Gas Control Specialist I, II or Senior

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:

Independently operate Black Hills Energy's transmission and/or distribution natural gas pipeline and facilities systems safely, professionally, efficiently, and in accordance with all applicable procedures and reliability criteria. Maintain proficiency in all phases of Black Hills Energy's Gas Control Training Program, including all PHMSA required Operator Qualification testing and adhere to the Control Room Management Procedures. Monitor and safely direct the operation of Black Hills Energy's natural gas assets by utilizing daily plans, forecasts, maintenance schedules, weather conditions, nominations, horsepower, and overall pipeline design.

Pay Range: 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.
Level I: $22.81 - $34.38 per hour
Level II: $28.05 - $42.12 per hour
Senior: $34.71 - $52.19 per hour

Reporting Relationship: Gas Control Supervisor

Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa

Essential Functions:
* Implement real-time actions to ensure the safe and reliable operations of BHE's natural gas distribution and/or transmission systems.
* Maintain strict compliance with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), American Gas Association (AGA), and Company standards and operating policies for system reliability and performance criteria after obtaining Operator Qualification.
* Monitor natural gas system pipeline, equipment, and facilities ensuring proper operation within capabilities of each. Initiate corrective action as necessary to achieve or maintain these limitations. Take immediate remedial action to safeguard public safety and prevent over or under pressure events or damage to the natural gas system.
* Accurately prepare and distribute daily operating plans based upon forecast models and historical planning for the pipeline systems; provide a consistent guide to configuring the systems based upon these plans and models as necessary to achieve planned activity, and account for demand needs.
* Maintain proficiency and train new Gas Controllers to utilize key information technology systems such as SCADA, eLogger, and other tools to monitor, perform analysis, control, and document the natural gas systems.
* Participate in daily operational and supply meetings to ensure operational integrity of the pipeline systems are not jeopardized.
* Configure the pipeline systems in a manner which ensures the receipt and delivery of confirmed nominations with Transportation, Gas Supply, Storage Services Field Operations, and third-party point operators based upon learning the configuration, layout, geography, and limitations of the pipelines operated by the company.
* Lead response during all emergency situations and operational changes that develop on the pipeline to ensure proper action is taken. Ensure notification and documentation, needed responses and follow up are enacted in a timely and efficient manner in accordance with Company emergency response plans.
* Maintain a complete and accurate record of all communications and operator actions during the shift. Document alarms, abnormal/emergency operating conditions, maintenance, and other activities affecting the natural gas systems in the daily log.

Additional Responsibilities:
* Continue to expand knowledge base and capability to perform all aspects of job in preparation for advancement to higher-level positions
* Develop a strong familiarity with the geography of the pipeline systems
* Regularly use spreadsheets, databases, and word processing software, and periodically learn new programs.

What Is Required:
All Levels:
* High School diploma or equivalent
* Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts.
* This role will be required to travel up to 10% of the time.
Level I:
* Minimum of 1 year of experience in natural gas field operations and/or gas control operations or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Level II:
* Minimum of 3 years of experience in natural gas field operations and/or gas control operations or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Senior:
* Minimum of 5 years of experience in natural gas field operations and/or gas control operations or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

What Is Desired:
* Associate's Degree in a technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Knowledge of natural gas compression, gas transmission and/ or gas distribution
* General knowledge of algebra, basic principles of physics including general understanding of fluid dynamics, and the fundamentals of flow and pressure
* Advanced knowledge and understanding of the natural gas industry
* Advanced knowledge of regulations pertaining to natural gas utility operations
* Attention to safety
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based applications.
* Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* Ability to cope with and respond to stressful conditions

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), 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.