Associate Operations Technician or Operations Technician (UN204)

Black Hills Energy; Council Bluffs (IA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual discretionary bonuses

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Black Hills Energy seeks an Associate Operations Technician in Council Bluffs, IA. This two-year development program leads to an Operations Technician role after training and KSAs/OQ. The position requires a high school diploma, a valid driver’s license, and CDL eligibility as part of career growth.

The role emphasizes safe work practices, teamwork, and hands-on field duties in natural gas distribution, with potential travel and a pathway to advanced responsibilities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license on hire and able to obtain CDL later.
• 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.
• Residence within 20-mile radius of Council Bluffs, IA as per area requirement.

Responsibilities

• Read meters accurately for proper customer billing.
• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Follow safety rules and keep work areas clean and organized.
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations personnel in a team environment.
• Attend safety meetings and training; participate in community relations activities as assigned.

Skills

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Safety awareness

Reading meters

Team oriented

Driving

Reading maps and prints

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Valid Driver's License upon hire

CDL eligibility planned

Inspector Joiner Certification (within 1 year)

Tools

Gas detectors

Pressure gauges

Line locators

Job description

Associate Operations Technician or Operations Technician (UN204)

Location: Council Bluffs, IA, United States

Job ID: 36477

Date Posted: Sep 28, 2026

Position will close at 12:00am CT on Oct 13, 2026

Work Location: Council Bluffs, IA

Call Out Area: Council Bluffs North

Residency Requirement: 20-mile radius of Council Bluffs (city limits)

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

The Associate Operations Technician is a two-year development program which allows for entry into an Operations Technician role for an applicant who does not have the requisite experience. Once the training period is completed and satisfactory skills are demonstrated through Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and the Operator Qualification (OQ) process, the Associate automatically moves into an Operations role.

Pay Range: Determined by the current Collective Bargaining Agreement

Associate Operations Technician: $27.85 - $30.70 per hour.

Operations Technician: $32.86 - $43.24 per hour.

Reporting Relationship: Gas Operations Supervisor

Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa

Essential Functions

• Utilizes e¿ective verbal and written communication skills.


• Exercises e¿ective 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.

What Is Required

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. 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 10% of the time.

What Is Desired

• 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.

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 dedicatedto our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuelsunique perspectives, opening doors to new insightsand possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3million 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 [emailprotected].

Black Hills Energydoes 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 direct your inquiries to the Talent Team at [emailprotected].

REQUESTING AN ACCOMMODATION

If you require reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or for any step in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Talent Team at [emailprotected].

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Black Hills Corporation is 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. Read a statement from our CEO about our commitment. Read our Aff...