Job Description

* THIS IS A BELOW GROUND POSITION

Entry level position 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. 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. 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

Provides 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.

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.

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