Gas Utility Technician

Position Summary::
Performs surveys, tests, and investigations on new or existing mains and services to insure proper application and maintenance of cathodic protection. Surveys gas system for leaks and evaluates potential danger concerning leaks.

Criteria:
Education & Experience:
High school diploma (GED) with knowledge/skills in electrical and electronic testing and repair and one year of experience in gas utility construction, maintenance, cathodic protection, or engineering.

Skills & Abilities:
Basic knowledge of natural gas, drafting, and natural gas distribution system construction techniques. Operation of various types of gas leak detection equipment, underground utility locating equipment, and cathodic protection testing equipment. Excellent communication skills. Ability to use MS Word, MS Excel, Access, and ESRI GIS.

Certifications/Licenses:
AMPP (Association for Materials Protection and Performance) “CP Tester Level 1” Certification or successful completion up to the Intermediate Level in the Appalachian Underground Corrosion Short Course within three years of employment.

Physical Demands:
The ability to climb ladders and perform work from a ladder. The ability to safely operate a standard-equipped JEA motor vehicle. The ability to use a computer keyboard effectively. The ability to orally communicate by phone and person-to-person. The ability to lift, carry, and use heavy tools and materials. The ability to enter/exit 22” diameter accessways and work in confined spaces. The ability to walk several miles per day over rough terrain. Ambulatory. The ability to see and read printed material.

Work Environment:
Outdoor conditions. Subject to working in proximity of traffic, construction work, pipes under pressure, electrical cables, and other underground utilities. Risk of gas fire or explosion and extreme temperatures.

Driving:
Must have and maintain a valid Tennessee Class “D” license.

Telephone:
Must maintain an operating telephone and furnish the number to his/her supervisor.

Essential Functions: :

• Locates and classifies gas leaks by operating a portable or mobile flame ionization leak detector, RMLD, and combustible gas indicator.
• Completes leak repair order (LRO) for all leaks and distributes to appropriate personnel.
• Serves as a guide during independent mobile leak surveys.
• Performs quarterly casing and exposed main surveys.
• Performs walking and mobile leak surveys of the JEA’s distribution system.
• Performs voltage surveys to monitor the level of cathodic protection applied to new or existing gas mains and services.
• Conducts electric surveys to locate areas of active corrosion on existing mains and service lines.
• Takes readings from rectifier units and cathodic test stations.
• Operates and maintains various instruments, such as pipe locator, voltmeter, ammeter, pipeline current mapper, flame ionization unit (FI), RMLD, combustible gas indicator, etc.
• Assists the Cathodic Protection Technologist with the calibration, maintenance, and repair of leakage and hazardous gas detection equipment.
• Operates valves, installs plugs, turns off meters, and takes other necessary precautions in potentially dangerous situations.
• Remains at leak site when necessary until appropriate repair personnel arrive.
• Rechecks leak repairs to ensure that all leakage has been eliminated.
• Locates, requests repair, and follows up on cathodic protection system faults for gas mains and services.
• Observes the installation and maintenance of cathodic protection equipment and oversees the proper application of cathodic protection on gas services, risers, valves, etc.
• Oversees the installation of test stations and bonds within the system as needed.
• Assists the Cathodic Protection Technologist as needed in locating faults on gas mains, repairing rectifier systems, making field tests, and installing and replacing ground beds.
• Coordinates input of cathodic protection information and leakage information into GIS.
• Drives JEA company vehicle home and responds to after-hours emergency leak calls locate requests.
• Maintains knowledge of JEA maps, records, and legends.
• Coordinates daily work schedule with superintendents, foremen, and other utility personnel.
• Surveys exposed mains and casings per schedule detailed in the Gas O&M Manual and checks for pipeline damage.
• Maintains detailed records of cathodic test readings, rectifier readings, exposed mains, casings, and leaks.
• Takes cathodic readings and documents underground fuel storage and propane tanks.
• Assumes additional duties as requested.