Salary : $54,600.00 - $71,760.00 Annually

Location : Charlottesville, VA

Job Type: Regular Full-Time

Job Number: 240700014

Department: Public Utilities

Division: Gas Division Operations

Opening Date: 07/22/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Bargaining Unit: N/A

General Summary

Support the Charlottesville Department of Utilities in fulfilling its service to provide efficient and safe utilities to all in our community. The Charlottesville Department of Utilities - Gas Division is seeking a qualified candidate to join our team as a Gas Pressure Regulator Technician who is highly motivated and who strives for success by demonstrating Charlottesville's Core Values of Commitment, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Collaboration.

The Gas Pressure Regulator Technician performs difficult skilled work in the inspection, installation, and relocation of gas regulators and related devices, under the limited supervision of the Deputy Director of Utilities.

The preferred hiring amount is between $26.25 - $34.50 Hourly ($54,600.00 - $71,760.00 Annually). As of March 28, 2024, this position is in the Labor and Trades bargaining unit in accordance with the City's Collective Bargaining Ordinance (Ordinance No. 22-128). Starting pay for this position is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. Future wage adjustments are subject to terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement between the City and the exclusive bargaining representative. The parties are in the process of negotiating the collective bargaining agreement, which will take effect on July 1, 2025.

This is a full-time, non-exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities.

• For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.

• The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. If questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.

Note: This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment with candidates who are best qualified. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Repairs, restores, tests, sets, and installs gas pressure regulators and devices.
• Inspects and maintains regulator stations, key values, system values, high- and low-pressure gas line valves, main-on structure, feeder line easement, and other related devices.
• Ensures appropriate, accurate, record-keeping and completion of written reports in compliance with, and for audits conducted by, the State Corporation Commission.
• Checks gas pressure readings at low pressure spots in system.
• Makes high pressure taps on gas lines.
• Installs and relocates gas meter sets, commercial meters and regulators.
• Performs house piping and meter moves on an as-needed basis.
• Maintains inventory of regulators and regulator parts.
• Performs annual patrolling of main feeder lines between gate stations; checks all meter setups online for leaks, regulator pressures, or servicing and maintains records; assists with yearly cleanup of right-of-way of line.
• Performs quarterly and yearly inspections on key valves, regulator stations, and mains on structure.
• Collects and updates correction factors for metering.
• Draws sketches of gas main and service connections.
• Prepares work order forms and related documentation for repairs.
• Records all new or discontinued high pressure meter setups and records.
• Checks emergency gas leaks.
• Maintains service vehicle, keeping truck and all tools clean, usable and in their appropriate location, and vehicle stocked with equipment and supplies that are used on a regular basis.
• Provide timely and effective communication to other departmental staff, direct supervisor, and departmental leadership when pressure issues arise that could impact the services provided or could result in the unexpected disruption of service.
• Responds to natural gas potential pressure emergencies after hours.
• Subject to Standby Call to work in weather and non-weather-related emergencies or as needed to provide necessary services to the public. Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Departmental guidelines.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Other Duties

• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Education, Experience and Skills

Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• High school diploma or GED, AND at least 3 years of experience in gas maintenance service.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check, pre-employment drug screen, and pre-employment physical.
• Valid Virginia Driver's License and acceptable driving record according to city criteria.
• Must be able to obtain, and maintain, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 6 months of hire.
• Must complete and maintain DOT Operator Qualification program for appropriate covered tasks including use of Combustible Gas Indicator and flame pack.
• Must obtain and maintain certification for plastic pipe fusion and Mueller Tapping Equipment operation.
• Must complete and maintain Operator Qualification (OQ) testing as required by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
• Must obtain and maintain all certifications required by applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Subject to federal DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:
Job Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of the safe methods and practices used when working with gas lines, high pressure meters and related devices.
• Thorough knowledge of the equipment and materials used in gas work.
• Knowledge of characteristics of natural gas.
• Thorough knowledge of Virginia damage prevention laws and regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of pipe filling.
• General knowledge of construction.
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work and equipment.

Reading:

• Intermediate: ability to read and understand written materials such as newspapers, magazines, journals, multi-step instruction manuals, and reference materials. Works from blueprints/design plans.

Writing:

• Intermediate: ability to organize data and write clear and concise detailed records and reports, business letters, explanations, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.

Math:

• Intermediate: ability to work with and understand number systems; simple formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement.

Communication Skills:

• Basic: provides basic information to and interacts with others outside direct reporting relationships on procedures or general policies. Contact may require the consideration of different points of view to reach understanding and gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, city officials, contractors, and the general public.

Independence and Decision-Making:

• Requires Limited Direction: normally completes work according to their own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically.

Technical Skills:

• Skilled: comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Demonstrates master level use of specialized tools and equipment across a wide range of applications. Intermediate skill in Microsoft Office applications and/or departmental software.

Fiscal Responsibilities:

• No budgetary/fiscal responsibilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• No responsibility for direction or supervision of others.

Other Characteristics:

• Working closely with others as part of a team.
• Performing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Time management skills, sometimes under strict time constraints.
• May require additional hours outside of normal schedule, which may include evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• May require emergency response.
• May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.

Physical Conditions & Additional Information

Physical Demands:

• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 25 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

• Typically requires use of specialized tools and equipment used in gas pipe fitting; standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in an outside environment with exposure to weather conditions, hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, hazardous chemicals, atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, and gases, and extreme temperatures.
• Noise level may be loud.
• The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task (hard hat, safety vest, steel-toe shoes, etc.); and any other equipment as apparent or assigned.

The City of Charlottesville conducts job related background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment drug tests, in accordance with federal, state, and local law, of applicants who reach the final stages of the employment selection process. The City's policy has not changed because of the decriminalization of marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law, and it continues to be a violation of the US Department of Transportation regulations and the City's policy prohibiting employees from testing positive for marijuana.

The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity at all levels of the organization. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The City is dedicated to this with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

Requests for reasonable accommodation by individuals with disabilities may be requested by contacting Human Resources at (434) 970-3490 or

The City of Charlottesville conducts job related background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment drug tests, in accordance with federal, state, and local law, of applicants who reach the final stages of the employment selection process. The City's policy has not changed because of the decriminalization of marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law, and it continues to be a violation of the US Department of Transportation regulations and the City's policy prohibiting employees from testing positive for marijuana.

SUMMARY OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Updated July 1, 2022

Benefits cited represent those for regular 40-hour employees and may differ for Management Level, Part-Time, and/or Library positions. Long-term temporary employees are eligible for all benefits except retirement. Interns, temporary, seasonal, substitute, and relief employees are not eligible for benefits.

1. LEAVE:

• Vacation:
  • 3.09 hours accrued biweekly -- 0 - <3 years
  • 3.85 hours accrued biweekly -- 3 - <5 years
  • 4.62 hours accrued biweekly -- 5 - <10 years
  • 5.40 hours accrued biweekly -- 10 - <15 years
  • 6.16 hours accrued biweekly -- 15 - <20 years
  • 6.93 hours accrued biweekly -- 20 - <25 years
  • 7.70 hours accrued biweekly -- 25+ years

Sick:

• 4.62 hours per biweekly pay period, approximately 120 hours a years, no limit on accumulation

Holidays:

• 14 paid holidays per calendar year (13 observed and 1 floating)

2. INSURANCE:

• Aetna Medical -
  • Choose from three options with different premiums and levels of coverage and coverage is effective on the first of the month following date of hire:
    • HMO: $0 premium for employee only coverage
    • POS 1: Employee-only premium of $36.28 per biweekly pay
    • POS 2: Employee-only premium of $13.02 per biweekly pay
      • (Dependent coverage is available but the cost of the premium is not subsidized.)

Prescription Card ($10 generic, $30 lower cost name brand, $55 higher cost name brand)

Mail Order Maintenance Prescription Drug Program ($20 generic, $60 lower cost name brand, $110 higher cost brand)

• Dental (Delta Dental)
  • No cost for employee only coverage. Dependent coverage is available but the cost of the premium is not subsidized.
  • Diagnosis and Preventive -- 100% of allowable charge; Basic Dental Care - 80%; Major Dental Care - 50%
  • Primary -- $50 deductible, 80/20
  • Prosthetic & Complex Restorative -- $50 deductible, 50/50
  • $1,500 maximum annual benefit
  • $1,000 Orthodontic Benefit

MetLife Vision Plan: Optional

• Employee only coverage: $2.50 bi-weekly; Dependent coverage also available at differing rates.
• Eye health exam, dilatation, prescription and refraction of glasses covered after $10 co-pay;
• $130 allowance for frames, after co-pay, plus additional discounts where accepted.

Life:

• Two times annual salary (paid by the City)
• Optional supplemental life available for employee, spouse, dependents (paid by employee)

AFLAC: Optional

• Cancer/accident/short term disability/intensive care insurance (paid by employee)

• Long Term Disability
  • Protection from income loss due to long-term illness or injury (paid by the City)

3. RETIREMENT: The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS, however the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS. There are certain provisions that must be met and the portability request must be executed within 18 months of vesting in the City's Plan.

• Pension:
  • Choose from two options:
    • A Defined Benefit Pension plan pays a monthly benefit in retirement using a defined formula based on the employee's earnings history, tenure of service, and age. Our plan has a 5 year vesting period and an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
    • A Defined Contribution 401a plan in which fixed contributions are paid into an individual's account by the employer, the contributions are invested, returns (positive or negative) are credited to the account, and the account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. The vesting schedule for our 401a plan is 33% after one year of service, 67% after two years of service, and 100% after three years of service. There is no required contribution from salary. (Note that: the Defined Contribution retirement plan is the only plan available for Library employees)

• Supplemental:
  • Deferred Compensation (457) - employee contribution

4. OTHER BENEFITS:

• Flexible Spending Accounts:
  • Health Care Expenses
  • Dependent Care Expenses
  • Parking/Mass Transit Expenses
  • Parking Subsidy of $50 per month

Wellness Programs:

• Gym Reimbursement Program
• Monthly On-Site Nurse and Annual Flu Shots
• Health Screenings and Fairs, Education Sessions, & Weekly Fitness Classes
• Weight Watchers at Work

Bike Commuter Program:

• Reimbursement of up to $20 per month for reasonable bike commuting expenses

Employee Assistance Program:

• A variety of confidential, personal professional services for you and your family available 24 hours a day.

Tuition Reimbursement Program:

• Up to $1,500 for undergraduate OR Up to $3,000 for graduate level tuition per fiscal year per employee.

01

Do you have a High School Diploma or GED Equivalency?

• Yes; I have a High School Diploma or Higher.
• Yes; I have a GED or equivalency.
• No; However, I have an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.
• No.

02

Do you have at least three (3) years of experience in Gas Service Maintenance? (Must be verifiable in reference to the Work History section on your online application.)

• Yes.
• No; However, I have an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.
• No.

03

This position requires driving to perform essential job duties and requires a valid driver's license. The candidate selected for this position must meet the driver eligibility requirements of the City and must provide a certified copy of their DMV driving record.Do you possess a valid driver's license and are you willing to provide a certified copy of your DMV driving record, if selected as a finalist, for the City to confirm your driving eligibility?

• Yes; I possess a valid driver's license and am willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.
• No; However, I am willing and able to obtain a valid driver's license and am willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.
• No; I do not have a valid driver's license, nor am I willing or able to obtain one, and/or am not willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.

04

Do you have, OR are you able to obtain within 6 months if hired, a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL)?

• Yes; I currently possess a valid CDL.
• Yes; I can obtain a valid CDL within 6 months, if hired.
• No; I cannot obtain a valid CDL within 6 months, if hired.

05

Please list any relevant certifications you possess.

06

To be considered, qualifying education and experience, including City of Charlottesville employment, must be clearly documented in the education, work history, and additional information sections of the employment application. Resumes can be attached but should not be used as a substitute for the required information on the application. I understand that an attached resume may not be accepted in place of a completed employment application and that my qualifications should be stated on the employment application itself.

• Yes
• No

07

I certify that the information above is true and correct, and I certify that it can be verified with reference to the information in my basic application. I understand that my application may be rejected if the responses to supplemental questions do not match my basic application.

• Yes
• No

Required Question