Utility Specialist

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

This Utility Specialist role is primarily focused on developing foundational skills in natural gas utility operations, with key responsibilities in locating underground gas facilities, meter reading, and resolving metering issues. Utility line locating will be the primary function of this position, accounting for approximately 80-90% of the workload. The position will gradually transition into a broader range of operations work, including aspects of meter installations, credit and collection activities, and regulated compliance activities. This role offers substantial opportunities for growth and skill development across natural gas operations and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Respond to utility locate requests and accurately mark underground natural gas facilities in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Perform meter reading activities.
• Investigate and resolve meter read discrepancies.
• Report gas leaks on service lines, broken meters, and service seals which are observed in the course of work.
• Installation of Natural Gas meters.
• Promote safety in all phases of the operations.
• Perform gas leak and AC surveys.
• Provide requested after-hours (on call) services as required.
• Read meters and assist with resolving discrepancies identified during meter-reading cycles.
• Provide operational support to install, remove, and replace gas meters, complete meter routines, and turn-on and shut-off activities as needed.
• Contact customers concerning collection on delinquent accounts as needed.
• May receive company training in gas operations or appliance repair.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• No experience required. Training provided.
• This position requires driving responsibilities. You must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets company and insurer standards.

Qualifications

• Familiarity of Black Hills service territory and the surrounding area.
• Ability to accurately read meters and enter reads on keyboard.
• Good customer relation skills.
• Ability to be flexible and work where needed.
• Perform basic computer skills.
• Excellent teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and utilize company resources.

About the company

We are a customer, growth, and safety-focused utility company that is 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).

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

Pay

$23.39 - $35.24 per hour. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.