Gas Service Technician

About the role

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; including emergency response as necessary. Works under the general supervision of the Gas Service Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Installs and relocates domestic and commercial natural gas meters and regulators, following appropriate Federal, State, and local procedures.
• Provide front-line customer service for Utilities by investigating and addressing natural gas concerns from residents, businesses, and other City departments related 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 using leak detecting equipment; determines severity, extent of evacuation, and response needed.
• Responds to new customer request 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)), 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.

Requirements

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

Skills

• 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 level as required by OSHA.
• Basic knowledge of local fire codes, plumbing, and mechanic codes; and of MISS Utility Color Code System.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Maintain all certifications required by applicable federal, state and local regulations.

Benefits

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 which provides excellent benefits including 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, gym membership reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities. For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits. The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS, however the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.