Associate Operations Technician or Operations Technician (UN204) (Must reside within 20 miles of Langworthy)

About the role

This is a two-year development program allowing entry into an Operations Technician role for applicants without requisite experience. Upon completion of training and demonstration of satisfactory skills through Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and the Operator Qualification (OQ) process, the Associate automatically moves into an Operations role. Candidates already qualified for the Operations Technician position may begin at that level.

Position purpose

Know and understand the principles of natural gas and distribution system to ensure safe delivery of natural gas from town border stations to customers. Perform maintenance, repair, construction, and emergency activities to ensure safe and efficient operation of the natural gas distribution system. May be assigned to perform maintenance and repair activities, construction activities, or a combination of both as directed.

Essential functions

• Utilizes effective verbal and written communication skills
• Exercises effective interpersonal skills with colleagues and customers
• Follows all safety rules and keep work areas in clean condition
• Displays excellent communication and interpersonal skills to develop working relationships with maintenance and operations personnel in a team environment
• Has the ability to read meters accurately for proper customer billing

Additional responsibilities

• Attend safety meetings and other employee training as assigned
• May participate in community relations activities
• Must comply with Company's Motor Vehicle Operation Policy and Procedure

Requirements

Associate Operations Technician:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must hold and be able to maintain a valid Driver's License upon hire
• Ability to gain Commercial Driver's License (CDL) as part of future career trajectory
• Inspector Joiner Certification – Ability to obtain and maintain within 1 year
• Commitment to working safely
• Resides within designated location in accordance with Article 21 of the collective bargaining agreement

Operations Technician:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Three (3) years gas operations or equivalent work (technician level) experience
• Must hold and be able to maintain a valid Driver's License upon hire
• Ability to acquire and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and/or Hazmat endorsement
• Thorough knowledge of natural gas distribution system, policies, and procedures per company O&M manual
• Good oral and written communications skills
• Ability to work outside in all weather extremes
• Ability to effectively communicate with customers
• Ability to use hand tools, test equipment, CGI/gas detectors, pressure gauges, line locators
• Ability to operate major equipment including trenchers, backhoes, tapping, and stopping devices
• Ability to read maps and prints, layouts and fabricate work
• Ability to work/walking outside constantly lifting and digging
• Must be team oriented
• Demonstration of strong work ethic
• This position requires driving responsibilities – must hold and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record that meets company and insurer standards
• This role will be required to travel up to 10% of the time

Desired qualifications

• Gas Operations degree
• Team player mindset with ability to communicate effectively with peers and management
• Strong customer service focus
• Knowledge of principles of natural gas
• Mechanical skills
• Good decision-making skills
• Creative thinking on own with little supervision
• Decision-making skills related to safe operation of natural gas distribution system
• Ability to maintain customer on our service program and to sell new products and services as they become available

Pay

Determined by the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. Associate Operations Technician: $27.85 – $30.70 per hour. Operations Technician: $32.86 – $43.24 per hour.

Benefits

• Annual discretionary bonuses
• 401(k) with 6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave
• Company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term)
• Critical illness, accident & group hospital insurance
• Pet insurance
• Employee assistance program and well-being benefits
• Competitive medical, dental and vision insurance

Schedule and location

District Office: Manchester, IA. Work location starting from company assigned vehicle. Call Out Area: 20 – Langworthy. Residency Requirement: Must reside within 20 miles of Langworthy, Iowa. Reporting Relationship: Gas Operations Supervisor.