General Technician Apprentice Below Ground

Southern Company • Griffin, GA

19h

About The Position

This entry-level bargaining-unit role is a member of a crew that installs, maintains, and repairs gas mains and service lines. The apprentice supports field and distribution operations by operating basic equipment and using hand tools, assisting with leak investigations and mechanical joining, and performing landscaping, traffic control, meter reading, and other maintenance tasks. Duties may also include service deactivation, delayed match, corrosion inspections, meter painting, ERT installation and programming, and other Automated Meter Reading work. The position has automatic progression pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement for IBEW Local 1997.

The role requires working safely and in accordance with company policies, procedures, regulatory guidelines, and operator qualification procedures. Employees complete customer and compliance orders, document work using a Mobile Data Terminal, identify abnormal operating conditions, and respond to customer questions. Work takes place outdoors and may involve exposure to heat, cold, and high winds, as well as heavy lifting, bending, stooping, and walking. The position is safety sensitive.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent academic education and experience.
• 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 skills.
• Ability to use good judgment in potentially hazardous and emergency environments.
• Basic proficiency with MS Office and computer skills.
• Customer-service skills.
• Ability to operate basic equipment, machinery, and simple tools.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to resolve and diffuse difficult or escalated situations.
• Knowledge of the assigned geographical territory.
• Ability to smell the odorant used to detect gas leaks.

Nice To Haves

• Field operations experience, including distribution crew work.
• Experience operating heavy equipment.
• Technical school training and certification.
• Welding experience or certification.
• Commercial driver's license or permit.

Responsibilities

• Assist with installation, repair, and maintenance activities for the gas distribution system.
• Operate basic equipment and tools and use hand, air, and other tools during distribution crew activities.
• Perform traffic control, landscaping, and general maintenance.
• Assist with digging, shoring, leak repairs, pipe testing, and pipe wrapping.
• Work with pressure-recording devices.
• Keep the truck stocked with equipment, supplies, and tools and maintain it in an orderly condition.
• Complete customer and compliance orders efficiently and in accordance with company policies, procedures, and operator qualification procedures.
• Follow safety requirements and regulatory guidelines.
• Accurately document work in the Mobile Data Terminal and recognize abnormal operating conditions, including corrosion and meters under stress.
• Assist with connecting and disconnecting gas service and manually turning meters on and off.
• Assist with investigations of high-bill complaints, stopped meters, and special readings through meter-reading validation.
• Assist with regular meter inspections, painting, and maintenance of above- and below-ground gas systems.
• Respond to customer questions directly or refer them as appropriate.
• Use the Automated Dispatch system to complete meter reads and turn off service at customer premises.
• Identify abnormal operating conditions and take appropriate action.
• Perform simple sniff tests to detect gas leaks.
• Perform meter reading, ERT installations, and ERT programming in conjunction with Automated Meter Reading duties.
• Perform other job-related duties as required.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Annual incentive awards for eligible employees.
• Health, welfare, and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being.
• May be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED