Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Apprentice Step 5 to Gas Technician

Work Location : Brookings, SD

Pay range : Union Rate $37.18 to $46.47 per hour

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com

Internal candidates apply through iConnect.

About this position:

Gas Technician:

The Gas Technician performs operations, maintenance and construction tasks on natural gas distribution systems. The Gas Technician performs service work on Company equipment and in customers' homes. The Gas Technician is certified to fuse plastic pipe and fittings that are part of the natural gas distribution system.

Apprentice Gas Technician:

The Apprentice Gas Technician trains and works under the supervision of a Gas Technician to develop the abilities and functions of Gas Technician. Over the course of their training, they are required to safely and efficiently perform all of the duties of the Gas Technician.

We offer great benefits:

NorthWestern Energy is a fully regulated electric and natural gas utility serving Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. We employ over 1,500 amazing people and serve 775,300 customers who are our neighbors in our communities. We are a top employer and offer competitive benefits, including:

• 401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
• Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Programs (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents to include financial heath)
• Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
• Continuing education reimbursement
• Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.)
• Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid training opportunities
• Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays

Benefits may vary by position or as negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement.

About this job:

• All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
• Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives
• You must agree to live within an area approved by the company that allows for adequate response to our customers in call out and emergency situations
• Perform individual lifts and manipulate needed equipment weighing up to 75 pounds
• Adapt to technological changes as they are implemented
• Work overtime outside of scheduled hours, participating in either call out availability or an on-call rotation schedule, in response to acute and/ or planned service needs
• Work as a team member to safely and efficiently complete work activities
• Communicate verbally and understand audible signals in emergency/safety situations

Functions for Gas Technician:

• Respond to natural gas emergencies, complete gas construction activities, and perform service work as needed
• Assume leadership role in response to emergency situations
• Interact with the public.
• Operate hand tools and heavy equipment including backhoes and trenchers
• Hand-shovel dirt to dig and backfill trenches
• Install pipe, wrap pipes and joints,
• Fuse plastic pipe, clean joints for clamping, operate fusion tools
• Install meters and regulators
• Use blueprints and advanced skilled knowledge to fabricate, service and construct gas lines
• Use tapping equipment to tap and stop-off gas lines
• Act as a lead or sub-lead technician overseeing all aspects of a project, including safety and planning
• Complete all documentation for project planning and completion
• Perform service-related work including but not limited to the following: meter reading, working with customers in their homes, gas leakage checks, CO checks, appliance checks, high bill complaint investigations, disconnecting and reestablishing services (electric and gas turn-off/on), and lighting pilots
• Conduct scheduled leak surveys, operate various leak detection equipment
• Organize equipment and perform regular and preventative maintenance.
• Maintain situational and safety awareness at all times and communicate as needed to maintain safety and efficiency
• Drive to job locations; tow trailers
• Maintain Company buildings and facilities at work locations, including shop upkeep and snow removal

Functions for Apprentice Gas Technician:

• Perform those physical and mental requirements required to undertake a multi-step apprenticeship process designed to train the worker to safely and efficiently perform all aspects related to the installation, maintenance, and service of gas distribution lines
• Satisfactorily complete required program to progress to qualified Gas Technician status
• Complete all needed documentation as required

Am I right for this job? Here's the success profile:

• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid Commercial Driver's License, or the ability to obtain upon request, and satisfactory driving record
• Knowledge of or ability to learn applicable codes and safety rules and regulations
• Commitment to safe working practices and knowledge of safety policies/procedures

Additional Qualifications for Gas Technician:

• Journey Level Gas Technician or equivalent required
• Natural gas vocational training preferred
• Successfully Complete NWE Gas Operator Qualification program within 6 months to ensure qualification to perform assigned tasks including recognizing and reacting to abnormal operating conditions as specified in Title 49 CFR, Part 192
• Must complete First Aid/CPR Certification within 6 months of hire
• Complete NWE HAZMAT program within 6 months of hire
• Ability to become plastic fusion certified within 6 months

Additional Qualifications for Apprentice Gas Technician:

• Completion of post-secondary technical program preferred
• During course of the Apprenticeship, will be required to complete NWE Gas Operator Qualification and HAZMAT programs

Requisition #4717

Posting Dates: May 29, 2025 through June 12, 2025

Department/Division: Distribution Operations

Employment Physical: Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

Telecommuting: None

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal or state laws and statutes. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department at 1-800-245-6977 or at job.inquiries@northwestern.com .

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