Gas Tech I - III

The information below is targeted to GAS TECH I functions and includes information on how to qualify for GAS TECH II - however, consideration will be given to candidates with extensive experience for a potential hire designation of GAS TECH III.  Please contact Human Resources for details.

Work schedule:  7:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Thursday; 7:30 am - 11:30 am on Fridays. Some overtime and on-call is required.

Essential Functions: 

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Performs as a crew member for underground installs, maintenance and repairs of gas lines, meters, regulators, and related services: assists with the installation of new gas taps and lines; clears debris from lines and meters etc.; excavates to gas lines; inspects and evaluates condition of systems; diagnoses leaks, blockages or other problems; replaces service lines; joins and threads pipes; and installs and inspects pipeline markers, meters, valves, etc.

Receives and completes work orders: gathers tools and equipment needed to complete work activities; picks up and transports materials, tools and supplies; cleans and washes equipment and tools; performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs as needed; and notifies supervisor of needed equipment replacements and repairs. 

Performs related activities: repairs asphalt, concrete, yards and other areas that are disrupted as a result of repair work; rakes and preps yards for seed, hay and sod; and mows and maintains rights-of way.            

Operates and maintains a utility truck, shovels, sharpshooter, pipe horn, electro fusion, posthole digger, tap tool, pipe wrench, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.                

Adheres to established safety procedures: monitors work environment and use of safety equipment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; flags and directs traffic and places markers, signs and cones around project or work site to ensure safety of crew and the traveling public; and wears protective gear.

Communicates with supervisor, other City employees, vendors, third party service contractors, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

This is an entry level job with no natural gas, construction, or any other type of relevant work experience.  Candidates entering this job classification are required within 18 months to have a strong understanding of the job skills listed below and are able to move up to a Gas Technician II between 6 and 18 months after joining the gas department. Failure to move to a Gas Technician II may result in the employee being moved to another department or terminate their employment with the city.

The following are the minimum required skills for moving to Gas Tech II:

• Basic knowledge of Field Maps.
• Basic OQ testing and passing the required tests.
• Plastic pipe fusion, both butt-fusion and electrofusion.
• Proper handing digging technique to locate gas and other underground utilities in the field.
• Basic understating of the 811 locate laws and utility color coding.
• CPGA or equivalent Gas 101 Class.
• After-hour callout shadowing (no sooner than 12 months after starting)
• Basic meter reading.
• Assists in the proper installation of gas mains and service lines.
• Basic residential meter set installation.

Regular Attendance: Consistent and reliable in-person attendance to ensure effective teamwork, collaboration, and communication with colleagues, clients, and community members. This includes but is not limited to attending scheduled meetings, participating in on-site or off-site events, and being available during standard work hours.  The City will attempt to accommodate any reasonable adjustments as outlined by the ADA.

Additional Functions:                                                                               

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED required; supplemented by one year of experience in equipment maintenance, utility service work or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. 

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license. 

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to determine, calculate, tabulate, or summarize data/information, following a prescribed plan requiring the exercise of some judgment. Includes performing subsequent actions in relation to these computational operations.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the application of procedures and standards to specific situations.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information, such as work orders, measurements, utility locate data, etc.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.  May include counting, recording of counts, and basic measuring.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

ADA Compliance: 

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and prolonged standing, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-40 pounds).

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions will require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, or rude/irate customers.

The City of Fountain Inn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The City reserves the right to revise this position description at any time.