Gas Service Technician

JOB
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.

The preferred hiring range for this position is between $25.06 - $29.55 an hour ($52,124.80 - $61,464.00 Annually). 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.

Note: This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment with candidates who are best qualified. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• 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 leaks 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.

Other Duties

• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Physical Demands:

• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 25 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Considerable standing, moving, lifting, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and carrying.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

• Requires use of specialized equipment used in installation, maintenance, repair and construction of natural gas infrastructure and facilities, including pipefitting. Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in outside environment with exposure to outdoor weather conditions, hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, inadequate lighting, in or around roadways, atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dust and gases, and extreme temperatures. Noise level may be loud.
• Work is performed directly with customers at their homes. Works on private property both inside and outside customers' homes.
• The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task (hard hat, safety vest, steel-toe shoes, etc.); and any other equipment as apparent or assigned.