Will Hover

Will Hover is a full-time member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) at SURF—and a third-generation worker at this historic site.

For the past six years, Will worked as an Infrastructure Technician at the Yates Shaft, helping maintain and rehab the vast underground infrastructure. He also served part-time on the ERT during that time. Now, following the completion of the Yates Shaft rehabilitation, he’s transitioned into ERT full-time.

Will grew up in a mining community and has been surrounded by the industry his entire life. That background makes his role at SURF feel like a natural fit. While the setting may be familiar, the purpose is unique. As Will puts it, the work he and his team do is “kind of like mining for science” by maintaining and supporting the underground infrastructure that makes cutting-edge research possible.

“We’re extremely safety-focused. It’s a pretty hazardous area where we work, and we’re always looking out for each other,” he said. “When your life depends on someone else, that really builds a strong bond.”

Will’s pride in his work runs deep. His grandfather worked here as a miner and diamond driller. His father, Woody Hover, was a motorman for Homestake and later served as the ERT supervisor at SURF. Will got the chance to serve alongside his dad on the ERT for five years.