Utility Technician (Ocala)

Utility Technician (Ocala)

At Peoples Gas, we work to make lives better throughout Florida with safe, resilient, clean and affordable natural gas solutions. Our diverse and inclusive team serve more than 500,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across 14 service areas. We're an innovative and collaborative company focused on building engaged and empowered team members who are valued and celebrated to drive our success. You'll find competitive pay, inclusive health and wellness programs, and wide-ranging training and professional development. Whether it's your first job or your next big move, Peoples Gas is a growing company with career opportunities that fit your future. Start here.

Peoples Gas System is the fastest growing natural gas utility in the Southeast with career opportunities that fit your future. Our organization is diverse in people, opportunities, and careers. We foster a dynamic and inclusive workplace where safety, innovation and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do.

Our Utility Technician performs duties related to the operation, service, and/or location of natural gas pipelines; or a combination of such duties. May perform the new construction, installation and/or maintenance of gas distribution systems, and/or residential, commercial and industrial metering equipment. Ensures the safety of employees and customers. Specific duties will be determined by the operational needs of the assigned location.

Must be physically capable of indoor/outdoor manual labor. Successful candidate must reside within 45 minutes of the Ocala office location to ensure business continuity and emergency response time.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

• Reads meters and meter instruments, turns on and off residential and commercial gas service, appliances and equipment, including CNG and also may convert appliances.
• Sets and changes out residential and commercial meters/regulators.
• Performs duties in operation, maintenance and service of meters and regulators.
• Investigate metering equipment related to residential and commercial high-bill complaints or questionable/unusual low consumption readings.
• Fabricates and joins various types and sizes of gas piping/fittings including gas mains, services and meter sets, may also perform electric and/or gas welding.
• Installs and maintains pipe in accordance with construction and maintenance standards. Includes the operation of various equipment such as boring equipment, hydraulic tools, backhoe, stopping and tapping equipment and other machines used in distribution construction.
• Performs locating of underground natural gas systems.
• Performs compliance inspections/activities related to Cathodic Protection (CP), corrosion, relief/gate/regulator stations and leak/CP surveys.
• Responds to leaks and/or emergency situations, and completes appropriate reports and forms.
• May provide leadership and training to Apprentices or team members with less experience.
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What You Need To Succeed Must Haves:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited school/institution.
• Valid Florida Driver's License with an acceptable driving record; a CDL may be required with certain positions/assignments.
• Minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience performing the duties and responsibilities of this position; or minimum of 3 to 4 years of natural gas operations experience related to the duties and responsibilities of this position.
• Must be able to proficiently perform all the functions of the PGS Apprentice Utility Technician position.
• Must understand basic map reading and be able to operate a computer, communication devices, power tools and equipment appropriate to the position/assignment.
• Must be able to perform basic math functions (add, subtract, multiply, divide, decimals, fractions, basic algebra and geometry).
• Must possess sound judgment.
• Must have the ability to follow complex oral and written instructions, and clearly express ideas verbally and in writing.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge?

• Minimum of 3-4 years performing the duties and responsibilities of this position.
• Knowledge of the geographic area.

Where And How You'll Work:

• Must be able to work emergency response overtime including call-out duty as business needs dictate. Overtime work includes extended workdays, weekends, holidays and call-out and stand-by schedule on a rotating basis.
• Must be able to respond to gas emergencies and/or business needs within divisional guidelines and required time frame.
• Must be able to work outdoors for extended periods of time.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment for work assigned.
• Must be able to pass a pulmonary function test for use of respiratory equipment.
• Must be able to ascend/descend ladders, stairs and the like using feet, legs, hands and arms.
• Must be able to maintain balance when walking, standing, or crouching, on/in narrow or slippery surfaces and/or spaces.
• Must be able to independently operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner.
• Must be able to independently enter/exit a motor vehicle as required during an eight hour shift.
• Must be able to bend and/or stoop requiring full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Must be able to kneel and or crouch by bending legs at knees to come to rest at knees and bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.
• Must be able to walk, stand or sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to grasp/handle small hand tools and other objects by applying pressure with fingers and palms.
• Must be able to work primarily with fingers (pinching, picking, etc.) rather than using the whole hand or arm.
• Must be able to pull, push, lift and carry objects weighing up to 100 lbs.
• Must have vision correctable to 20/40.
• Must not have an average hearing loss greater than 40 decibels in the better ear at frequencies of 500, 1000 and 2000 with or without a hearing aid.
• Must be able to smell gas odorant in normal concentrations.
• Must be able to perform repetitive motions by extending arms and hands in any direction with substantial movement of wrists, hands and fingers.
• Must be able to rotate and revolve body (twist) as to face in another direction.
• Must be physically capable of indoor/outdoor manual labor.

Why You'll Love Working With Us:

We proudly offer a competitive total rewards package and other perks to help keep you thriving:

• Performance Bonus: Earn an annual incentive bonus that recognizes your hard work.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Enjoy medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement Planning: Secure your future with a 401k Retirement Savings Plan and a comprehensive Pension plan.
• Ownership Opportunities: Participate in Emera's Employee Common Share Purchase Plan and share in our success.
• Time to Recharge: Enjoy Paid Time Off (PTO), paid company holidays, comprehensive mental, financial and physical wellness resources, and paid Parental Leave.
• Growth and Development: Take advantage of tuition reimbursement and other training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and career.
• And much more!

EMERGECNY Response Requirements:

TECO Energy and its companies serve a role in providing critical services to our community during an emergency. Team members are required to participate in the response/recovery activities related to emergencies/disasters to maintain service to our TECO Energy customers. Team members are required to work in their normal job duties or other assigned activities. Proper compensation will be made in accordance with the company's rules and procedures. A pre-employment drug screening, as well as a background check (including education, employment, criminal and motor vehicle) will also be conducted as part of the pre-employment screening. A physical may be conducted if required for the role.