Gas Leak Survey Technician

Locates, identifies, and discovers above ground and underground gas leaks and determines corrective and preventive actions to maintain the City natural gas systems, Performs atmospheric corrosion inspection on commercial and residential gas lines.

Environmental Factors
Position functions outside in all types of weather conditions with exposure to natural gas and carbon monoxide fumes, fire, and explosive hazards.

Physical Factors
Physical work involves balancing, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching above shoulder height, and walking several miles per day; carrying items weighing up to 20 pounds; visual and verbal abilities to communicate with residents, business customers, and City staff; ability to operate a motor vehicle and navigate across even and uneven surfaces.

Work Situation Factors
Position requires stand-by duties to respond to emergency needs, irregular shifts as assigned, extended hours beyond an eight-hour day, weekend work, and long hours in all weather conditions. Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

Full-Time; Regular; Non-Exempt; Union-Represented.

• Conducts gas leak surveys on high pressure and intermediate pressure gas line, regulator stations, commercial service lines, and residential service lines; pinpoints and documents leaks found in accordance with federal DOT regulations; controls hazardous situations by evaluating the situation, determines the need for evacuation, and notifies public safety agencies.
• Investigates and coordinates gas leak repairs: investigates leaks to pinpoint source of leaks by using Flame Ionization and Gas Combustible Indicator (CGI) with bar hole testing to pinpoint underground leaks; works with City gas crews to coordinate the repairs.
• Inspects existing pipes for condition of external coating, condition of pipe, and evidence of atmospheric corrosion; works with City gas crews to coordinate the repairs.
• Classifies and identifies leaks; prepares clear, concise, and thorough written reports; maps and sketches leak locations, generates work orders to document all leak surveys, and maintains logs for leak survey reports, footage surveyed, calibration, and maintenance of leak detection equipment.
• Assists and supports the resolution of commercial gas distribution and service problems, field repairs, and installation of residential, commercial, and industrial gas meters.

High School Diploma or GED AND three (3) years experience working with gas distribution systems. Experience in the operation, calibration, and general maintenance of gas detection equipment may be preferred. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s)
Valid Class D driver's license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies. Journeyman Gas Fitter License is preferred; must obtain "Operator Qualified" certification within 60 days of hire date.

Knowledge of: natural gas systems monitoring, maintenance and repair; federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations relating to gas leak surveys, atmospheric corrosion and coating of gas pipelines; state regulations specific to the gas industry; operating procedure for electronic equipment used in gas leak survey work; gas systems installation, maintenance, and repair procedures; principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ab ility to : operate, calibrate, and maintain gas detection equipment such as flame ionization, methane analyzer, combustible gas indicators (CGI), and CO testers; identify Blue Stake markings, perform technical reading and writing; perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in: equipment use such as survey truck with mounted flame ionization unit, air compressors, generator, hand-held flame ionization, gas sentry, calculator; tool use such as pipe wrenches, probe bar, electric drills, pressure gauges and various others; reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.