General Technician Above Ground

Entry level position responsible for completing a variety of tasks in support of field operations to include deactivation of service, delayed match, corrosion inspections, meter paints, reading meters and assisting with other maintenance activities as needed.  Serves as a member of a crew engaged in installing, maintaining, and repairing gas mains and service lines.  Performs basic tasks including operating heavy equipment, using hand tools, basic leak investigation, assisting in mechanical joining, landscape maintenance and traffic control.  Performs meter reading, ERT installations and ERT programming in conjunction Automated Meter Reading duties.  This is a bargaining unit position (IBEW Local 1997).  This position will have an automatic progression pursuant to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.  

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES

• Efficiently works a route to complete customer and compliance orders in a timely manner and in accordance with company policies and procedures and operator qualifications procedures.
• Observes all safety requirements and regulatory guidelines to ensure compliance.
• Actively and accurately captures documentation in the Mobile Data Terminal and recognizes abnormal operating conditions such as corrosion, meters under stress, etc.
• Assists in connecting and disconnecting gas service, manually turning meters on and off.
• Assists in conducting investigations of high bill complaints, stop meters and special readings by meter reading validation.
• Assists in performing regular meter inspections, paints and maintenance of above and below ground gas systems.
• Responds to questions from customers and provides answers directly or by referral.
• Provide assistance with all distribution activities involved with the installation, repair and maintenance of the distribution system to include:
• Operating basic equipment and tools
• Traffic control
• Landscaping and general maintenance
• Digging, shoring, repairing leaks, testing and wrapping pipes
• Pressure recording devices
• Uses a variety of tools (hand, air, shovels, etc.) while performing distribution crew activities.
• Ensures truck is stocked with equipment, supplies, tools and other equipment in neat and orderly condition.
• Operates Automated Dispatch system to complete meter reads and turn-offs service at customer’s premise.
• Identifies abnormal operating conditions and takes appropriate actions.
• Performs simple sniff tests to detect gas leaks.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

 

Education, Certificate/Licenses:

Required:

• High school diploma or GED
• Mechanical aptitude
• Basic knowledge and use of hand tools and equipment
• Ability to pass basic skills and knowledge assessments
• Valid Driver’s License

 

Preferred:

• Field operations experience to include distribution crew work
• Experience with heavy equipment operations
• Technical school training and certification
• Welding experience or certification; Commercial driver’s license or permit

Or

Equivalent academic education and experience

 

Specific Skills & Knowledge:

Required:

• Good written and oral communication
• Ability to use good judgment when working in potentially hazardous and emergency environments
• MS Office and Computer skills – basic proficiency
• Customer Service
• Mechanical aptitude
• Able to operate basic equipment, machinery and simple tools
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to resolve and diffuse difficult/escalated situations
• Knowledge of assigned geographical territory
• Ability to smell odorant used to detect gas leaks

 

Southern Company Gas Competencies:

Business Acumen                      Driving Results

Engagement                              Functional Expertise

 

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Exposure to outside elements (heat, cold, high winds)
• Safety sensitive
• Heavy lifting, bending, stooping, walking

 

Disclaimer: This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job.  The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required in the job; responsibilities may be changed or added without advance notice.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities.