Utility Specialist (S)

Nicor Gas; Schaumburg (IL); On-site; USD 31,186 - 44,416; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Health benefits

Annual incentive awards

Job summary

A utility provider in Schaumburg seeks a Utility Specialist to perform investigations of meter set items, conduct leak surveys, and adhere to safety protocols. The ideal candidate will possess a High School diploma and pass necessary certifications. Responsibilities include using hand and power tools, working in varied weather conditions, and maintaining compliance with company safety standards. This role offers a starting wage of $27.44 per hour and requires physical stamina for various tasks.

Qualifications

• Physical dexterity and ability to use tools.
• Ability to walk for extended periods and drive long distances.
• Must pass all required Operator Qualification certifications.

Responsibilities

• Investigate meter set items including gas leakage surveys.
• Perform leak reevaluation and surveys.
• Operate company vehicles in accordance with policies.

Skills

Leak reevaluation and survey

Hazard identification

Safe driving

Organizational daily planning

Small tool use

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Utility Specialist

The primary function of this role is investigation of meter set items to include: AMI devices, Painting/Corrosion activities, Gas leakage surveys, Inside Leak Survey. Duties include, and not limited to the following: Leak reevaluation and surveys outlined above, basic and light pipe fitting, turn off gas service valves, turn on service valves, some hazard investigation and mitigation, locating underground company facilities, using small tools, light hand digging with spade or shovel, working in confined spaces at times, communication skills with internal and external parties, computer use, and working in a potentially gaseous atmosphere. May be required to perform tasks or duties associated with lower job levels.

Employee must obtain qualification in all Operator Qualification tasks associated with the role.

Established Essential Duties

• Adheres to all safety and work rules, company policies and procedures and follow the Company safety manual.
• Shows the ability to utilize different tools and equipment associated with the varying job tasks.
• Represents the company in all interactions with customers, government and regulatory officials in a courteous and professional manner.
• Operates Company vehicles and equipment in accordance with Company policies and procedures, including state and federal laws.
• Works in varying weather conditions, changing elements, and at times in extreme weather conditions.
• Perform inspection, assessment, repair, or mitigation of atmospheric corrosion
• Uses various hand tools and power tools, hand digging, and probing for subsurface gas readings
• Works on jobsites containing uneven surfaces, excavations, and landscaping
• Available to work overtime as necessary to meet business requirements and flexibility in working shifts as required.
• Works in a potential gaseous atmosphere.
• Physical dexterity and ability to use tools
• Works independently or in a group.
• Ability to walk for extended periods of time, ability to drive long distances, ability to stand for short and long durations, squat, crawl, walk up and down stairs, and utilize a ladder.
• Ability to listen and follow directions, to read and understand technical material, the willingness for continual education, and to adapt to new technology or processes.

Certifications or Qualifiers

Required

• High School diploma or GED
• Valid Driver’s License and pass Company driving tests
• Must be able to correctly read 300 meter reads in a row within a week timeframe.

Preferred

• Background in Utilities, Construction, or Labor‑intensive roles

Specific Skills & Knowledge

• Pass all required Operator Qualification certifications
• Maintain compliance with Pipeline Safety Drug and Alcohol testing program
• Demonstrate skills in: Leak reevaluation and survey
• Hazard identification
• Relighting appliances
• Pipe fitting
• Small tool use
• Safe Driving and all Safety initiatives
• Computer use, Atlas Page reading, and Map reading
• Organizational daily planning
• Successfully pass Company’s Field Operations Utility Specialist certification training program
• Ability to smell odorant used to detect gas leaks
• Join IBEW local Union

Preferred

• Possess good work ethic
• Be self‑motivated, self‑starter
• Able to comprehend and follow direction
• Able to work in varying conditions (i.e., rough terrain, inclement weather)
• Able to operate basic equipment, machinery and simple tools
• Possess willingness to learn
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude
• Possess basic knowledge of and background in all Operating departments: Sys Ops, Con Ops, & Corrosion
• Able to communicate well with co‑workers, customers and first responders on incidents i.e., Police and Fire departments
• Possess experience operating fleet vehicles similar to departmental fleet, that could include a pick‑up vehicle (up to 10,000 lbs.) and equipment
• Possess experience working on construction sites
• Possess good hand/eye coordination

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically walk, ascend and descend stairs and ladders, stoop, bend, kneel, enter and exit tap holes, ditches, and/or excavations, and lift and transport weight in excess of 50 pounds
• Have a keen sense of smell, hearing, vision and color identification
• Required to work in various weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, and precipitation

Union position starting wage is $27.44 effective on March 1, 2026.

Disclaimer

This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities.

About Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta‑based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), serving approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and about 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Southern Company invests in the well‑being of its employees through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards, and health benefits. Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer.