SEMCO - Project Design Technician I

Job Description

Interested in building a career in utilities, construction, or project design? As a Project Design Technician I, you'll support natural gas infrastructure projects throughout the Holland area and surrounding West Michigan region. This role combines technical problem-solving, project coordination, customer interaction, and hands-on field work.

You'll work alongside Engineering, Operations, contractors, municipalities, and customers to help move projects from planning through construction. Your work may include preparing work orders and cost estimates, coordinating permits and easements, maintaining project records, staking proposed service locations, visiting job sites, and inspecting contractor work.

This can be a great opportunity for someone with experience or training in construction, surveying, GIS, drafting, engineering support, utilities, public works, or another technical field who wants to grow their career in the natural gas industry.

The Project Design Technician I Will:

• Assist with project design activities, feasibility reviews, and customer inquiries related to new and existing projects.
• Prepare, coordinate, and maintain work orders and project cost estimates.
• Stake proposed service and main locations to help ensure installations meet company standards and specifications.
• Work with customers and municipalities to obtain easements, rights-of-way, and permits needed for construction projects.
• Inspect and audit contractor work to help ensure safety, quality, and adherence to company standards.
• Serve as a point of contact for customer and contractor questions, concerns, and requests.
• Maintain construction databases with new services, projects, and related records.
• Coordinate infrastructure improvement programs (DIMP, MRP, and PIP) with Engineering, Operations, and local municipalities.
• Support Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) inspections and compliance activities.
• Participate in departmental meetings, special projects, and required training programs.

What We're Looking For:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• College coursework, vocational training, or hands-on experience in drafting, surveying, electrical systems, circuit wiring, construction, utilities, or another related technical field is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical and electrical principles is preferred.
• Ability to successfully complete Operator Qualification (OQ) training after hire.

Additional Skills & Physical Requirements:

• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and customer service skills, with the ability to work effectively with co-workers, customers, and management.
• Working knowledge of business software applications and the ability to learn new systems as needed.
• Commitment to company safety standards, policies, business ethics, compliance requirements, and applicable state and federal laws.
• Qualified to operate a vehicle under the company’s Safe Driving Policy.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold, and walk up to 10 miles per day.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role, including sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crawling, kneeling, walking, climbing, pushing, pulling, reaching, fine finger movements, and lifting/carrying 20–50 lbs.
• Ability to work in outdoor environments with potential exposure to stinging insects and insecticides.

Compensation & Benefits:

We offer a competitive hourly wage range of $23.41 to $34.05 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and skills. In addition, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and other valuable employee benefits.

SEMCO Energy values diversity in its workforce and encourages United States military veterans and service members who meet the qualifications to apply.

Why Join SEMCO Energy?

This role offers the opportunity to build hands-on experience across project design, construction, field operations, and customer service while learning the natural gas utility industry. You'll gain exposure to projects from initial planning through construction and completion while working with teams across Engineering and Operations.

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For Canadian hires: AltaGas hires personnel on the basis of job-related qualifications. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to a person's ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.