Gas Distribution Operator I, II, or III - Hickory, NC

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NOTES:

- Residency Requirement: Selected candidate must live no more than 30 minutes from the assigned Ops Center

- Depending upon the qualifications of the successful applicant, the hiring manager may elect to fill this position at a level I, II, or III

This position is responsible for all duties associated with and related to the safe, efficient and cost- effective installation and maintenance of natural gas facilities and appurtenances on both transmission and distribution natural gas systems per 49CFR Part 192, Piedmont Natural Gas policies and procedures and local/state regulations.

Principal Responsibilities:

The Gas Distribution Operator is the entry level position for the Gas Distribution Crew Progression (O&M). The Gas Distribution Operator has accountability for timely completion of established skills development assignments in each wage step per guidelines. Each skills development assignment is designed to further prepare the Gas Distribution Operator to work safely and independently on O&M department responsibilities. Skills development assignments include, but are not limited to, successful completion of compulsory training, testing and certifications; attainment of required Operator Qualifications; and demonstration of proficiency in performance of job duties associated with regulated and non-regulated distribution work. The Gas Distribution Operator has the option to prepare for advancement to Sr Gas Distribution Operator by obtaining additional training and Operator Qualifications in Step 6 per established guidelines. Job posting selection is required for employees to enter the Gas Distribution Operator position.

The following list is not intended to be all inclusive of duties and responsibilities as needed to learn, assist and independently perform regulated and non-regulated Operations and Maintenance distribution work.

- Perform work assignments on customer’s premises; Interact with customers in a professional, respectful and courteous manner to promote good customer relations; answer customer-related inquiries regarding established Company policies and procedures and provide explanation of work performed

- Identify, obtain and deliver tools, materials and equipment needed for work assignments

- Utilize tools such as maps and GPS to locate work assignments; Drive a company vehicle, including transport of heavy equipment; possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within 18 months of entering the Gas Distribution Operator position. Maintain the CDL on a consistent basis thereafter.

- Perform O&M crew duties relating to maintenance and operation of natural gas underground pipeline, including but not limited to:

- Install, maintain, repair, relocate and retire new or existing natural gas facilities and appurtenances

- Assist with, plan and set up work zone safety and traffic control measures

- Perform general site preparation, restoration and right of way maintenance duties

- Develop proficiency in safe operation of heavy equipment such as mini-excavators, back hoes, skid steers, trenchers, etc., including, but not limited to excavation around utilities (natural gas, electric, etc.)

- Perform preventative maintenance and inspections on equipment

- Run power tools

- Perform hand digging

- Inspect above ground appurtenances for atmospheric corrosion

- Paint above ground appurtenances

- Perform pipe to soil corrosion readings

- Corrosion control and pipe remediation, including wrapping and coating pipe

- Thread and cut pipe

- Perform plastic pipe fusion

- Perform the role of “Competent Person” on the crew

- Perform facility locate duties

- Check odorant levels

- Conduct leak surveys

- Grade leaks

- Install leak clamps

- Perform third party damage investigation

- Develop knowledge of proficiency in record keeping systems relating to field operations, maintenance and compliance; complete work documentation/records with accuracy and on a timely basis

- Utilize and become proficient in technology devices such as computer, smart phone, etc. for work assignments and to accurately record required information

- Provide guidance and demonstrate proper procedural technique on work related tasks to lower level employees

- On-call rotation and emergency response

- Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

- High School diploma or GED

- Experience applying basic mechanical concepts and mechanical aptitude

- Experience using construction tools

- Experience operating construction equipment

- Experience utilizing personal computers (PCs) in a Windows environment

- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have ability to obtain CDL license within 12 - 18 months of entering the position

- Must obtain a learners permit within the first 12 months in the position if you do not already have a CDL

Desired Qualifications:

- Safety awareness and leadership

- Demonstrated effective communication (Verbal and Written) and interpersonal skills and safety awareness

- Advanced experience using construction tools and construction equipment

- Documented training on heavy equipment

- Significant experience operating heavy equipment and/or excavation equipment in a utilities environment

- Industry specific knowledge and experience

- Experience in diagnostics and troubleshooting of mechanical and/or electrical equipment

- 2 Years technical school education or the equivalent job-related knowledge and appropriate gas piping related license

- Possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

- Previous experience with plumbing, electrical, heating and air installation/maintenance

- Previous crew leader experience with responsibility for crew oversite, work assignments and documentation of work performed

Specific Requirements:

- This position contains a weight restriction of 275 pounds as an essential function of the job. The purpose of this restriction is to ensure that all weight-rated equipment is used in an appropriate and safe manner within maximum allowed weight loading.

- Must work outdoors in adverse weather conditions; lifting up to 75 lbs.; frequent walking, reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, stooping, crawling, standing, digging, climbing; works on uneven terrain, many times with heavy vegetation; manual dexterity (hand/eye coordination); keen eyesight; good hearing; good sense of smell; comes in frequent contact with insects and animals; ability to use breathing apparatus when responding to gas leaks.

Working Conditions:

- Field Mobility Classification - Work will be performed in various field locations, as needed, after the onboarding period. However, field employees are required to live within a reasonable daily commute to their assigned work location.

- Must be able to work on-call rotations, weekend and evening work as required. Subject to extended working hours and must be available for call-out and emergency response. Some rotating shift

#LI-AB2

Travel Requirements

15-25%

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)

No

Represented/Union Position

IBE Local 1902

Visa Sponsored Position

No

Posting Expiration Date

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

All job postings expire at 12:01 AM on the posting expiration date.

Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

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