Meter Mechanic 3rd Step Apprentice or Journeyman (UN1250) - B-1657

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:

Work and study the apprentice training courses for the duration of the apprenticeship program. Shall complete all study requirements, and pass all the examinations as required by the FJAC apprentice committee. The apprentice will perform all essential functions under supervision until reaching journeyman level. This position performs testing, installation and maintenance for transformer-rated meter installations; perform or exchange Company specified self-contained and transformer-rated meter testing per test schedule; works on transformer-rated metering (600 Volts Max) on the secondary side of the transformer. Recognize potential hazards, respond and correct all problems relating to revenue metering.

Pay Range: Determined by the current Collective Bargaining Agreement
3rd Step Apprentice: $33.46 per hour
Journeyman: 55.50 per hour

Reporting Relationship: Meter Services Supervisor

Location: Rapid City, South Dakota

Essential Functions:
* Build and install primary voltage metering applications.
* Test, maintain, adjust and make repairs to transformer rated type meters, panel meter applications, associated equipment and indicating demand meters.
* Install and maintain meter telemetry and modems for remote meter reading and customer load management applications.
* Clean and test meters (both as found and as left) for optimum accuracy and functionality.
* Maintain meter installation records and verifications of associated company identification numbers in the meter tracking (CIS) system.
* Retire obsolete and faulty meters from meter tracking (CIS) system.
* Install all instrument meter applications involving secondary current transformer installations and wiring.
* Install all secondary transformer metering connections, both overhead and underground.
* Install recording meters for customer load verification.
* Develop and program meters with software for marketing and rate departments programs for various rates, load profile data, KVA, power factor, harmonic content and current and voltage history.
* Provide information and support for all meters installed in substations, power plants and inter-tie points.
* Provide all metering history and information to customer account reps and managers.
* Work with construction reps to ensure construction projects are in alignment with electric meter standards. Provide technical support as needed.
* Schedule with construction reps and install all instrument meter jobs throughout the Black Hills Energy South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana service territory.
* Work extensively with construction reps to review work orders and specifications to determine settings, meter installation costs, customer supplied equipment approval, and electrical sizing of all associated metering components.
* Install "check meters" on customer sites and test customer meters to assist in resolution of customer complaints.
* Provide details on all meter changes and test results for compliance with meter specifications and look for trends in meter malfunctions or accuracy issues.
* Install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair gatekeepers, repeaters, modems and all forms of communication devices associated with Advanced Metering Infrastructure. This includes the ability to climb poles to perform such work.
* Provide onsite support for line and service crews and construction reps.
* Order, provide and maintain a continuous stock of various types of meters for all BHC.
* Obtain continuous knowledge of new technologies through schools, seminars and interaction with vendors on metering advances and testing procedures.
* Maintain stocks of current and voltage transformer used in instrument metering for all of BHC.
* Perform current and voltage transformer calculations to determine the size of equipment to be used on customer installations.
* Perform pulse and/or interval data calculations used by system control, customer's load management systems or given to designated third parties such as energy suppliers.
* Test new CT/PTs for BHC to ensure accuracy. Recertify used CT/PT for reuse.
* Perform calculations used in internal meter multipliers applied to meter software for optimum meter resolution.
* Perform and understand results of onsite meter installation analysis to determine the integrity of both new and old installations. These include Watts, VARS, KVA, Power Factor Multiplier X, meter timing and harmonics.
* Set up and maintain software programs used by BHP on its metering and measurement devices.
* Calibrate and test Electric Meter Test Boards to meet PUC requirements.
* Ensure all field test equipment is calibrated according to manufacturer specifications.
* Actively participate on Electric Meter Standards for BHC and work practices

Additional Responsibilities:
* Follow established work processes and procedures.
* Must follow all safety rules and requirements at all times and attend all safety meetings.
* Other duties as assigned.

What Is Required:
3rd Step Apprentice Level:
* High School Diploma or equivalent.
* Completion of vocational/technical school program for meterman, line mechanic, substation electrician or equivalent required.
* Ability to attain and hold a valid South Dakota driver's license.
* 12 months of experience working as a meterman in the utility trade preferred.
Journeyman:
* High School Diploma or equivalent.
* Completion of post-secondary Advanced Electrical Technical training from a Qualified Technical Institute required, or equivalent experience.
* Four years on the job (O.J.T.) training in a utility apprenticeship meter progression program or equivalent.
* Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers. Maintain DOT driver file and pass annual physical upon hire.

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.