Sr Heavy Equipment Operator (Farmington, MN)

Pipeline Equipment Operator

The purpose of this position is to provide skilled equipment operation on the special projects construction team performing pipeline repairs and new construction activities on field operations projects throughout the pipeline system in a safe and efficient manner and within Company and regulatory agency procedures.

Responsibilities

• Work with a construction team on projects anywhere on Northern's pipeline system in the performance of construction activities requiring the need for earth moving or heavy hauling equipment (i.e., trucks, trailers, dozers, backhoes, end loaders and other specialized equipment).
• Senior level operator will also be expected to read and interoperate construction drawings, identify and procure resources, effectively lead crews of 5+ company and/or contract personnel and ensure quality communication by providing high level updates to all stakeholders and supervisors.
• Operate equipment to expose underground facilities, sometimes in excess of 16 feet, for inspection, maintenance, repair or new construction purposes.
• Requires operation of excavating equipment over high pressure and occasionally leaking natural gas transmission lines.
• Fulfill the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirement of competent person when excavating.
• Required to assist in installing, repairing and maintaining of operational equipment such as piping, valves, meters, relief valves and regulators.
• Operate work equipment, power tools, hand tools, and specialized instruments used in operations, maintenance and repair of facilities.
• Ensure compliance with project specifications, codes, safety standards and Northern Natural Gas operating procedures.
• Utilize computers and e-mail for internal and external communication, record keeping, online reporting, material and supply ordering and filing of various forms.
• Participate in team budgeting, planning and decision making.
• Required to assist field operations teams with pipeline associated tasks such as: pipeline leak repairs, pipeline maintenance, town border stations, relief valves and farm taps when construction activities stop or are impaired due to weather or other conditions.
• Maintain records for required state, federal, and company procedures.
• Maintain environmental standards and records.
• Perform any additional responsibilities as requested or assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent education.
• Must have minimum of 5 years direct industry related experience to be considered for senior level operator.
• Effectively work in a directed team environment that includes shared responsibilities; establish and maintain good working relationships with team members, landowners, contractors and customers; support team and company objectives, and be willing to work in any and all areas of operations as requested.
• Must possess a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement.
• Ability to read and interpret operating manuals and engineering standards.
• Must be willing to work required overtime, travel to offsite construction locations, sometimes for long periods of time.
• Subject to Department of Transportation drug and alcohol related regulations and testing.
• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills. Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Basic understanding of windows programs and computer skills. Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must be willing to work overtime including holidays, weekends and extended days.
• Must be willing to work away from home on occasion for extended periods of time.
• Subject to 24-hour call-out, 7 days per week, will be required a company provided cell phone.
• Exposure to hazardous conditions, adverse weather, cramped conditions, and heavy lifting.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.

About Us

BHE Pipeline Group consists of Berkshire Hathaway Energy's interstate natural gas pipeline companies, BHE GT&S, Kern River Gas Transmission Company and Northern Natural Gas Company. Combined, BHE Pipeline Group operates approximately 21,200 miles of pipeline with a design capacity of approximately 21.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, owns assets in 27 states and is an industry leader in natural gas transportation. BHE Pipeline Group also operates 22 natural gas storage facilities with a total working gas capacity of 515.6 billion cubic feet and a liquefied natural gas export, import and storage facility.

About the Team

Northern Natural Gas is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

Job Info

• Job Identification 10005057
• Job Category Pipeline Operations
• Posting Date 05/20/2026, 08:43 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations Farmington, MN, United States
• Pay Range $37.12 - $46.39
• Sponsorship No - Must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.
• Business Northern Natural Gas Company