Nature of Work

Performs monitoring, installation and maintenance of gas cathodic protection systems in order to maintain adequate cathodic protection of the City's gas distribution system in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts electro-chemical tests and surveys on gas systems to locate problems and the extent of corrosion; takes corrective actions.
• Inspects City and contractor construction procedures for corrosion compliance; identifies problems; determines corrective actions.
• Tests existing pipes for condition of external coating, pipe condition and evidence of external corrosion; determines whether pipelines conform to DOT safety requirements.
• Prepares reports and maintains records for corrosion control and leak control history; draws/drafts diagrams for each job as part of the pipe inspection cards; records information on pipeline inspection cards/reports.
• Troubleshoots low potentials on high pressure or low pressure gas system; checks current to steel gas mains and service; uses line locating equipment for potential shorts with water lines and other utilities.
• Performs research of affected areas, including maps, cards, blueprints and as-builts; prepares work orders/drawings for locates/maps for excavation sites.
• Performs readings on gas main and services; inspects rectifier system; performs casing check test.
• Reports dangerous or hazardous field conditions to the proper authorities for action.

Minimum Qualifications

Equivalent to a high school diploma PLUS three (3) years of experience as a construction worker in the installation and maintenance of natural gas systems is required. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.
Valid driver’s license required; National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Certification as a Cathodic Protection Tester (CP1) must be obtained within three years of hire; New Mexico Journeyman Electrician license (EE-98 or JS-2) must be obtained within three years of hire. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

General knowledge of: Natural gas distribution systems; practices, methods and procedures of cathodic protection on natural gas systems; basic chemistry, algebra and electricity; general layout of the City's utilities systems; gas system installation, maintenance, and repair procedures and practices.
Ability to: Perform field investigations and keep accurate reports and records; perform technical reading and writing; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; work independently with self-motivation; establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the general public; operate a motor vehicle and navigate across even and uneven surfaces.
Skills in: Operating power and hand tools; using a calculator and personal computer with various installed software; using test and welding equipment.

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