Utility Technician (St Pete)

TECO Energy•Saint Petersburg, FL

19h

About The Position

Peoples Gas System is hiring a Utility Technician to perform duties related to the operation, service, and location of natural gas pipelines. Depending on the assigned location’s operational needs, the role may include constructing, installing, and maintaining gas distribution systems and residential, commercial, and industrial metering equipment. The technician helps ensure the safety of employees and customers and must be physically capable of indoor and outdoor manual labor. The successful candidate must reside within 55 minutes of the St. Pete office to support business continuity and emergency response.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited school or institution.
Valid Florida Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record; a CDL may be required for certain positions or assignments.
At least 1–2 years of experience performing the position’s duties and responsibilities, or 3–4 years of natural gas operations experience related to those duties.
Ability to proficiently perform all functions of the PGS Apprentice Utility Technician position.
Basic map-reading skills and ability to operate a computer, communication devices, power tools, and equipment appropriate to the position or assignment.
Ability to perform basic math, including arithmetic, decimals, fractions, basic algebra, and geometry.
Sound judgment and ability to follow complex oral and written instructions and clearly communicate verbally and in writing.
Ability to work emergency-response overtime, including extended workdays, weekends, holidays, call-outs, and rotating standby schedules, as business needs dictate.
Ability to respond to gas emergencies and business needs within divisional guidelines and required time frames.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods and perform indoor/outdoor manual labor.
Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and pass a pulmonary function test for use of respiratory equipment.
Ability to climb and descend ladders and stairs; maintain balance on narrow or slippery surfaces; safely operate and enter and exit a motor vehicle; bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, stand, or sit for extended periods; handle small hand tools; perform fine-finger tasks and repetitive arm, hand, and wrist motions; twist; and push, pull, lift, and carry objects weighing up to 100 pounds.
Vision correctable to 20/40.
Average hearing loss no greater than 40 decibels in the better ear at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz, with or without a hearing aid.
Ability to smell gas odorant in normal concentrations.
Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and background check, including education, employment, criminal, and motor vehicle checks; a physical may also be conducted if required.

Nice To Haves

At least 3–4 years performing the duties and responsibilities of this position.
Knowledge of the geographic area.

Responsibilities

Read meters and meter instruments; turn residential and commercial gas service, appliances, and equipment on and off, including CNG equipment, and convert appliances as needed.
Set, change, operate, maintain, and service residential and commercial meters and regulators.
Investigate metering-equipment issues related to high-bill complaints and unusual or questionable low-consumption readings.
Fabricate and join gas piping and fittings of various types and sizes, including gas mains, services, and meter sets; perform electric and/or gas welding as needed.
Install and maintain pipe in accordance with construction and maintenance standards.
Operate equipment used in distribution construction, including boring equipment, hydraulic tools, backhoes, and stopping and tapping equipment.
Locate underground natural gas systems.
Perform compliance inspections and activities related to Cathodic Protection (CP), corrosion, relief/gate/regulator stations, and leak/CP surveys.
Respond to gas leaks and other emergencies and complete the required reports and forms.
Provide leadership and training to apprentices or less-experienced team members as needed.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Participate in emergency and disaster response or recovery activities to maintain service to TECO Energy customers.