Job Description

Position Purpose:

This position is responsible for all duties associated with and related to the safe, efficient and cost-effective installation and maintenance of natural gas facilities and appurtenances on both transmission and distribution natural gas systems per 49CFR Part 192, Piedmont Natural Gas policies and procedures and local/state regulations.

Principal Responsibilities:

The Service Apprentice is the entry level position for the Service Technician Progression.  The Service Apprentice has accountability for timely completion of established skills development assignments in each wage step in accord with established guidelines. Each skills development assignment is designed to further prepare the Service Apprentice to work safely and independently on service department responsibilities and to meet the mandatory requirement for advancement to Service Technician. Skills development assignments include, but are not limited to, successful completion of compulsory training, testing and certifications; attainment of required Operator Qualifications; and demonstration of proficiency in performance of job duties associated with regulated and non-regulated service work. Job posting selection is required for entry to the Service Apprentice role.

The following list is not intended to be all inclusive of duties and responsibilities as needed to learn, assist and independently perform regulated and non-regulated service work.

Perform work assignments on customer’s premises; Interact with customers in a professional, respectful and courteous manner to promote good customer relations; answer customer-related inquiries regarding established Company policies and procedures and provide explanation of work performed
Utilize and become proficient in technology devices such as computer, smart phone, etc. for work assignments and to accurately record required information
Utilize tools such as maps and GPS to locate work assignments; Drive a company vehicle; Fleet assignments vary by location and generally include requirement to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) medical card within 6 months of entering the position. Maintain the CDL medical card on a consistent basis thereafter.
Identify, obtain and deliver materials needed for work assignments
Inspect and protect (paint) above ground appurtenances for atmospheric corrosion
Read meters
Install and program encoder receiver transmitters (ERTs)
Hang door tags
Work tenant changes, including soft close
Turn off and/or remove meter due to non-payment from customer (DNP)
Identify unauthorized use of gas and remove meter as required
Install residential and small commercial meters (up to Group III)
Complete turn on of customer meter, including dial test, lighting pilots and testing appliances/ equipment including but not limited to appliances in crawl spaces and attics
Act as a first responder on emergency orders
Assist with repair of cut service lines consisting of 3/4” and 5/8” plastic pipe
Assist with completion of 3rd party damage investigations to include proper documentation
Investigation of carbon monoxide, gas leak complaints; grade leaks
Check for odorant using sniff test
Investigate high bill complaints
Provide and perform non-jurisdictional services
Perform and complete estimates
Perform disconnect and reconnects of appliances
Install, troubleshoot and repair appliances and piping
Perform Home Warranty repairs
Other duties as assigned

Education, Experience and Skills:

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or GED
Experience using construction tools
Experience applying basic mechanical concepts and mechanical aptitude
Experience utilizing personal computers (PCs) in a Windows environment
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and, per local Fleet availability, have ability to obtain CDL medical card within 6 months of entering the position

Desired Qualifications

Safety awareness and leadership
Demonstrated effective communication (verbal and written), interpersonal skills and customer orientation
Experience working independently to serve customers in a related environment
Two years technical school education or the equivalent job-related knowledge
Previous work experience with plumbing, electrical, heating and HVAC installation/maintenance, up to and including a license
Working knowledge of gas appliances
Experience with troubleshooting, problem solving and diagnostics of mechanical and/or electrical equipment
2-3 years or natural gas industry experience

Physical Requirements:

Must work outdoors in adverse weather conditions; lifting up to 75 lbs.; frequent walking, reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, stooping, crawling, standing, digging, climbing; works on uneven terrain, many times with heavy vegetation; manual dexterity (hand/eye coordination); keen eyesight; good hearing; good sense of smell; comes in frequent contact with insects and animals; ability to use breathing apparatus when responding to gas leaks.

Other Requirements:

Weekend and evening work as required. Subject to overtime, rotating shifts and must be available for call-out and emergency response. Employees in this classification are required to advance to Service Technician. Individual Districts may have specific qualifications set forth by local agencies which must be obtained prior to advancement.