MECHANIC OPERATOR APPRENTICE

POSITION PURPOSE

This position is located at our TSM Williston outpost in Williston, ND.

Responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of all Transmission System Maintenance (TSM) vehicles, mobile equipment, specialized equipment, and tools.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assist journeyman in operating and maintaining equipment.
• Operate all TSM associated equipment including truck-tractor combination (oversized/overweight loads), specialized line tension equipment, cranes, digger derricks, and insulated and non-insulated aerial lift devices in close proximity to other personnel and energized electrical equipment. For employees under 21 years old, tasks involving operation of equipment that requires endorsements (Hazmat, Tanker) or interstate driving will be phased in as licensure and age requirements are met.
• Complete routine preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and inspections of vehicles and equipment.
• Custom metal fabrication.
• Custom truck fabrication and repairs.
• Repair hydraulic and electrical problems incurred on assigned units.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Prepare paperwork, such as maintenance request forms, material charge outs, driver's logs, etc. accurately to ensure proper records are maintained.
• Assist other work groups with work tasks, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 years of age and eligible for employment under applicable DOL and DOT regulations.
• Two-year degree in a diesel or automotive mechanic trade school program; or
• A high school diploma or equivalent (GED or HSED) and either 4 years of experience with an accredited Mechanic Apprenticeship program including Journeyman status or 4 years of related military training/experience.
• Employees must be 21 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle across state lines or to transport hazardous materials.
• CDL Requirements: - Under age 21: - Must possess or obtain a Class A CDL with air brakes and either: - A K restriction (intrastate only), or - A medical variance (V). - If not already licensed, must complete CDL theory, permit, behind-the-wheel training, and pass the CDL test by the end of the first year of employment. - After turning 21 and removing the K restriction, must obtain N and H or X endorsements within 1 year, contingent on passing an FBI background check.
• Age 21 and over: - Must possess or obtain a Class A CDL with air brakes and no restrictions other than a medical variance (V). If not already licensed, must complete CDL theory, permit, behind-the-wheel training, and pass the CDL test by the end of the first year of employment.- Must have or obtain N and H or X endorsements within 1 year, subject to an FBI background check.
• Must have or be willing to obtain within 1 year from date of hire, a National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operator (NCCCO) certification (TLL, ABC, and ABW). For employees under 21, crane operation duties may be phased in based on training, licensure, age, and demonstrated safety readiness in accordance with OSHA and company policy.
• Must complete the apprentice training program within the first 4 years of employment to obtain the qualifications necessary to be a mechanic/operator journeyman.
• A valid driver’s license.
• This is a Department of Transportation (DOT) (FMCSA) (CDL) qualified position.

This position is identified as a Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) related position, which may allow physical and/or logical access to Bulk Electric System (BES) cyber related assets or systems. This position may allow access to privileged information relating to such assets or systems. This position will be required to strictly adhere to all Basin Electric policies, procedures, and programs applicable to the Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) requirements.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

This position requires continuous walking, sitting, standing, and frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, climbing, pushing/pulling, and lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds. The incumbent must be able to work in confined spaces and at heights up to 300 feet using safety equipment rated under ANSI Z359 standards (maximum combined weight of 300 lbs. including tools and gear). Good hearing and vision are essential. The role involves frequent exposure to harsh environmental conditions, including dirt, dust, extreme heat or cold, fumes, chemicals, vibration, noise, inclement weather, poor ventilation, and potential electrical hazards. Equipment used includes a wide range of powered and manual tools such as forklifts, cranes, scissor lifts, hoists, welding and cutting tools, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, and precision measuring devices.

For employees under 21 years of age, certain physically demanding or high-risk tasks—such as elevated work above 6 feet, use of aerial lift devices, or proximity to energized electrical equipment—may be phased in based on age, training, licensure, and demonstrated safety readiness per DOT and company policy.

KEY SKILLS

• Working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of gas and diesel equipment, tools, and test equipment; and a mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.
Ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment under time-sensitive conditions, such as during outages.

Wage: $47.94 per hour