Natural Gas Field Technician Apprentice – Job Description

General Statement of Duties

An employee in this position performs responsible semi-skilled and skilled work in the installation, replacement, repair and maintenance of natural gas lines and appurtenances.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class performs a variety of work servicing the natural gas distribution system needs and responding to customer requests. Work involves direct customer service. Valve maintenance, meter installation, line locations, and cathodic protection inspections. Work also includes considerable construction and maintenance work in installing and repairing natural gas main and service lines, meters, excavating to proper depth, fusing pipes and related tasks.

Employees are subject to working long hours in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils. Employees are also subject to on-call and call-back work.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Natural Gas Supervisor and other skilled employees and is evaluated through observation and review of records for adherence to standard trade and safety practices, as well as customer satisfaction. Participates as part of a crew to construct, repair and maintain natural gas mains and service lines.

Additional Job Duties

This employee performs any other tasks essential to the Natural Gas Division and /or City needs, deemed necessary by supervision, in a professional manner.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This employee shows considerable knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of natural gas utility lines. Considerable knowledge of the hazards associated with working around heavy equipment, in trenches, natural gas and other associated work hazards and the associated safety precautions.

Considerable knowledge of a variety of maintenance and manual methods and tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, repair, location, and replacement of gas lines. This employee has the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public. This employee must be able to recognize abnormal operating conditions and mitigate the related hazards, along with the ability to read utility maps and operation and service manuals and to understand and follow oral and written instructions. This employee should have computer skills.

Physical Requirements

This employee must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. As well as possess the visual acuity to inspect fusions joints, read utility maps and diagrams, read measurement devices, and prepare records and calculations.

This employee must also be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently; and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Desirable Education and Experience

An employee in this class should be a high school graduate and be familiar with work performed in related construction or maintenance fields, including some familiarity in heavy equipment operation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Possession of a valid driver’s license is required.

Possession of a CDL is preferred and will be required within 1 year of hire date.

Pay Grade 17 Hiring range: $18.84/hour -- $23.55/hour