DPU Hiring Event - Gas and Water Field Specialist, Senior

About the Role

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities – Water Utility Division is hiring Gas & Water Field Specialist, Senior positions. Employees work in the Field Operations group, responding to emergencies, turning gas and water on or off, and performing routine maintenance on the gas and water system. The role is classified as an Essential employee, requiring work during city closures, public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, and inclement weather. Candidates may be scheduled for 24‑hour on‑call, weekend, and holiday duty.

Benefits

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program

Schedule

Two shift options are available: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM or 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM. Additional on‑call, weekend, and holiday duties may be required.

Pay

Anticipated hiring range: $45,285 – $60,375.

Responsibilities

• Investigate gas and water leaks and make recommendations.
• Respond to fire and carbon monoxide calls.
• Verify meter information such as readings, street numbers, and billing data.
• Consult with customers on proper appliance operation and safety.
• Maintain all Meter Reading & AMR maintenance equipment.
• Enter meter readings on data terminals.
• Perform non‑automated and missed reads manually for billing.
• Conduct monthly random‑sample meter reading audits.
• Perform 1st and 2nd line AMR maintenance.
• Drive mobile routes utilizing DCU & MC2.
• Meet and communicate with internal and external customers.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Two years of experience in gas/water pipelines, plumbing, or a related field.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience installing or repairing residential or commercial gas lines.
• One year of related experience or labor experience in customer service.
• Ability to obtain an Operator’s Qualification (OQ) within six months of employment.
• At least one year of plumbing or pipe‑fitting work (or equivalent experience).
• At least one year of HVAC work (or equivalent experience).

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver’s license.
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license within 30 days of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of gas/water pipeline maintenance and repair (e.g., sleeve placement, hot tapping).
• Knowledge of gas/water meter maintenance and repair.
• Familiarity with electronic meter reading technology (e.g., FC300 Field Collection System).
• Pipe‑fitting and plumbing expertise.
• Use of GIS maps and Service Suite.
• Understanding of safety/OSHA rules, especially those related to gas.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with hand tools (shovels, wrenches) and heavy equipment (backhoes, dump trucks).
• Use of gas detection equipment (combustible gas indicator).
• Ability to drive a work truck (CDL required) and perform pre‑trip vehicle inspections.
• Identify hazardous situations and follow standard operating and safety procedures.
• Multi‑tasking and ability to train others.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Work may involve travel within and outside the City of Richmond, exposure to hazardous physical conditions (mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations), atmospheric hazards (fumes, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation), inadequate lighting, intense noise, and potentially disruptive or threatening individuals. The position requires frequent reaching, standing, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, crawling, walking, and repetitive wrist, hand, and finger motions. Physical strength demands include occasional exertion of up to 100 lb, frequent exertion of up to 50 lb, and constant exertion of up to 20 lb.