Welder Operations Technician

Job Specifications

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. As an organization, we believe the best part of working on our team is our commitment to making tomorrow better than today—for our customers, communities and each other.

Position summary:

In this role the Operations Welder Technician will safely perform general gas distribution system maintenance, operation, and all facets of construction including welding installation of steel and polyethylene mains, fabrication of metering facilities.

Pay Range : $28.75 - $43.17 per hour (This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.)

Reporting Relationship: Supervisor of Operations

Location: Frederick, Colorado

Essential Functions:
• Coordinates the location of other utilities underground facilities relative to construction activities.
• Install facilities according to specifications such as trench depth/width, proper auguring, plowing and shoring.
• Inspect and supervise construction activities of gas contract construction crews.
• Maintain pipeline welding certifications and perform plastic fusion of mains and services and proper installation of mechanical fittings.
• Responsible for performing and inspecting pipeline and structural welding required for construction and maintenance of company facilities including the installation, operation and maintenance of all gas pipeline related facilities.
• Perform governmental compliance activities (PHMSA, State Agencies, EPA, USFS, etc.)
• Responsible for locating, coating, mapping, hot tapping, stopping, installing, relocating, replacing, maintaining, and repairing gas lines. Inspect pipeline and structural welding required for construction and maintenance of company facilities including the installation, operation and maintenance of distribution and transmission facilities.
• Provide oversight and inspection to ensure asset protection and compliance with company procedures of excavation activities near pipeline facilities.
• Responsible for inspection duties per company policies including completion of required documentation, as-built drawings, contractor oversight and supervision, act as company representative during construction activities, report progress to Operations Management and ensure accurate reporting and compliance with Safety and Environmental policies.

Additional Responsibilities:
• Perform general customer service activity including, but not limited to, turn-ons and turn-offs, replace meters, collect unpaid bills, investigate calls regarding gas leaks and carbon monoxide presence.
• Scheduled on-call rotation.
• Perform and train others in the safe and efficient operation of gas distribution systems.

What Is Required:
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Welding certification required within 4 months of hire.
• 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.
• This role will be required to travel up to 50% of the time.

What Is Desired:
• Comprehensive understanding of gas distribution construction, maintenance, system operations and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of odorization, meter sizing and general construction practices.
• Ability to read prints, layout projects and fabricate work, while meeting Black Hills Construction Standards.
• Ability to make required spontaneous decisions during emergency conditions that may affect the safety of other employees, contractors, and the public.
• Knowledge of basic properties of metals and plastic pipeline materials.
• Knowledge and experience in safe handling practices of flammable gases, liquids and high-pressure systems.
• Operate all plastic fusion equipment including all tools required for maintenance and emergency on plastic pipelines.
• Operate micrometers, calipers, and thickness testing equipment.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license with a safe driving record to allow operation of company vehicles.
• Obtain or maintain required AP 1104 steel welding certification.
• Ability to obtain and maintain PE fusion certificate.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our 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 3000 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).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package! 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 & group hospital insurance, pet insurance, an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. If there is anything that may show up in these reports that may conflict with the position requirements, feel free to contact the Black Hills Energy recruiting team at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.