Distribution Tech Prog 1-8 - L132 - GRP

DTE Energy; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 33,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

DTE Energy in Grand Rapids is actively seeking candidates for a Distribution Operator role within the Local 132C union bargaining unit. The job involves leading a crew on construction and maintenance tasks, inspecting work, fusing plastic mains, and performing gas-related installations outdoors in varying weather.

Qualified applicants will have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license with a clean record, pass DOT tests, and be able to obtain CDL A with Air Brake Endorsement.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Must have a valid driver’s license with a good driving record (eight points or less).
• Must pass DOT Drug Test, DOT Physical, and respirator fit test.
• Must pass pre-employment assessments and background check.
• Must obtain/possess CDL A with Air Brake Endorsement or be willing to obtain a temporary permit.

Responsibilities

• Lead a crew of up to five on construction or maintenance work.
• Inspect contractor work and perform gas main tie-ins and fusing of plastics.
• Operate and maintain equipment in distribution shops and oversee safety checks.
• Prepare sketches and records for permits and bid restrictions as required.

Skills

Valid driver’s license

Physical strength

Good communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

DTE is one of the nation’s largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customer’s homes and Michigan’s progress for more than a century. And as Michigan’s largest source of renewable energy, we’re creating a cleaner, healthier environment to power our future. We’re also serving communities beyond Michigan, where our affiliated businesses offer renewable energy, emission control technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states.

But we’re more than a leading energy company... and working at DTE is more than just a job. At DTE, we take great care of each other and our customers, and we use our energy to be a force for growth and prosperity in our communities. When you join us, you’ll be part of a team that welcomes, recognizes, and celebrates differences and values everyone’s health, safety, and wellbeing. Are you ready to make that kind of difference? Bring your energy to DTE. Together, we can achieve great things.

Testing Required:

Gas Test

Number of Positions:

4

Apply By:

March 2, 2026

Location:

3 Mile Road - Grand Rapids

Pay Range:

$24.00 - $44.87

Bidding Restriction:

Per CBA

Job Summary

THIS POSITION IS REPRESENTED BY LOCAL 132C INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL WORKERS UNION COUNCIL BARGAINING UNIT. Employees with bidding restrictions on their current position should not apply. Supervisors are responsible for notifying the Staffing Specialist if an employee is restricted from bidding on open positions.

Key Accountabilities

This classification requires that an employee shall be able to perform the following described duties: lead a crew of up to five (5) (including the designated lead employee) on any type of construction or maintenance work, inspection of contractor work, finishing cement and asphalt; constructing and installing vaults; pipe locating in any area, operating and maintaining equipment in the Distribution machine shop or blacksmith shops; lead a crew making gas main tie-ins of any pressure; fuse 6" and 8" plastic; fuse branch saddle tie-ins; investigation of services and distribution grid system main extensions; investigating customer charge orders and changing position of meters, investigation of construction work of others to make recommendations to prevent interference with gas facilities, and main investigation up to 4" 10#(lb.), changing district and station regulator charts; operate all construction and maintenance vehicles and equipment, lead a prospecting crew in all areas; re-lighting of all domestic appliances, including space heating when interrupted by Distribution employees or third parties; make neat and accurate sketches to be submitted with applications for construction permits and records pertinent to all work performed, temporarily replace an employee of higher classification during his or her absence; and perform all duties prescribed for the Distribution Operator I/Operator II classification including the following: Fitting and mechanical work; use of all pertinent tools and equipment; fusing all plastic piping, use of gas leak detectors and other work incidental to prospecting and leak surveys. Lead a grading and seeding crew of equal or lower grade. Use of gas leak detectors to perform and classify for leak surveys. Pipe locating in any area to be used for drop lines only. NEW HIRES/TRANSFEREES into Distribution Division will be assigned to a repair crew for the first two and one-half (2-1/2) years (calendar years). This position requires working outdoors in varying weather conditions, a lot of physical strength, hand eye coordination and endurance. Successful candidate(s) will be on a bidding restriction of one (1) year within home division.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Must have a valid driver’s license with a good driving record (eight points or less)
• Successful candidate(s) must pass the DOT Drug Test, DOT Physical, and respirator fit test
• Must pass the required testing
• Must pass the required training
• Successful candidate(s) must complete a Background Check.
• Must successfully pass all pre-employment assessment(s).
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid operators and Group A Commercial Driver’s License (CDLA) with Air Brake Endorsement. If successful candidate(s) does not already possess a valid CDL A, the candidate(s) will be required to obtain a Temporary Permit (TIP) during the pre-hire steps.
• Must be able to be certified to wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Must be willing and able to accept odd shifts, on-call, emergency assignments and work overtime per the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
• Must be able to lift and move equipment weighing approximately 95lbs

(jackhammer).

• Must be able to climb in and out of excavation holes.
• Must be able to communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to use a variety of hand tools (i.e. shovels, rakes, sledge hammers, brooms, etc.) requiring upper body forces up to 40 lbs.

Preferred

• Experience in Natural Gas Distribution Operations including the installation, maintenance or repair of underground gas mains and services.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, pipeline safety regulations and underground construction practices.
• Excavation or construction experience.

Additional Qualifications

PRIVACY NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA JOB APPLICANTS

At DTE Energy, we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We seek individuals with a heart for service, a passion to help our communities prosper, and ideas to help shape the future of energy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity, employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal and/or state laws.