Field Maintenance Worker - Various Portland Locations (Term)

NW Natural; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Holidays

Diversity & Inclusion programs

Job summary

NW Natural seeks a Field Maintenance Worker for multiple Portland-area locations on a 1-year term. The role supports operations with meter reads, customer contact, and field maintenance tasks. You will inspect meters, perform safety checks, and coordinate with the team to ensure reliable utility service.

A strong safety mindset and physical endurance are essential. The position offers union protections, training, and opportunities to contribute to a diverse, inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• Technical and customer field experience related to in-person credit collections, encoder receiver transmitter programming/replacement, or related skills.
• Ability to diagnose problems and follow through with solutions.
• Safety, efficiency, and productivity in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic math and reading skills.
• Ability to access input and retrieve information from a computer/tablet.
• Knowledge of company policies and department requirements.
• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy.
• Capable of prioritizing and adapting to changing tasks.
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to guide others and work in a structured team.

Responsibilities

• Performs field credit activities including collections, meter re-reads and turnoffs.
• Assesses meter sets for atmospheric corrosion and records data.
• Paints meters, piping, and regulators as needed.
• Performs Encoder Receiver Transmitter (ERT) inspections, replacements, and installations.
• Checks meters for potential damage, tampering, and vandalism, and reports to appropriate personnel.
• Completes assigned AMR routes efficiently and within established timeframes.
• Documents activities using a PC/tablet or other recordkeeping system.
• Responds to customer inquiries and complaints and makes referrals when necessary.
• Trains and provides feedback to less-experienced workers under supervision.
• Performs other tasks as required, including those in lower levels per collective bargaining.
• Wears appropriate protective equipment and safety gear.
• Operates company vehicles in compliance with laws and policies.
• Acquires and maintains OQ qualifications.
• Maintains professional and respectful conduct with colleagues and customers.
• Follows supervisory instructions and remains adaptable to changing conditions.
• Maintains punctual and regular attendance.
• Demonstrates NW Natural’s core values and company policies.
• Ability to safely perform physically demanding work for 8+ hours.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and climb ladders to 50 feet.

Skills

Field credit experience

Meter tech repairs

Customer interface

Safety compliance

Basic math and reading

Computer/tablet input

Problem solving

Effective communication

Prioritization

Multi-tasking

Job description

Field Maintenance Worker - Various Portland Locations (Term)

Location: Various Portland Locations, WA, US

Company: NW Natural

Field Maintenance Worker - Various Portland Locations (Term)

1-Year Term Position
Union Position; Up to4positions
Utility Support Staff 2;Various Portland Locations,Washington (US-WA)
Regular FT, Non-Exempt

About Us:

At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve.Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry.

In addition to environmental stewardship, we’re also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility.

NOTE:

This is a Term position, up to 1 year in length.

Position Summary:

Uses specialized equipment and interfaces with customers to provide non-technical support for operations.

• Performs field credit activities including collections, meter re-reads and turnoffs.
• Assesses meter sets for atmospheric corrosion and records data.
• Paints meters, piping, and regulators as needed.
• Performs Encoder Receiver Transmitter (ERT) inspections, replacements, and installations.
• Checks meters for potential damage, tampering/theft, and vandalism, and reports to the appropriate personnel.
• Completes assigned AMR (Automated Meter Reading) routes efficiently and in established timeframe.
• Documents activities using a PC/tablet or other recordkeeping system or device.
• Responds to customer inquiries and complaints and makes referrals when necessary.
• Trains, assists, and provides feedback to less-experienced workers at the direction of supervisor, which may include providing training progress feedback to the supervisor.
• Performs other tasks as required, including those in lower levels as referenced in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, with training as needed.
• Appropriately wears required protective equipment and safety gear.
• Operates Company vehicles in compliance with state/local laws and Company policies and procedures.
• Acquires and maintains OQ qualifications.
• Acts and communicates in a professional, respectful, and cooperative manner in connection with all activities associated with NW Natural.
• Follows supervisory instructions and is flexible and adaptable to changing conditions and expectations.
• Maintains punctual, regular, and reliable attendance.
• Demonstrates the Company’s core values and complies with all Company policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Technical and customer field experience related to in-person credit collections, encoder receiver transmitter programming/replacement, or have related skills and experience.
• Ability to diagnose problems and follow through with solutions as related to the role.
• The ability to be safe, efficient, result-oriented, and productive in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic math and reading skills.
• Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer/tablet.
• Basic knowledge of the Company’s organization, inter-relationships, policies, procedures, processes, and department/work specific requirements.
• Ability to interface with employees and customers to answer questions or resolve issues with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to concentrate on tasks, apply procedures in sequence, make decisions with limited information, and work in a structured team environment.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills and ability to guide the work of others.
• Ability to establish priorities, balance multiple assignments, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work involving walking, standing, bending, twisting, wrist turning, grasping, lifting, squatting, kneeling, reaching, or assuming awkward postures for 8+ hours.
• Ability to hear normal voice at 3 feet; warning signals/horns during work operations.
• Near/distant vision for driving and reading information to complete work assignments.
• Moderate/severe exposure to uneven surfaces, noise, vibration, high-speed rotating machinery, and odorant inhalation.
• Ability to work in adverse weather or terrain conditions.
• Ability to safely operate Company vehicles/equipment and perform inspections and minor maintenance as necessary and in compliance with Company policies and state/local laws.
• Valid driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days if out-of-state), required certifications/endorsements, and satisfactory driving record.
• Must be able to lift a maximum of 50 lbs.
• Ability to safely set up, use, and/or climb ladders to heights of at least 50 feet.
• Ability to smell natural gas (mercaptan).
• Subject to random drug testing.

Qualification Period: 6 months

What we offer:

Health & Wellness –

• Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
• Free access to an online wellness resources platform
• Wellness incentive program

Work Life Balance -

• Accrue up to 16 PTO Days (Amount varies based on length of term agreement)
• 10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
• Be part of a workplace where your voice matters. Engage with our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, and a variety of Employee Resource Groups that support community and growth.
• Numerous volunteer and community engagement opportunities

Hourly Rate:$37.93

Disclosure:We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations. NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

E-Verify Information
NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

NW Natural is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and embrace our candidates’ diversity and take affirmative action to employ and advance individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, marital status, genetic information, and all other legally protected characteristics. We forbid discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on any protected status or characteristic. A criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment with NW Natural. Instead, we make individualized assessments regarding qualifications and backgrounds. NW Natural is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact us at [e-mail] or [phone].

NW Natural is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and embrace our candidates’ diversity and take affirmative action to employ and advance individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, marital status, genetic information, and all other legally protected characteristics. We forbid discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on any protected status or characteristic. A criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment with NW Natural. Instead, we make individualized assessments regarding qualifications and backgrounds. NW Natural is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need ...