Gas Pressure Regulator Technician

Gas Pressure Regulator Technician

Support the Charlottesville Department of Utilities in fulfilling its service to provide efficient and safe utilities to all in our community. The Charlottesville Department of Utilities - Gas Division is seeking a qualified candidate to join our team as a Gas Pressure Regulator Technician who is highly motivated and who strives for success by demonstrating Charlottesville's Core Values of Commitment, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Collaboration. The preferred hiring amount is between $26.81 - $35.06 Hourly ( $55,764.80 - $72,924.80 Annually) . As of March 28, 2024, this position is in the Labor and Trades bargaining unit in accordance with the City's Collective Bargaining Ordinance (Ordinance No. 22-128). Starting pay for this position is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. Future wage adjustments are subject to terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement between the City and the exclusive bargaining representative. The parties are in the process of negotiating the collective bargaining agreement, which will take effect on July 1, 2025. This is a full-time, non-exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities.

Note: This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment with candidates who are best qualified. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Repairs, restores, tests, sets, and installs gas pressure regulators and devices.
• Inspects and maintains regulator stations, key values, system values, high- and low-pressure gas line valves, main-on structure, feeder line easement, and other related devices.
• Ensures appropriate, accurate, record-keeping and completion of written reports in compliance with, and for audits conducted by, the State Corporation Commission.
• Checks gas pressure readings at low pressure spots in system.
• Makes high pressure taps on gas lines.
• Installs and relocates gas meter sets, commercial meters and regulators.
• Performs house piping and meter moves on an as-needed basis.
• Maintains inventory of regulators and regulator parts.
• Performs annual patrolling of main feeder lines between gate stations; checks all meter setups online for leaks, regulator pressures, or servicing and maintains records; assists with yearly cleanup of right-of-way of line.
• Performs quarterly and yearly inspections on key valves, regulator stations, and mains on structure.
• Collects and updates correction factors for metering.
• Draws sketches of gas main and service connections.
• Prepares work order forms and related documentation for repairs.
• Records all new or discontinued high pressure meter setups and records.
• Checks emergency gas leaks.
• Maintains service vehicle, keeping truck and all tools clean, usable and in their appropriate location, and vehicle stocked with equipment and supplies that are used on a regular basis.
• Provide timely and effective communication to other departmental staff, direct supervisor, and departmental leadership when pressure issues arise that could impact the services provided or could result in the unexpected disruption of service.
• Responds to natural gas potential pressure emergencies after hours.
• Subject to Standby Call to work in weather and non-weather-related emergencies or as needed to provide necessary services to the public. Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Departmental guidelines.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Education, Experience and Skills

Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• High school diploma or GED, AND at least 3 years of experience in gas maintenance service.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check, pre-employment drug screen, and pre-employment physical.
• Valid Virginia Driver's License and acceptable driving record according to city criteria.
• Must be able to obtain, and maintain, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 6 months of hire.
• Must complete and maintain DOT Operator Qualification program for appropriate covered tasks including use of Combustible Gas Indicator and flame pack.
• Must obtain and maintain certification for plastic pipe fusion and Mueller Tapping Equipment operation.
• Must complete and maintain Operator Qualification (OQ) testing as required by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
• Must obtain and maintain all certifications required by applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Subject to federal DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

• Thorough knowledge of the safe methods and practices used when working with gas lines, high pressure meters and related devices.
• Thorough knowledge of the equipment and materials used in gas work.
• Knowledge of characteristics of natural gas.
• Thorough knowledge of Virginia damage prevention laws and regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of pipe filling.
• General knowledge of construction.
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work and equipment.

• Intermediate: ability to read and understand written materials such as newspapers, magazines, journals, multi-step instruction manuals, and reference materials. Works from blueprints/design plans.
• Intermediate: ability to organize data and write clear and concise detailed records and reports, business letters, explanations, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.
• Intermediate: ability to work with and understand number systems; simple formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement.
• Basic: provides basic information to and interacts with others outside direct reporting relationships on procedures or general policies. Contact may require the consideration of different points of view to reach understanding and gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, city officials, contractors, and the general public.
• Requires Limited Direction: normally completes work according to their own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically.
• Skilled: comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Demonstrates master level use of specialized tools and equipment across a wide range of applications. Intermediate skill in Microsoft Office applications and/or departmental software.
• No budgetary/fiscal responsibilities.
• No responsibility for direction or supervision of others.

Other Characteristics:

• Working closely with others as part of a team.
• Performing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Time management skills, sometimes under strict time constraints.
• May require additional hours outside of normal schedule, which may include evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• May require emergency response.
• May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.

Physical Conditions & Additional Information

Physical Demands:

• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and