General Technician Above Ground Apprentice

Southern Company•Riverdale, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

THIS IS AN ABOVE GROUND POSITION. This entry-level position is responsible for completing a variety of tasks in support of field operations, including deactivation of service, delayed match, corrosion inspections, meter paints, reading meters, and assisting with other maintenance activities as needed. The role 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 with Automated Meter Reading duties. This is a bargaining unit position (IBEW Local 1997) with automatic progression pursuant to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

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
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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.