Gas Service Technician

Job Description

Gas Service Technician

The Gas Service Technician, assigned to the Department of Utilities, performs skilled work in the installation, replacement, and upgrade of gas meters, regulators, and related devices. This role also includes emergency response as necessary. The technician operates under the general supervision of the Gas Service Supervisor.

Salary & Benefits

• Preferred Hiring Range: $25.06 – $29.55 an hour ($52,124.80 – $61,464.00 Annually).
• As of March 28, 2024, this position is part of the Labor and Trades bargaining unit. Future wage adjustments are subject to terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement between the City and the exclusive bargaining representative.
• This is a full-time, non-exempt position.
• Excellent Benefits Package Includes:
  • 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • Health insurance options with employer contribution
  • Employer-paid life insurance
  • City’s retirement options (The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS. For questions regarding the Portability Agreement, contact the City’s Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.)
  • Gym membership reimbursement
  • Continuing education/training opportunities
• For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.

Application Process Note

This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of “Continuous.” If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment with candidates who are best qualified. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

Essential Duties

• Installs and relocates domestic and commercial natural gas meters and regulators, following appropriate Federal, State, and local procedures.
• Provides front-line customer service for Utilities by investigating and addressing natural gas concerns from residents, businesses, and other City departments related to Utilities.
• Restores and disconnects gas service.
• Turns gas and water meters on/off.
• Installs pressure recording devices on customer-owned piping to monitor issues.
• Red tags faulty gas appliances if a hazard to property or life exists.
• Installs, adjusts, and repairs regulators as well as pressure gauges.
• Sizes gas meters and regulators for customer BTU needs.
• Performs meter proving and calibration services to ensure meters accurately measure gas flow; identifies and resolves discrepancies, makes necessary adjustments or replacements, and maintains proper documentation of meter performance.
• Responds to natural gas leaks and carbon monoxide leaks using leak detecting equipment; determines severity, extent of evacuation, and response needed.
• Responds to new customer requests for service by collecting previous meter readings for water and gas consumption to document initial reading for new account.
• Corrects Abnormal Operating Conditions (AOCs) when found or issued and documents progress after completion in the Utilities AOC Application.
• Conducts weekly sampling of odorant readings.
• Maintains and calibrates natural gas leak detection equipment; including carbon monoxide detection equipment, gas leak detection equipment (Detecto Pack Infrared (DPIR)), and Odorator 2 handheld meter reading device.
• Operates a city vehicle in the performance of duties.
• Maintains service vehicle, by keeping the truck and all tools clean, usable and in their appropriate location; keeps vehicle stocked with equipment and supplies that are used on a regular basis.
• Subject to being on standby call to work in weather or non-weather emergencies or as needed to provide necessary services to the public. Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Departmental guidelines.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Other Duties

• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• Option 1: High school diploma or GED AND at least 1 year of experience in pipefitting and gas distribution or general construction work.
• Option 2: 3 or more years of experience in pipefitting and gas distribution or general construction work.
• Option 3: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements

• Subject to emergency and stand-by call and must respond within a 30-minute response time to the City facility.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia Driver’s License and acceptable driving record according to city criteria.
• Must complete and maintain Operator Qualification (OQ) testing as required by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
• Must maintain all certifications required by applicable federal, state and local regulations.
• Subject to federal DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations.
• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check, pre-employment drug screen, and pre-employment physical.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Other Characteristics

Job Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of the safe methods and practices used when working with gas lines, meters, regulators, appliances, and related devices.
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work and equipment.
• Knowledge of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to test for safe levels as required by OSHA.
• General knowledge of relevant sections of Charlottesville Gas Division Operations and Maintenance Manual (O&M).
• General knowledge of the equipment and materials used in gas work.
• Basic knowledge of local fire codes, plumbing, and mechanic codes; and of MISS Utility Color Code System.

Reading

• Basic: Ability to understand the meaning of commonly used multi-syllable words and simple paragraphs. Comprehends simple written instructions, signs and notices.

Writing

• Basic: Ability to write simple letters, paragraphs and sentences containing subject, verb, and object, and/or series of numbers, names, and addresses.

Math

• Basic: Ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division.

Communication Skills

• Routine: Regular and routine interaction involving providing or exchanging standard information. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, customers, and others. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups and to deal courteously and effectively with the public.

Independence and Decision-Making

• Requires General Direction: Normally performs the job by following general instructions or established standard operating procedures and/or policies. There is some discretion when making decisions among a few easily identifiable choices of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance is reviewed frequently.
• Ability to assess customers’ problems, inspect gas infrastructure conditions, note abnormal operating conditions, and determine necessary corrective actions.

Technical Skills

• Skilled: Comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Skilled in gas pipefitting and ability to use specialized tools and equipment.

Fiscal Responsibilities

• No budgetary/fiscal responsibilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No responsibility for direction or supervision of others.

Other Characteristics

• Time management skills, sometimes under time constraints.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Tedious or exacting work.
• May require additional hours outside of normal schedule, which may include evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• May require emergency response.
• Demonstrates patience and professionalism when assisting frustrated and/or upset individuals.

Physical Demands

• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 25 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Considerable standing, moving, lifting, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and carrying.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware

• Requires use of specialized equipment used in installation, maintenance, repair and construction of natural gas infrastructure and facilities, including pipefitting.
• Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in an outside environment with exposure to outdoor weather conditions, hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, inadequate lighting, in or around roadways, atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dust and gases, and extreme temperatures. Noise level may be loud.
• Work is performed directly with customers at their homes, on private property both inside and outside customers’ homes.
• The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task (hard hat, safety vest, steel-toe shoes, etc.); and any other equipment as apparent or assigned.