Utility Specialist

Black Hills Energy; Papillion (NE); On-site; USD 32,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual discretionary bonuses

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Black Hills Energy in Papillion, Nebraska, is hiring a Utility Specialist focused on locating underground gas facilities, meter reading, and resolving metering issues.

The role involves 80–90% line locating, with growth into broader operations, including meter installs, credit and collection activities, and compliance. This position includes on-call after hours and requires a high school diploma and a valid driver's license; training is provided.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• No experience required. Training provided.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Respond to utility locate requests and accurately mark underground natural gas facilities.
• Perform meter reading activities.
• Investigate and resolve meter read discrepancies.
• Report gas leaks on service lines, broken meters and service seals.
• Installation of Natural Gas meters.
• Promote safety in all phases of the operations.

Skills

Customer relations

Teamwork

Communication

Independent work

Flexibility

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

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

This Utility Specialist role is primarily focused on developing foundational skills in natural gas utility operations, with key responsibilities in locating underground gas facilities, meter reading, and resolving metering issues. Utility line locating will be the primary function of this position, accounting for approximately 80-90% of the workload. The position will gradually transition into a broader range of operations work, including aspects of meter installations, credit and collection activities and regulated compliance activities. This role offers substantial opportunities for growth and skill development across natural gas operations and maintenance.

Pay Range

$23.39 - $35.24 per hour (This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.)

Reporting Relationship

Gas Operations Supervisor

Location

Papillion, Nebraska

Essential Functions

• Respond to utility locate requests and accurately mark underground natural gas facilities in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Perform meter reading activities.
• Investigate and resolve meter read discrepancies.
• Report gas leaks on service lines, broken meters and service seals which are observed in the course of work.
• Installation of Natural Gas meters.
• Promote safety in all phases of the operations.
• Perform gas leak and AC surveys
• Provide requested after-hours (on call) services as required.

Additional Responsibilities

• Read meters and assist with resolving discrepancies identified during meter-reading cycles.
• Provide operational support to install, remove and replace gas meters, complete meter routines and turn-on and shut-off activities as needed.
• Contact customers concerning collection on delinquent accounts as needed.
• May receive company training in gas operations or appliance repair.

What Is Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• No experience required. Training provided.
• 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.

What Is Desired

• Familiarity of Black Hills service territory and the surrounding area.
• Ability to accurately read meters and enter reads on keyboard.
• Good customer relation skills.
• Ability to be flexible and work where needed.
• Perform basic computer skills.
• Excellent teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and utilize company resources.

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 visit careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.