Welder 1 (74NE)

Black Hills Energy; Sutton (NE); On-site; USD 43,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual discretionary bonuses

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability benefits

Health, dental & vision insurance

Pet insurance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Black Hills Energy is seeking a welder to install steel and polyethylene mains, fabricate metering facilities, and provide construction oversight in Sutton, Nebraska. The role emphasizes safety, compliance with procedures, and on-call availability for emergencies.

The position offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, with opportunities to advance through Operator Qualifications levels and certifications within defined timelines.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• AS in Welding or equivalent experience.
• Welder experience required with progression KSAs.
• API 1104 welding certification preferred, require within 180 days of hire.
• Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.
• CDL Class A license with progression within hire period.
• Maintain safety and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

• Perform and inspect pipeline and structural welding for construction and maintenance of gas facilities.
• Install, relocate, replace, maintain and repair gas lines.
• Inspect welding and ensure asset protection and compliance with procedures.
• Provide oversight of excavation near pipelines and ensure safety policies are followed.
• Be available for emergency response and on-call rotations.
• Interact with landowners, officials, and contractors during projects.
• Train and supervise company and contractor personnel.

Skills

Welding experience

Blueprint reading

Teamwork

Safety conscious

Communication

Education

AS in Welding or related

High School Diploma

Tools

Micrometers

Calipers

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:

In this role the welder will be responsible for the installation of steel and polyethylene (PE) mains, fabrication of metering facilities, and related construction oversight.

Pay Range:

$31.15 - $45.62 per hour (Determined by the current Collective Bargaining Agreement)

Reporting Relationship:

Gas Operations Supervisor

Location:

Sutton, Nebraska

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for performing and inspecting pipeline and structural welding required for construction and maintenance of Company facilities including the installation, operation and maintenance of all gas pipeline-related facilities.
• 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.
• Provide oversight and inspection to ensure asset protection and compliance with company procedures of excavation activities near pipeline facilities.
• Responsible for inspection duties per Company policies including completion of required documentation act as Company representative during construction activities, report progress to Operations Management and ensure proper reporting and compliance with Safety and Environmental policies.
• Be available for and provide emergency response and/or participate in on-call rotation after regular business hours.
• 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.
• Train and oversee company and second party personnel as required (i.e. personnel in progression, contractors, visitors, etc.).
• 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.
• Perform all work in compliance with Company Standards, procedures, regulatory and tariff requirements.
• Advance to subsequent levels (2, 3, and 4) via completion of all applicable OQs and successful completion of assigned certifications to date.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Other daily, weekly and monthly duties as assigned.
• Travel within geographic region and occasionally out of the geographic region, may be required and is anticipated, including overnight and/or weekend travel.
• May be required to work non-traditional hours as needed.
• Provide contractor oversight and supervision

What Is Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Associate's Degree of Applied Science in Welding or equivalent experience.
• Welder Experience required - average time in position before advancement based on successful demonstration of KSAs:
  • Level 1 (entry): 0 years - 12 months / 1 year
  • Level 2: 12 months / 1 year
  • Level 3: 24 months / 2 years
  • Level 4 (top): 36 months / 3 years - indefinite
• API 1104 welding certification preferred, will need to obtain the related certifications within 180 days of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers upon hire.
• Class A CDL License
  • Level 1 none required
  • Level 2 within first 9 months of hire.
  • Level 3 & 4 must hold CDL within 180 days of hire.
• Maintain a high regard for personal safety, for the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals).
• Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisors, keep required job schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisors, keep required job schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
• Work from job related blueprints, sketches and diagrams.
• Operate micrometers, calipers, and thickness testing equipment.
• Operate all plastic fusion equipment including all tools required for maintenance and emergency on plastic pipelines.
• Maintain a regular, dependable attendance and a consistently high level of performance.
• Detailed oriented.

What Is Desired:

• Achieve and maintain all Operator Qualifications and progression requirements applicable to the job classification.
• Fine motor skills
• Basic ability to operate computer and tablet, as well as their associated applications / software programs

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].