General Technician Above Ground Apprentice

Please access the "A Day In The Life" video where our Atlanta Gas Light employees share what a typical day on the job may bring for both our above and below ground crews, how they apply daily company safety practices, and the personal reward that comes from a career in the natural gas industry.

About the role

Entry-level position responsible for completing a variety of tasks in support of field operations, including deactivation of service, delayed match, corrosion inspections, meter paints, reading meters, and assisting with other maintenance activities as needed. Serves as a member of a crew engaged in installing, maintaining, and repairing gas mains and service lines. This is a bargaining unit position (IBEW Local 1997) with automatic progression pursuant to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Responsibilities

• Efficiently work a route to complete customer and compliance orders in a timely manner and in accordance with company policies, procedures, and operator qualifications.
• Observe all safety requirements and regulatory guidelines to ensure compliance.
• Actively and accurately capture documentation in the Mobile Data Terminal and recognize abnormal operating conditions such as corrosion, meters under stress, etc.
• Assist in connecting and disconnecting gas service, manually turning meters on and off.
• Assist in conducting investigations of high bill complaints, stop meters, and special readings by meter reading validation.
• Assist in performing regular meter inspections, paints, and maintenance of above and below ground gas systems.
• Respond to questions from customers and provide answers directly or by referral.
• Provide assistance with all distribution activities involved in the installation, repair, and maintenance of the distribution system, including:
  • Operating basic equipment and tools
  • Traffic control
  • Landscaping and general maintenance
  • Digging, shoring, repairing leaks, testing and wrapping pipes
  • Pressure recording devices
• Use a variety of tools (hand, air, shovels, etc.) while performing distribution crew activities.
• Ensure the truck is stocked with equipment, supplies, tools, and other equipment in neat and orderly condition.
• Operate Automated Dispatch system to complete meter reads and turn-offs service at customer’s premise.
• Identify abnormal operating conditions and take appropriate actions.
• Perform simple sniff tests to detect gas leaks.
• Perform other job-related duties as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Mechanical aptitude
• Basic knowledge and use of hand tools and equipment
• Ability to pass basic skills and knowledge assessments
• Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications

• Field operations experience, including distribution crew work
• Experience with heavy equipment operation
• Technical school training and certification
• Welding experience or certification
• Commercial driver’s license or permit
• Equivalent academic education and experience

Skills

• Good written and oral communication
• Ability to use good judgment when working in potentially hazardous and emergency environments
• Basic proficiency in MS Office and computer skills
• Customer service orientation
• Mechanical aptitude
• Able to operate basic equipment, machinery, and simple tools
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to resolve and diffuse difficult/escalated situations
• Knowledge of assigned geographical territory
• Ability to smell odorant used to detect gas leaks

Working Conditions

• Exposure to outside elements (heat, cold, high winds)
• Safety-sensitive environment
• Heavy lifting, bending, stooping, walking

Benefits

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees, and health, welfare, and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program. A summary of benefits can be found here.

About Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.