Utility Line Locator I, II or Senior (UN204)

Job Overview

Job Description

Job Specifications

Work Location: Local office Dubuque, IA
Call Out Area: N/A
Residency Requirement: N/A

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:

Our Utility Locators are responsible, self-motivated individuals, who are comfortable working independently. We will train the right individual who is committed to safety, pays close attention to detail, and takes pride in completing a job well done. Your daily responsibilities include responding to requests from customers and business representatives, locating and marking underground utility lines, and documenting your findings.

Pay Range: $21.31 - $22.67 per hour (Determined by the current Collective Bargaining Agreement and candidate's experience.)

Reporting Relationship: Gas Operations Supervisor

Location: Dubuque, Iowa

Essential Functions:
•    Drive company vehicle to job sites in response to routine ticket requests, emergencies, and relocates. Operate company vehicle in a safe manner and maintain a professional appearance.
•    Act as the liaison, effectively communicating with excavators, utility reps, and company personnel, regarding underground facilities.
•    Interpret job order tickets, email requests, phone calls, blueprints and maps to efficiently route and perform duties.
•    Utilize the provided utility maps/prints and other location information, along with locating equipment, to locate underground gas and/or electric utility lines.
•    Identify utility locations through the utilization of paint, flags, matchsticks, and communicate relevant information to excavation personnel or other appropriate authorities.
•    Provide accurate documentation and/or sketches related to all locates completed. Use computer or other devices to document and close out job orders.
•    Performs gas meter turn-offs at customer’s premises according to Company policies and procedures
•    Reads gas meters at customer’s premises using existing technology. Verifies identification numbers and records readings to assure accurate billing and records are maintained.
•    Perform all work in a timely, professional, and efficient manner. Escalate investigation or higher-level issues to Manager.
•    Perform light excavation with a shovel, to expose buried utilities when necessary.
•    Assist gas crews on installation of gas mains and other gas operations
•    Must comply with Company's Motor Vehicle Operation Policy and Procedure.

What Is Required:
•    High School Diploma or equivalent
•    Six (6) months customer service (examples include: call center, restaurants, retail) experience
•    In-State and Valid State driver's license, including a DMV record that is deemed acceptable by the company upon hire. 
•    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 50% of the time.

What Is Desired:
•    Able to self-manage and communicate with supervisors and clients in a timely manner.
•    Strong attention to detail and commitment to working safely.
•    Must possess excellent communication and customer service skills.
•    Strong planning and organizational skills are essential.
•    Use consistent good judgment and think creatively to solve problems.

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 jobs@blackhillscorp.com. 

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.