UTILITY PIPELINE WELDER

POSITION TITLE:                 UTILITY PIPELINE WELDER

POSITION ID NUMBER:       7300, 7303

DEPARTMENT:                    OPERATIONS

REPORTS TO:                      MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR   

BASE PAY RATE:                 $21.60 PER HOUR (APPRENTICE) TO $24.38 PER HOUR (WELDER I) BASED ON EXPERIENCE

FLSA STATUS:                    NON-EXEMPT HOURLY ( OVERTIME)

KEY WORDS:                      WELDER, PIPELINE, PIPEFITTER, OPERATIONS, NATURAL GAS, UTILITY 

POSITION PROGRESSION BASE PAY RATES:

SYSTEM WELDER APPRENTICE:        $21.60 PER HOUR    $44,928.00 YEARLY

SYSTEM WELDER I:                              $24.38 PER HOUR    $50,710.40 YEARLY

SYSTEM WELDER II:                             $31.07 PER HOUR    $64,625.600 YEARLY

SYSTEM WELDER, SENIOR:                $35.07 PER HOUR    $72,945.60 YEARLY

Job Summary: This is an entry-level training to basic level position. Under direct to limited supervision, this position will assist in the essential functions and responsibilities to be able to complete them with limited supervision. Incumbent performs electric, and plastic welding on gas distribution and transmission systems and pipelines.

For an apprenticeship, the Incumbent must be API 1104 certified by the Okaloosa Gas District Welding procedures within 1 year to include all Operator Qualification requirements. Failure to do so could affect employment.

Incumbents in this position will be held to the District’s Gold Standard for Customer Service.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.      Applies basic level knowledge of welding, fabrication, tapping, and stopping practices to conduct electric, plastic welding used in the construction and maintenance of gas distribution systems with limited supervision.   

2.      Trains in electric, plastic welding used in the construction and maintenance of gas high pressure and transmission systems with direct supervision.

3.      Trains in fabrication, tapping and stopping equipment and techniques used in the construction and maintenance of gas high pressure and transmission pipelines with direct supervision.

4.      Supervisor directs work to be done through verbal instructions, work orders, blueprints, sketches, drawings, and specifications.

5.      Determine welding techniques to be used and selects proper materials such as size and type of welding electrode rods. 

6.      Performs maintenance on distribution systems including pipelines, regulator stations, repairing gas leaks, and making taps & stops.

7.      Assists with maintenance on high pressure and transmission systems including pipelines, regulator stations, repairing gas leaks, and making taps & stops.

8.      Installs service lines and main extensions and ties into existing systems.

9.      Operates a gasoline powered welding machine. May also operate heavy equipment such as excavator, forklift, and trucks.

10.   Cuts various metals using acetylene torches, hoses, and tanks.

11.   Must maintain a comprehensive knowledge of the current Okaloosa Gas District Welding manual including the normative references, codes & standards, and specifications.

12.   Other miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

The preceding is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. The principal duties and responsibilities enumerated are essential job functions of this position.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Apprenticeship: High School plus zero to one year of experience.

Welder I: High School plus one to five years of experience.

API 1104 Certified Welder by the Okaloosa Gas Welding Procedures (Maintain Annually)

Plastic welding, tapping and stopping Certification/Operator Qualification (Maintain Annually)

Must maintain the AWS Visual Testing I and II certification

Preferred: Welding Certificate

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES:

1.      Obtain knowledge of occupational safety standards and other pertinent local, state and/or federal regulations regarding pipeline installation and maintenance for natural gas transmission and distribution pipeline systems.

2.      Good interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, the public and with other craftsmen.

3.      A strong mechanical aptitude is essential.

4.      Displayed ability in mathematics, specifically knowledge to utilize piping math to determine correct pipe run offsets; installation and maintenance of valves, meters, gauges, and other natural gas peripheral piping devices.

5.      Obtain basic skills to identify grades and types of pipe, knowledge in use of relevant tools of the trade, and awareness of safe loading/unloading of materials.

6.      Obtain an understanding of the principles, methods, equipment and materials used in natural gas utility transmission and distribution pipeline maintenance, repair and service work.

7.      Obtain knowledge and task evaluation as determined by Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration rule CFR 49, Part 192; Subpart N: Operator Qualifications (OQ).

TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIRED:

1.      Completion of a welding certification course and obtain certification by successfully completing the API 1104 welding certification by the Okaloosa Gas District Welding procedures within 1 year.

2.      Completion of plastic welding, tapping and stopping Certification/Operator Qualification.

3.      Obtain full competency in Low Stress Level Pipe welding, tapping and stopping and complete Operator Qualifications.

4.      Must possess and maintain valid Florida driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the District and its insurers or obtain within 1 year.

5.      Must obtain forklift operator certification within 1 year.

6.      Must obtain training in rigging and lifting pipe and other natural gas related structures.

7.      Must have extensive knowledge of a variety of welding procedures and methods and techniques used in accomplishing various kinds of welding. 

8.      Must be aware of hazards and safety measures related to installing and repairing natural gas systems. 

9.      Must have the ability to read blueprints, specifications and other written guidelines.

10.  Displayed knowledge and understanding of safety requirements by wearing personal protective equipment, safety glasses, shoes and gloves as detailed in District and regulatory requirements; in general demonstrates a safety focused attitude.

11.  Demonstrated ability to work to measure and cut and thread pipes (by hand or machine).

12.  Skills to operate hand and power tools and to test instruments and applicable equipment and to maintain/return in good condition.

13.  Must be able to read and interpret schematic drawings, prints, or blueprints; knowledge and experience with pneumatics and hydraulics. 

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS:

1.      Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.

2.      Must be appropriately dressed in a clean and neat District authorized/approved uniform during work hours.

3.      May be required to work overtime with little notice. Subject to work other shifts.

4.      Physical Effort: Requires standing, walking, bending, reaching, squatting and heavy lifting.

5.      Work Environment: The work environment involves extremely high risks with exposure to potentially life threatening situations or unusual environmental stress that requires a full range of safety and other precautions, but in some cases, these precautions cannot prevent injury, illness, or possibly death. 

6.      Drug Testing for Illegal Drugs: Employees in this classification will be subject to undergo testing for illegal drugs in accordance with DOT Pipeline Safety Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49 (49CFR), Part 199.

BENEFITS:

Okaloosa Gas Districts offers a competitive benefits package, including:

BCBS Medical 100% employer paid for employee, 92% employer paid for family,

BCBS Dental 100% employer paid for employee or family,

BCBS Vision,

Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA),

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA),

Life insurance 100% employer paid,

Short Term Disability 100% employer paid,

Long Term Disability 100% employer paid,

Accidental Death and Dismemberment 100% employer paid,

AFLAC supplemental insurance,

Air Ambulance insurance,

Pet insurance,

Vacation Leave (48 hours first year, 96 hours second year) accrual based,

Sick Leave (80 hours per year) accrual based

11 Paid Holidays, includes 2 days for Thanksgiving and 2 days for Christmas

401(a) 8% Employer Defined Contribution Retirement, (employer paid, does not require employee contributions)

457(b) Employee Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan

Gym reimbursement up to $50 per month

Health Fair 100% employer paid

Wellness Program w/ incentives

Safety shoe reimbursement up to $150 per year

Uniforms 100% employer paid

Employer Assistance (Counseling) Program

Employee Events - Spring Crawfish Boil, Summer Picnic, Thanksgiving Lunch, Annual Banquet/Holiday Party

and up to $3,500 annual education reimbursement.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact 850-729-4700 or careers@okaloosagas.com for assistance.

Salary : $150 - $72,946