Utility Project Planner

Montana-Dakota Utilities; Dickinson (ND); On-site; USD 73,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401k with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Montana-Dakota Utilities is hiring a Project Planner to manage design, estimation, and coordination of gas and electric construction projects. You will support district management, internal departments, and consultants while prioritizing safety and timely delivery.

You will develop feasibility studies, engage with developers and engineers, and drive approvals and budgeting across assignments in a dynamic energy environment.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of gas and/or electric utility operations
• Two years related energy industry experience

Responsibilities

• Ensures the timely completion of project design and estimating and post construction as-built reviews.
• Oversee scheduling and coordination of gas and/or electric construction and maintenance projects, coordinating teams and meeting deadlines efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Proactively builds and maintains relationships with developers and builders and researches local zoning plans and master planning reports to identify opportunities for customer growth.
• Solicits new or conversion load customers; prepares feasibility studies, negotiates extensions and expedites approvals.
• Completes executive summaries and contributes subject-matter expertise toward justification of projects.
• Manages workflows, locates rights of way, easements, permits and required documentation for construction and maintenance.
• Performs other tasks and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Gas utility operations

Energy industry experience

Education

Two-year degree in business/project management/energy field

Job description

Responsible for project management and coordination, project designing and estimating of gas distribution and other construction related activities. Performs rate and cost comparisons and feasibility studies. Proactively influences residential and commercial energy decisions in alignment with strategic initiatives. Provides support for district management, internal departments, local agencies, and consultants. Provides support and coordination during emergency response and system restoration. Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with area architects, developers, engineers, heating dealers, building contractors, other utilities and the public. Responsible for placing safety as #1 priority in day-to-day work routine for self and others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess a working knowledge of gas and/or electric utility operations at a level normally acquired through a two-year degree in business, project management or energy related field with strong technical emphasis; and
• Two years related energy industry experience.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must take all measures necessary to protect networks, devices, programs and data from cyber-attack, damage or unauthorized access.
• May be required to submit to periodic background checks if position requires access to security sensitive business locations and/or systems.
• Required to maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States, no sponsorships considered.
• Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.
• Must complete one-year gas Utility Project Planner training course. Upon enrollment, the course must be complete within 12 months.

JOB RESPONSIBILTIES

• Ensures the timely completion of project design and estimating and post construction as-built reviews.
• Responsible for utility project management, oversight, scheduling and coordination of gas and/or electric construction and maintenance projects, the coordination of construction teams and meeting project deadlines in the most efficient and cost-effective manner within schedule.
• Proactively builds and maintains relationships with developers and builders and researches local zoning plans, master planning reports, and other resources to identify new developments and opportunities for customer growth.
• Seeks out and solicits new or conversion load customers within assigned territory. Prepares feasibility studies, negotiates extension contracts and expedites the approval process.
• Completes executive summaries and contributes subject-matter expertise towards the justification of gas and/or electric distribution and transmission system projects and other construction related activities.
• Manages the completion of system workflows, locates, right of way, easements, and permit acquisition and required documentation relating to construction and maintenance of projects and equipment, including post project material and quantity verification.
• Performs other tasks and special projects as assigned.

This position exists in several locations and the emphasis of the various job functions will vary from location to location.

Offers typically made between $73,460 - $91,830

Application Deadline: September 1, 2026

• Regular full-time employees are offered medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• We also offer a 401k plan which includes a company match opportunity and an additional retirement contribution.
• New full-time employees are eligible for eight hours of vacation leave every month and eleven paid holidays throughout the calendar year.

Energizing Lives for a Better Tomorrow

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.