeed?
Good communication is vital in our group, whether it is between my colleagues, with my contractors, or with other people at the plant. It keeps us informed of what is happening, what needs to happen, and how what each of us are doing might affect other operations or projects.
What's your favorite outside of work activity and why?
My favorite activity is woodworking. I make and sell items at the Canyon Farmers Market, and I have made a lot of furniture for my family. I love the planning, troubleshooting, and completing projects. I love the process of knowing what you have, where you want to go, and figuring out how to get there.