Gas Systems Specialist

Job Description:

Gas Systems Specialist

Description

Job Summary

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY WITH THE CITY OF VERNON

GAS SYSTEMS SPECIALIST

MONTHLY SALARY: $9,607 - $11,678

PLUS, COMPETITIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE

FINAL FILING DEADLINE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2024, 11:59 P.M. OR WHEN WE RECEIVE THE FIRST 100 QUALIFIED APPLICATIONS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST

THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO FILL ONE FULL-TIME VACANCY IN THE PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT AND TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST TO BE USED FOR FUTURE VACANCIES.

This recruitment is aimed at filling a staffing need within the Gas Systems Division of Vernon Public Utilities. As a Gas Systems Specialist, the selected candidate will perform duties and tasks associated with the operation, maintenance, and construction of the City’s natural gas distribution system as well as the operation and maintenance of the City’s natural gas transmission system. This position works a 4/10 schedule and is assigned to a rotating on-call schedule. Vernon’s natural gas systems have been in operation since 2005/2006 and consist of: Distribution- 44 miles of 6-inch PE pipe. Transmission- 7 miles of 10.75-inch steel pipeline operating at 300-400 PSIG, and two regular stations.

SUMMARY : Under general supervision, performs semi-skilled and skilled work associated with the operation, maintenance, and construction of the City’s natural gas distribution system.

Essential Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Operates, maintains, adjusts and repairs the City’s gas distribution system; provides technical expertise related to gas systems.
• May assist the supervisor with assigning daily work and future projects.
• Monitors and troubleshoots the cathodically protected areas of the gas distribution system.
• Inspects work of employees and contractors to ensure work is completed properly, safely and within compliance; inspects all excavations to ensure compliance with regulations and safety procedures.
• Makes temporary and permanent repairs; cuts, threads, and prepares pipe for welding and fusing; performs plastic fusions, tests completed joints and applies protective coatings.
• Prepares written reports utilizing spreadsheets and word processing programs and complete related paperwork, forms, and documentation; responds to Dig-Alert tickets; extracts information and updates records and databases.
• Performs marking of utility services and mains; performs gas service turn off/on.
• Locates gas main, investigates and services leaks using maps, pipe locating equipment and gas leak detection equipment.
• Repairs leaks on gas mains and services on both steel and plastic.
• Tests all new gas installations using air pressure and soap.
• Advises supervisor of any defective materials or materials needing to be ordered.
• Downloads meter data to customer service department.
• Generates work orders for maintenance and compliance work.
• Provides general feedback to the supervisor as required.
• Inspects all tools and vehicles to verify they are clean and safe to operate; makes arrangements for or notifies supervisor of necessary repairs or cleaning.
• Maintains regulator stations and pressure recorders; maintains and calibrates customer meters and regulators.
• Conducts load surveys for meter sizing; prepares and provides cost estimates.
• Assists engineering staff with projects such as evaluating gas load for proper meter sizing, pressure evaluation and relating information on new gas technology.
• Patrols transmission and distribution lines and inspects valves.
• Interprets drawings, provides as-built drawings and updates history of gas service lines and mains.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
High school diploma or equivalent; AND Four years of experience in natural gas field operations, including experience in natural gas systems, gas metering, pressure regulation and underground construction.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge in:

• City’s gas department infrastructure.
• Customer service and public relations methods and practices.
• Department of Transportation rules, regulations, and requirements.
• Emergency response and first-responder procedures and other safety, environmental compliance rules, requirements, and regulations including Cal-OSHA and Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
• Installation, repair, and maintenance on pipeline facilities including working with pilot loaded regulators and regulator stations.
• Record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.
• Customer service standards and protocols.
• Troubleshooting methods and practices.

Skill in:

• Collecting and analyzing data, and making appropriate recommendations.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Reading and understanding plans and drawings.
• Following verbal and written instructions and procedures.
• Interpreting and applying state and federal statutes, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Managing projects.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Operating a variety of equipment and tools used in the repair and maintenance of pressurized gas pipelines.
• Organizing, planning, coordinating, delegating, and controlling the activities others.
• Working effectively with others to develop solutions for problems.
• Dealing tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, crew members, vendors, suppliers, utilities, contractors and the general public.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
A valid California State Driver’s License and verifiable natural gas Operator Qualifications (OQ) certification.
Must successfully complete Operator Qualification training within 12 months of appointment, and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this classification.

All employees in this classification are subject to random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with the Federal Department of Transportation and Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration's (PHMSA) Anti-­Drug & Alcohol Misuse/Prevention Program.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a standard office environment, and in internal and external environments throughout the City, with possibility of exposure to hazardous materials. May be exposed to dangerous machinery, and extreme weather conditions. May be required to climb ladders. May be required to work in trenches or confined spaces. May be required to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds or more.

SELECTION PROCESS: Completed application packets will be reviewed and only the first 100 qualified applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and needs of the City, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for the position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Applications must be submitted online . If you submit multiple applications, only the most recent application will be considered. Copies of required certifications must be submitted with the application . Stating "see resume" is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. To view the complete job description, please visit our website at www.cityofvernon.org . It is the applicant's responsibility to notify the Human Resources Department of any changes to their contact information. Following the closing of the filing period for this recruitment, the Human Resources Department will review the application materials submitted for minimum qualifications. Those applicants who meet or exceed the minimum qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in the next phase of this recruitment process.

“The City of Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer”

CITY OF VERNON - HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

Lisette Grizzelle, Human Resources Program Manager

lgrizzelle@cityofvernonca.gov

(323) 583-8811, ext. 166

The City of Vernon offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental vision, life, and long term disability insurance.

Retirement Benefit : Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS):

Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired non-safety employees who are new CalPERS members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at 62 benefit formula. New members will be required to pay 7% as their member contribution.

An employee who is a "classic" member of CalPERS, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% at 55 benefit formula. Classic employees urrently pay an 8% employee contribution and a 3% share of the employer contribution.

Cafeteria Benefits Plan : The City offers a monthly allowance towards the purchase of a HMO, PPO or HSA medical plan for the employee and their family members. Any remaining amount can be used towards the purchase of a HMO or PPO Dental planand Vision coverage for dependents. Vision coverage is included at no cost to the employee. Supplemental Insurance plans are available.

Holiday pay : The City has 13 authorized holidays per calendar year.

Bilingual pay : Employees in eligible positions who successfully demonstrate Spanish speaking skills would be eligible to receive an additional $275.00 a month.

Vacation 4/10 Schedule:
Continuous Years of Service Vacation Hours Earned Bi-Weekly Accrual
1st year thru 4th year 80hrs; 3.08 accrual rate
5th year thru 9th year 100hrs; 3.85 accrual rate
10th year thru 14th year 120hrs; 4.62 accrual rate
15th year thru 24th year 160hrs; 6.16 accrual rate
25th year and more 190hrs; 7.31 accrual rate
City offers vacation cash out.

Vacation 12-Hour Rotation Shift (DuPont Schedule):
Continuous Years of Service Vacation Hours Earned Bi-Weekly Accrual
1st year thru 9th year 120hrs; 4.62 accrual rate
10th year thru 14th year 160hrs; 6.16 accrual rate
15th year and more 160hrs; 6.16 accrual rate (160hrs. + one week's equivalent salary on anniversary date and each anniversary date thereafter).

Sick Leave : 80 hours of sick leave per calendar year, at a rate of 3.08 hours per pay period.

Tuition Reimbursement : $2,200.00 is available to those who satisfactorily complete job related college courses.

Other Benefits : Most employees work a 4/10 schedule. In addition, the City offers paid parental leave, bereavement leave and jury duty.

Miscellaneous Benefits : The City provides an interest-free loan program for the purchase of a computer, corrective eye surgery and a hearing aide device.

The City of Vernon encourages you to log onto our website for the benefit details www.cityofvernon.org

Closing Date/Time: 9/29/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$115,273.60 - $140,129.60 Annually