Gas First Response Fitter

Job Description

Safety is the number one priority for Puget Sound Energy. This position requires participation in safety and tailgate meetings, performing safety inspections, identification and reporting of safety incidents and unsafe conditions, obtaining and maintaining required licenses and certifications and participation in emergency response drills. Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct. Ensures duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

This position holds responsibility for gas safety compliance with PSE's Gas Operating Standards and Gas Field Procedures when engaged in operating, maintaining, constructing PSE's natural gas system, and customer equipment.  Construct, install, maintain, inspect and operate gas­ piping systems consistent with standard practices and safety regulations.  Initiate and work within the Incident Command Structure.  Perform similar and incidental duties as required.  Interact and communicate with co-workers, contractors, emergency personnel and the public. Participate in meetings and problem solving groups with coworkers and management. Documenting inspections and work activities.  Should be readily available for call outs to respond to emergencies.

Achieve and maintain proficiency in current and new technologies.  Direct duties of others as assigned. Train others in department specific safety, operations, maintenance, and repair procedures.

This job is under federal regulation by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screenings that include screening for the presence of marijuana and marijuana metabolites. 

Job Responsibilities

• Manage Emergencies (inside and outside)
  • Respond to system and customer facility emergencies and malfunctions and initiate and work within the incident command structure
  • Initiate Make safe procedures
  • Monitor emergency situations
  • Manage gas resources to insure continuous storage and distribution
• Ensure safe operation of customer owned equipment
  • Perform safety inspections and document safety conditions.
  • Operate customer owned equipment.
• Operate and maintain residential and light commercial Meter Set Assemblies, bypassing and meter exchange on all MSAs up to and including 1000 class meters at up to 5psig metering pressure.
  • Inspect meter set Assembly
  • Install new or replace meter set components and size to fit customer load
  • Initiate start up and shut down of meter set assembly
  • Maintain and adjust meter sets to meet standards
• If trained, qualified and posted in IMO
  • Install, maintain, bypassing and meter exchange on all MSAs up to 150 psig inlet pressure
• Locate and operate valves
  • Utilize records to locate valve
  • Inspect valve
  • Partially operate valve
  • Maintain valve
  • Identify and document problems or potential problems, and initiate corrective actions.
• Perform required inspections and identify problems or potential problems and take corrective actions
• Perform maintenance activities including measuring pipe-to-soil potentials, locating pipe, wrapping, painting, and repair or replacement of gas piping components as qualifications and training allow.
• Support construction activities through site pre-inspection, service line and MSA discontinuance and relocations.
• Interact with, monitor and support on-site contractors or vendors.
• Operate motor vehicles in a safe, professional, and courteous manner in accordance with Company Policy Manual requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Must possess basic computer skills
• Must possess a valid driver's license
• The applicant must be a journeyman with five (5) or more years’ experience in natural gas distribution construction.
• Have working knowledge of the fundamentals of Gas as it pertains to utility systems including but not limited to: metering, materials used in Gas Distribution and Transmission construction, maintenance work and necessary tools to perform the job.
• Be proficient in using tools and equipment of the trade on gas systems including joining PE pipe by fusion and tapping and stopping steel pipelines.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively with others and respond to public inquiries or concerns.
• Must maintain necessary certifications and licenses, and have a working knowledge of all Company standards, practices, policies, procedures, safety regulations, codes, and State and Federal regulations as they pertain to the job.
• Successful candidates will be required to reside in and maintain residency within the five counties in PSE's Natural Gas Service Territory. (Snohomish, King, Pierce, Thurston or Lewis Counties).
• Must be able to comply with safety sensitive components of the DOT Pipeline Operator Regulations

Desired Qualifications

• Experience/Operator Qualification (B31Q or equivalent) in outside and inside Natural Gas Emergency Response including leakage pinpointing, make-safe and repair
• Basic oxy-acetylene (BOA) qualification
• Electrofusion qualification
• Natural Gas Appliance safety inspection
• Possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) including necessary endorsements and removal of air brake restriction.

Additional Information

• Applicants must pass a company provided written test & hands-on practical to be invited to an interview.
• Applicants will be subject to pre-employment screening including general aptitude, physical agility assessment and pre-employment drug testing.
• This is a represented position and the successful candidate will be required to become a member of the UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Union.
• Must demonstrate comfort and proficiency when performing tasks under direct supervision during operator qualification evaluations.  This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random DOT drug and/or alcohol testing
• Alternating shifts required - including nights, weekends and emergency 24/7callout
• This position is a conditional Journey Worker and will need to complete necessary tasks depending on experience/qualifications under observation.  Conditional Journey Worker will have 12 months to complete qualifications to retain employment.

Job Conditions and Physical Effort

The duties and responsibilities are performed indoors and in outdoor environments which include all weather conditions, noise levels, hazardous conditions and the full range of work surfaces. The position involves sitting, standing, walking, moderate to heavy lifting, moderate carrying, bending, reaching, kneeling, twisting, balancing, climbing, and operation of equipment, tools, machinery, wearing supplied air respirators and computer operation.  The use of protective clothing and/or safety devices may be required.  Requires driving of Company vehicle.