Utility Meter & Appliance Technician

City-of-Duluth-Minnesot; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Duluth is seeking a Gas Service Technician to service gas appliances, water meters, and gas meters, and to investigate gas odors and CO calls across residential, commercial, and industrial sites.

You will diagnose and repair equipment, test meters, respond to emergencies, maintain records, and follow safety protocols while delivering customer service.

Qualifications

• Minimum four years of related education and/or verifiable professional experience.
• Experience with skilled diagnostic and service work on gas-fired equipment is highly preferred.
• Completion of an OJT program within four years and review by supervising authority.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose, maintain, repair and adjust gas-fired equipment to code.
• Respond to gas and CO emergencies; coordinate with dispatch and responders.
• Test and calibrate meters and regulators; collect consumption data.
• Maintain parts inventory and records; install and retrofit meters.
• Ensure safety with confined-space procedures and routine inspections.

Skills

Gas-fired equipment diagnostics

Customer service

Field service

Education

4+ years related education/experience

On the Job Training (OJT) completion within 4 years

Tools

Gas detection equipment

Meters testing equipment

Calibration tools

Job description

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

This position is responsible for servicing gas appliances, water and gas meters, investigating gas odor and CO calls, ensuring the efficient and safe operation of essential utilities. Responsibilities include visiting residential, commercial, and industrial properties, conducting routine maintenance, troubleshooting complex issues, and ensuring safety and functionality for a diverse range of utility customers.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The supervisor makes assignments by defining objectives, priorities, and deadlines and assists incumbents with unusual situations which do not have clear precedents. Incumbents plan and carry out the successive steps and handle problems and deviations in the work assignment in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, or accepted practices in the occupation.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

Does not have direct supervisory responsibility but does have significant oversight of employees or projects that require delegation and direction over the work of others.

Responsibilities

• 1. Inspect, diagnose, maintain, repair and adjust electrical or mechanical gas-fired equipment and appliances in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• 2. Perform wet and dry repairs, part replacement, combustion analysis and programming updates to boilers and hydronic systems.
• 3. Respond to gas and CO emergencies, assess severity, establish incident command, communicate with Dispatch, collaborate with Fire, Police, Engineering, and Utility Operations to ensure safety and protect life and property.
• 4. Conduct follow up on above and below ground gas leak repairs, confirming that repairs have been made properly and there is no longer gas present.
• 5. Respond to and resolve service and emergency calls in residences and businesses, which occasionally may result in encountering dangerous pets, unsanitary conditions and dissatisfied customers.
• 6. Perform gas leak detection survey work, troubleshoot hard-to-find gas leaks using gas detection equipment, classify leaks, make and maintain electronic records on GIS and schedule relights.
• 7. Repair, maintain, and calibrate carbon monoxide, oxygen, and hydrogen sulfide meters and other gas detection devices.
• 8. Collect and record consumption data from gas and water meters.
• 9. Select proper temperature compensating units and install proper gearing and O-rings in gas meters.
• 10. Cut, fit, thread, and tap pipes and set gas pressure at work sites.
• 11. Install and test diaphragms, orifices, springs, and pilots of regulators and reliefs.
• 12. Determine location of and operate water curb boxes and gas riser shut-offs.
• 13. Perform installations, troubleshoot, and make repairs to remote read systems.
• 14. Test pipes, fittings, and equipment, and maintain testing records according to regulatory agency requirements.
• 15. Safely enter utility vaults using confined space procedures, monitor H2S, O2, CO and natural gas levels, and ventilate and dewater as necessary.
• 16. Restore and shut off services, conduct flow tests and inspect for leaks on the service line to determine integrity of pipe and location of leak.
• 17. Deliver time-sensitive correspondence and collect credit payments in person.
• 18. Maintain an accurate running parts inventory of materials needed to operate the gas and water distribution systems.
• 19. Inspect new furnace and boiler installations within our gas distribution system.
• 20. Perform conversions of gas-fired equipment between LP (propane) and natural gas.
• 21. Investigate and determine cause(s) of anomalies and discrepancies with water and gas bills.
• 22. Program and document the calibration of gas and water meters using testing equipment. Generate relevant reports and upkeep inspection forms as necessary.
• 23. Perform work to thaw water services as needed.
• 24. Perform work to connect, disconnect and remove overland lines.
• 25. Attend mandatory in-house and manufacturer training sessions to stay updated on industry-standard practices for repair and maintenance.
• 26. Perform installation, inspection, diagnosing, maintenance, repair, adjustments and removals of water meters, gas meters, regulators, and reliefs.
• 27. Provide excellent customer service and communicate effectively with members of the public, including face-to-face and in-home contact.
• 28. Use proper safety equipment to work in hazardous conditions such as exposure to asbestos, confined entry, raw sewage, animal feces and used needles.
• 29. Inspect house side water services for material type and maintain records of results.
• 30. Be an effective team member by exhibiting self-motivation, supporting other employees in handling tasks, interacting effectively and respectfully with others, showing a desire to contribute to the team effort, accepting assignments willingly, and completing tasks within agreed upon timelines.
• 31. Other duties may be assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

• A. A minimum of four (4) years of related education and/or full-time, verifiable professional experience, which demonstrates possession of the following knowledge, skill, and ability requirements.
• B. Experience with skilled diagnostic and service work on gas-fired equipment, or general water and gas service is highly preferred.
• C. Completion of an On the Job Training (OJT) program which includes OJT, college courses, manufacturer training and viable work history shall be completed within four years and will be reviewed by the supervising authority.

License Requirements

• A. Possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D driver's license or privilege.
• B. Acquire and maintain OQ (Operator Qualification) certification as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) within one (1) year of hire.

Education/Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point):Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated based on the type (relatedness) and extent of their education and experience as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass this exam will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.