General Technician Apprentice Below Ground

General Technician 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 Responsibilities

• 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

Disclaimer: This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities.

About Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.