The Water and Gas Division of the Utilities Department has openings for Utilities Pipeline Technician I, II, and III.

Utilities Pipeline Technician I - $16.58 - $19.90/hr. DOQ

Performs responsible skilled and semi-skilled work aiding in the construction, maintenance, repair, and abandonment of distribution infrastructure for water and gas utilities. Natural gas work includes PHMSA regulated installation of mains and services made of polyethylene and steel. Water work includes VDH regulated construction of water mains and services made of polyethylene, ductile iron, and copper.

Maintenance of both utilities is regulated by the same authorities as construction. The maintenance of gas utilities during an emergency may require working in hazardous conditions. Water maintenance may be performed in a physically challenging environment combined with an urgency of repair. Knowledge and skill to repair cast iron, PVC, ductile iron, polyethylene, copper, and galvanized steel is required. Maintenance requires detailed knowledge of safety requirements of trenching and shoring, confined space, traffic control, and equipment operation.

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.

• Works as part of a crew installing or maintaining water and gas mains and services, locates water and gas lines, taps live lines and repairs them; joins pipe by mechanical means and by fusion
• Operates construction equipment including skid-steer, excavator, back-hoe, trencher, pneumatic piercing tools, valve exerciser, vacuum excavator, augers, concrete mixers, and compaction equipment all in the act of performing construction or maintenance of water or gas pipelines.
• Drives and operates a dump truck; loads and unloads dirt, stone, gravel, utility pipe and other materials; drives light vehicles;
• PHMSA regulations require initial and periodic confirmation of qualification to perform various tasks on the pipeline; maintains qualification to perform up to 40 covered skilled tasks through computer-based training, knowledge test, and field evaluation.
• Recognizes Abnormal Operating Conditions and knows how to respond to them
• Possesses a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) to drive a crew truck pulling a trailer and excavator, backhoe, skid-steer, etc. or has ability to timely obtain
• Sawing, cutting, and digging; locating and replacing water and gas lines.
• Performs manual labor including hand-digging to expose utilities; rakes right-of-way for restoration; uses shovel to remove debris for disposal; pours concrete and installs asphalt as necessary.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Uses mobile technology to obtain up to date information from geographical information system and operations and maintenance procedures
• Completes as-build drawings and/or collects field locational data and attributes
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED, and one to two years of experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above

Certifications/Licenses

Job Knowledge

Basic familiarity with the work to know common principles and terminology and to understand and solve simple problems

Reading

Intermediate: Ability to read papers, periodicals, journals, manuals, dictionaries, thesauruses, and encyclopedias.

Writing

Basic: Ability to write simple sentences containing subject, verb, and object, and/or series of numbers, names, and addresses.

Math

Basic: Ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).

Communication Skills

Requires regular & routine interaction involving exchange and receipt of information.

Independence and Decision-Making

Normally performs the duty assignment after receiving general instructions as to methods, procedures, and desired end results. There is some opportunity for discretion when making selections among a few, easily identifiable choices. The assignment is usually reviewed frequently.

Technical Skills

Work requires the use of standard technical skills appropriate to the work environment of the organization.

Fiscal Responsibilities

No budgetary/fiscal responsibility

Supervisory Responsibilities

May occasionally direct helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns or temps.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work requires heavy physical effort, exerting 50-100 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10-20 lbs. constantly.
• Adequate vision, hearing and talking to drive and communicate effectively with others.
• Frequent sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, twisting, and handling equipment.
• Occasional standing, pushing/pulling, kneeling, crouching, bending, climbing, and fine dexterity to operate computer.
• Rarely needs to reach, crawl and balance.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and predictable attendance is expected.
• May frequently work closely with others as part of a team, and experience noisy/distracting environment.
• May occasionally experience time pressure, frequent change of tasks, and tedious or exacting work.
• May rarely experience time pressure, irregular work schedule/overtime, and performing multiple tasks simultaneously

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Typically requires use of various vehicles and trucks used in performing maintenance duties; asphalt roller, hand tools, jack hammer, computer and associated hardware and software, etc.; and any other equipment as appropriate or required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed outdoors, in vehicles or equipment, where there is daily exposure to noise and vibrations, and to physical hazards, and frequent exposure to respiratory hazards. There is occasional exposure to mechanical and fire hazards, physical danger or abuse, and wetness/humidity. There is seasonal exposure to extreme temperatures. There is rare exposure to chemical and electrical hazards, explosives and communicable diseases.

The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task (hard hat, safety vest, steel-toe shoes, etc.); and any other equipment as apparent or assigned.