Maintenance Specialist (74NE)

Black Hills Energy; Holdrege (NE); On-site; USD 36,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual discretionary bonuses

401(k) plan with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Generous paid time off

Life insurance

Disability benefits

Pet insurance

Job summary

Black Hills Energy is seeking a Maintenance Specialist in Holdrege, Nebraska. You will install and maintain gas lines, fabricate metering facilities, and oversee related construction while ensuring safe distribution of natural gas.

Responsibilities include operating heavy equipment, performing inspections, and participating in emergency response and on‑call duties. A CDL and qualification progression are required, with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• CDL license required within 180 days of hire.
• Able to obtain Operator Qualifications and progression requirements.
• Safe handling of flammable gases and high‑pressure systems.

Responsibilities

• Install, relocate, replace, maintain and repair gas lines.
• Operate backhoe, excavator and related equipment safely.
• Perform pipeline safety maintenance and inspections per procedure.
• Coordinate with Damage Prevention programs and One-Call.
• Respond to emergencies and participate in on‑call rotation.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Backhoe operation

Excavator operation

Pipeline locating tools

Job description

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:

The Maintenance Specialist will be responsible for installing steel and polyethylene (PE) mains, fabricating metering facilities, and overseeing related construction. This role requires a thorough understanding of natural gas principles and distribution systems to ensure the safe delivery of natural gas from town border stations to our customers. Responsibilities include performing maintenance, repair, construction, and emergency activities to maintain the safe and efficient operation of the natural gas distribution system. Assignments may involve maintenance, repair, construction, or a combination of these tasks as directed.

Pay Range: $25.63 - $42.26 per hour (Determined by the current Collective Bargaining Agreement)

Reporting Relationship: Gas Operations Supervisor

Location: Holdrege, Nebraska

Essential Functions

• Responsible for 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.
• Proficient operations of equipment and tools associated with everyday work.
• Perform and document pipeline safety maintenance activities.
• Act as primary operator of backhoe, excavator, and other large equipment
• Accomplish customer service, installation, construction, maintenance, testing and troubleshooting related to pipeline systems, measurement, appliances, and associated equipment
• Responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of all facilities and equipment, including pipeline right-of-way, including, but not limited to excavation, repairing, coating and backfilling pipelines, concrete work, painting, building erection, weed control, etc.
• Locate and mark facilities per Company Damage Prevention Program and One-Call procedures prior to and during encroachments and excavations.
• Perform pipeline patrols, population density surveys, leak detection surveys and inspection per company procedures.
• Coordinate local Damage Prevention activities
• Provide oversight and inspection to ensure asset protection and compliance with company procedures of excavation activities near pipeline facilities
• Be available for and provide emergency response and/or participate in on-call rotation after regular business hours.
• Participates in quality emergency responder programs.
• Represent the Company during contacts with landowner/tenant, public official, emergency official and local organization (i.e. One-Call, Pipeline Group, Soil Conservation, etc.) meetings.
• Perform governmental compliance activities (PHMSA, State Agencies, EPA, USFS, etc.)
• Perform all applicable mapping, documentation, record keeping and data entry duties per company policies.
• Identify report and correct safety and environmental concerns.
• Participate in the development of O&M Procedures, Site Specific Procedures, project scopes and work plans.
• Complete all applicable documentation and record keeping
• Perform all work in compliance with Company Standards, procedures, regulatory and tariff requirements.
• Demonstrate performance toward operational excellence.

Additional Responsibilities

• Must maintain a high regard for personal safety, for the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.
• May be required to work non-traditional hours as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

What Is Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• CDL License within 180 days of hire.
• Applicable company fusion certifications.
• Knowledge and experience in safe handling practices of flammable gases, liquids, and high-pressure systems.
• Ability to achieve and maintain all Operator Qualifications and progression requirements applicable to the job classification.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work from written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work with a team, take directions from supervisors, keep required job schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
• Possess basic computer and math skills.
• Ability to interface directly with customers professionally providing a high degree of customer satisfaction.
• Note: The KSAs listed as "desired" indicate the level of proficiency upon hire at Level 1. Upon hire and completion of training, these KSAs transition to "required" for the higher Maintenance Specialist levels.
• 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

• Secondary education or equivalent experience
• Experience in natural gas system maintenance and construction
• Maintenance Specialist Experience required Time in position before advancement based on successful demonstration of KSAs Level 1 (entry) 0 years 9 months / 0.75 years Level 2 9 months / 0.75 years 12 months / 1 year Level 3 21 months / 1.75 years 12 months / 1 year Level 4 33 months / 2.75 years 24 months / 1 year Level 5 (top) 57 months / 4.75 years n/a - indefinite
• Basic mechanical and construction skills
• Knowledge, experience, and ability to work within safe handling practices of flammable gases, liquids, and high-pressure systems
• General knowledge of regulatory and relief valves found on project lines, main lines, and general meter sets
• Knowledge of company policies and practices, and regulatory and tariff requirements desirable.

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 [e-mail].

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 direct your inquiries to the Talent Team at [e-mail].