Systems Operations Technician Apprentice to First Class

Unitil; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 57,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Unitil is hiring for a gas operations role based in Maine. The position focuses on operating and maintaining LNG production and gas supply equipment, ensuring public safety and regulatory compliance. It includes field maintenance, odorant systems, and emergency response duties across various facilities.

The role requires a high school diploma, LNG operations knowledge, SCADA familiarity, and the ability to obtain OQ certification. Overtime and on-call shifts are expected.

Qualifications

• Must understand LNG plant operations and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of SCADA systems and telemetry is required.
• Ability to obtain Operator Qualification (O.Q.) under DOT regulations.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain LNG production and gas equipment in compliance with safety and regulations.
• Perform maintenance and inspections of odorant systems and gas facilities.
• Assist with commercial/industrial meter installations and startup activities.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate with regulatory authorities as needed.
• Capable of miscellaneous capital projects and special assignments.

Skills

LNG operations

SCADA systems

OQ certification

Forklift operation

Driver's license

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Our Company

More than a utility company, Unitil provides energy for life.

Our work helps keep homes comfortable, businesses thriving and communities connected. Unitil is an investor-owned public utility proudly serving Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We are dedicated to delivering energy to our customers safely and reliably.

Unitil is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our employees, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success of Unitil is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity and value our employees.

Take advantage of a comprehensive benefits package.

Unitil offers competitive salaries, a consumer-driven health plan, dental and vision coverage, flexible work, company-paid holidays, a, robust, highly competitive retirement plan and educational assistance.

*Note:

Benefit offerings may differ between union and non-union employee groups

Position Purpose:

To perform activities required to operate and maintain all gas production and gas supply equipment, including but not necessarily limited to LNG plant equipment, pressure regulators, critical valves, odorizers and telemetering equipment. To ensure that these activities are performed in accordance with Federal and State regulations as well as company policy, company procedures and management objectives. To provide services as an emergency gas leak first responder with the objective of ensuring public safety and protecting company assets. To ensure the timely and accurate completion of all necessary records, timesheets, paperwork and documentation needed for accounting, regulatory, asset management and related purposes. Professionally interact with customers, regulatory authorities and employees to ensure that the company satisfactorily meets their goals.

Principal Accountabilities

• 75%

  Gas Production and Gas Supply Equipment: To perform activities associated with the operation and maintenance of all gas production and gas supply equipment, including but not limited to LNG plant equipment, pressure regulators, critical valves, odorizers and telemetering equipment at regulating stations and certain commercial and industrial installations. To ensure that all activities are conducted to protect public safety, safeguard company assets and in full compliance with Unitil’s Operations & Maintenance procedures.

  These responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Perform the safe and proper unloading of LNG from transport carriers to storage tanks
  • Insure proper production and distribution of LNG
  • Assist, instruct, direct and check work of other LNG unloaders and summer employees
  • Perform maintenance on LNG equipment as required
  • Perform periodic odor intensity testing throughout the distribution system
  • Operate and maintain odorant injection systems; perform odorant transfers
  • Perform annual inspections and related maintenance on pressure control facilities including but not limited to regulators, heaters, pressure recorders and other related equipment
  • Identify abnormal operating conditions and take corrective action
  • Perform any other activities that are related to gas operations
  • Install and maintain pressure regulator facility instrumentation
  • Perform tests on emergency generators for building power and LNG plant power for gas and fire detection and alarm systems
  • Test and calibrate all electronic and electrical control systems and related instruments
  • When requested or required, oversee and assist contractors with regulator installations
  • General maintenance and upkeep of plant areas and buildings, including vegetation control, snow removal and vault pumping to remove water
  • Standby for excavation near Gas Ops facilities
• 20%

  Commercial /Industrial Meter Fits: Install and maintain large commercial / industrial customer meter sets; assist with commissioning and startup of customer utilization equipment.

• 5%

  DOC Facility Maintenance: Perform minor building maintenance related to HVAC, plumbing and lighting systems. Perform meeting room setups

• <1%

  Emergency Response: To respond as an emergency first responder. To immediately assess these situations and to make recommendations and make decisions that will ensure public safety

• As Needed

  Capitalizes on unplanned opportunities and responds to unforeseen situations; undertakes and completes assignments and special projects as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have knowledge of and be proficient at LNG plant operations.
• Must have knowledge of telecommunication and SCADA systems.
• Must be able to pass a general olfactory test
• Must have some knowledge of welding
• Must have demonstrated mechanical ability and aptitude to perform the above duties in a safe and professional manner
• Must be proficient in the use of personal computers.
• Must be able to obtain applicable Operator Qualification (O.Q.) certification based upon the requirements set forth in D.O.T. 49 CFR 192, Subpart N.
• Will be drug tested under the PHMSA drug pool
• Must maintain a valid Driver’s License based on the requirements of the State of Maine and/or the State where the employee resides.
• Must have the ability to effectively communicate.
• Must be able to work independently and exercise good judgement.
• Must be able to pass a Pulmonary Function Test and be in good physical condition.
• Must be regular in attendance and maintain a good safety record.
• Must be able to accept assignments in a company-declared emergency, be available to work overtime and participate in an on-call rotation
• Must be able to operate a forklift
• Possession of a valid State of Maine Gas Fitters License preferable
• Must be able to obtain and renew a Defense Biometeric Identification System (DBID) card allowing for access into Department of Defense (DOD) facilities to perform work on Unitl natural gas equipment.

THIS NOTICE IS POSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE XI OF OUR AGREEMENT WITH LOCAL UNION #12012-6, United Steel Workers, dated May 9, 2025.

HOURS: The normal working hours for this position are in accordance with Article V.

WAGE: Ultimate rate - 50.34 per hour (until 6/6/2027), for a 40 hour week. Overtime rates in accordance with Agreement.

Starting wage will be in accordance with Contract.

Unitil is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Last updated: 08/07/2026