General Technician Above Ground at Southern Company in Valdosta, GA

NOTE: THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL ASSIGNED TO THE VALDOSTA SERVICE CENTER LOCATED IN VALDOSTA GA

THIS IS A GENERAL TECHNICIAN ABOVE GROUND POSITION

Entry level position 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. Serves 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. 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 RESPONSIBILTIES

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.
Provide 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.
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

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 in the job; responsibilities may be changed or added without advance notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities.

Southern Company Gas provides for the energy needs of millions of U.S. households and businesses. As the largest natural gas-only distribution company in the United States, with more than 150 years of history behind us, we're working to ensure that Americans have access to an abundant, safely delivered supply of natural gas for decades to come. We offer our customers a wide range of energy services under one umbrella: seven regulated utilities as well as non-regulated businesses that offer retail, wholesale and storage services.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy company serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries as of Jan. 1, 2019. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices below the national average. For more than a century, we have been building the future of energy and developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, advanced carbon capture technologies, natural gas, renewables, energy efficiency and storage technology. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation and a low-carbon future, Southern Company and its subsidiaries develop the customized energy solutions our customers and communities require to drive growth and prosperity. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and govern our business to the benefit of our world. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have been recognized nationally by the U.S. Department of Defense, G.I. Jobs magazine, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, Forbes and the Women's Choice Award. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

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.