Maintenance Specialist (UN747)

Black Hills Energy is people powered and purpose driven. Our team uses the power of energy to improve life for over one million customers in 800+ communities across the West and Midwest. We seek talented, caring people who embody our core values and contribute to a culture of inclusion and growth.

About the role

The Maintenance Specialist will be responsible for installing steel and polyethylene (PE) mains, fabricating metering facilities, and overseeing related construction. This role requires a thorough understanding of natural gas principles and distribution systems to ensure the safe delivery of natural gas from town border stations to our customers. Responsibilities include performing maintenance, repair, construction, and emergency activities to maintain the safe and efficient operation of the natural gas distribution system.

Responsibilities

• Install, relocate, replace, maintain, and repair gas lines.
• Act as primary operator of backhoe, excavator, and other large equipment.
• Inspect pipeline and structural welding required for construction and maintenance of Company facilities, including the installation, operation, and maintenance of distribution and transmission facilities.
• Proficient operation of equipment and tools associated with everyday work.
• Perform and document pipeline safety maintenance activities.
• Accomplish customer service, installation, construction, maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting related to pipeline systems, measurement, appliances, and associated equipment.
• Responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of all facilities and equipment, including pipeline right-of-way (excavation, repairing, coating, backfilling pipelines, concrete work, painting, building erection, weed control, etc.).
• Locate and mark facilities per Company Damage Prevention Program and One-Call procedures prior to and during encroachments and excavations.
• Perform pipeline patrols, population density surveys, leak detection surveys, and inspections per company procedures.
• Coordinate local Damage Prevention activities.
• Provide oversight and inspection to ensure asset protection and compliance with company procedures of excavation activities near pipeline facilities.
• Be available for and provide emergency response and/or participate in on-call rotation after regular business hours.
• Participate in quality emergency responder programs.
• Represent the Company during contacts with landowners/tenants, public officials, emergency officials, and local organization meetings (e.g., One-Call, Pipeline Group, Soil Conservation).
• Perform governmental compliance activities (PHMSA, State Agencies, EPA, USFS, etc.).
• Perform all applicable mapping, documentation, record keeping, and data entry duties per company policies.
• Identify, report, and correct safety and environmental concerns.
• Participate in the development of O&M Procedures, Site Specific Procedures, project scopes, and work plans.
• Complete all applicable documentation and record keeping.
• Perform all work in compliance with Company Standards, procedures, regulatory, and tariff requirements.
• Maintain a high regard for personal safety, the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.
• May be required to work non-traditional hours as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• CDL License within 180 days of hire.
• Applicable company and regulatory fusion certifications.
• Ability to achieve and maintain all Operator Qualifications and progression requirements applicable to the job classification.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work from written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisors, keep required job schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
• Possess basic computer and math skills.
• Ability to interface directly with customers professionally, providing a high degree of customer satisfaction.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Secondary education or equivalent experience (desired).
• Experience in natural gas system maintenance and construction (desired).
• Basic mechanical and construction skills (desired).
• Knowledge, experience, and ability to work within safe handling practices of flammable gases, liquids, and high-pressure systems (desired).
• General knowledge of regulatory and relief valves found on project lines, main lines, and general meter sets (desired).
• Knowledge of company policies and practices, and regulatory and tariff requirements (desired).

Note: The KSAs listed as “desired” indicate the level of proficiency upon hire at Level 1. Upon hire and completion of training, these KSAs transition to “required” for the higher Maintenance Specialist levels.

Pay

$25.63 - $42.26 per hour (Determined by the current Collective Bargaining Agreement).

Benefits

• Annual discretionary bonuses.
• 401(k) (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, and group hospital insurance.
• Pet insurance.
• Employee assistance program and well-being benefits.
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance.

About our Company

We are a customer, growth, and safety-focused utility company dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3,000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).