Locator, VNG

About the role

The purpose of this position is to protect company assets from damages by locating underground Company facilities in response to notices of excavation. This is an operational role that requires ensuring compliance is maintained with state, federal and corporate pipeline safety regulations, and standards for Southern Company Gas (SCG) and subsidiaries.

Responsibilities

• Follow company procedures and jurisdictional mandates for locating natural gas facilities in the Virginia Natural Gas service territory
• Communicate, schedule, and complete natural gas locates for excavators working in Virginia
• Photo document natural gas locates
• Communicate damage prevention best practices to the Virginia excavating community
• Conduct education sessions with locate contractors, excavators, landowners, and homeowners regarding protecting assets
• Stand by when any work is being performed on or near SCG's High Profile facilities by 3rd party excavators
• Monitor and follow-up on daily ticket load to prevent future damages
• Operate and carry locating equipment
• Operate portable computer
• Use small tools (hammer, screwdriver, shovel, pliers, and wrenches)
• Read and comprehend physical and electronic maps
• Verify any existing marks on company mains and services
• Utilize equipment to identify the location of the company mains and services

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Valid driver's license

Qualifications

• Preferred: Associate's Degree or other technical certification or training related to the utility industry
• Preferred: One year of underground utility locating experience
• Preferred: Experience with various types of locate equipment (Vivax, Radio Detection, Metro-tech, or equivalent)
• Preferred: Gas infrastructure locating experience
• Preferred: Asset Protection/Damage Prevention OQ's

Skills

• Knowledge of natural gas utility locating
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
• Operator Qualified in accordance with Company Plan: the ability to obtain within required timeline
• Knowledge and experience with natural gas pipeline systems
• Preferred: Knowledge of easement Virginia Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

Stooping, kneeling, reaching above and below shoulders; frequent bending. Carrying equipment up to 30 lbs. Walking long distances to locate underground facilities. Exposure to outdoor elements (rain, sun, heat, cold). 95% of time is spent in the field. Overtime is required from time to time. Second shift duties may be required from time to time. Call outs will be required at times.

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. A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here: https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf.