Pipeline Locator (Gas)

The Pipeline Locator performs responsible technical work in locating and marking underground gas, water and sanitary sewer pipelines. Works under the general supervision of the Deputy Director of Utilities.

The preferred hiring range is $25.57 - $31.42 an hour ($53,185.60 - $65,353.60 Annually). Starting offer 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. This full-time, non-exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. This position is also eligible for the following retirement benefits:

• Choice of retirement plan: 
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
  • Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.
• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan

The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the “Benefits” tab within this posting or visit the City’s Employee Benefits webpage.

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.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.

• Locates and marks underground gas, water and sanitary sewer pipelines with electronic locators in accordance with the State Damage Prevention Act and requirements of the State Corporation Commission.
• Coordinates with the Miss Utility VA811 program for updating, responding, and determining location of in-ground utility installations.
• Advises contractors of state damage prevention laws and safe digging practices regarding utility line locations.
• Meets and confers with appropriate department officials, excavators, developers and landowners concerning utility projects and pipeline locations.
• Assists in resolving schedule conflicts with the coverage of Miss Utility Code 70 tickets.
• Performs audits of underground utility locations and markings performed by contractors. 
• Performs site visits to ensure excavators have valid utility location (VA811) ticket; reviews scope of work to confirm no conflicts with City infrastructure, and, if there are, provides feedback to help eliminate conflict.
• Provides technical assistance to City contract locators on difficult to locate lines.
• Completes accurate documentation(s) of audits and other necessary reporting.
• Provide timely and effective communication to other departmental staff, direct supervisor, and departmental leadership when construction issues arise that could impact the services provided or could result in the unexpected disruption of service.
• Subject to being on Standby Call to work in weather or non-weather 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

• May assist Public Works with snow removal operations, as needed.
• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

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 1 year experience in underground utility-line locating, damage prevention laws, and utility operation/maintenance.

• 3 or more years of experience underground utility-line locating, damage prevention laws, and utility operation/maintenance.

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

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

• Must complete and maintain Operator Qualification (OQ) testing as required by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia Driver’s License and acceptable driving record according to city criteria.
• Must obtain and maintain all certifications required by applicable federal, state and local regulations
• Subject to federal DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations
• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check, pre-employment drug screen, and pre-employment physical.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
Job Knowledge

• General knowledge of modern methods and techniques for the installation and construction of municipal natural gas systems, water systems, and wastewater systems.
• Basic knowledge of contract administration and project management.
• General knowledge of the operation and maintenance manuals of each division and applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations.
• General knowledge of health and environmental rules, regulations and laws.
• General knowledge of Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulations.
• Knowledge of Virginia damage prevention laws and regulations.

Reading

• Basic: ability to understand the meaning of commonly used multi-syllable words and simple paragraphs.  Comprehends simple written instructions, signs and notices.   Ability to read and comprehend utility location tickets, site plans and constructions drawings.

Writing

• Basic: ability to write simple letters, paragraphs and sentences containing subject, verb, and object, and/or series of numbers, names, and addresses.

Math

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

Communication Skills

• Basic: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other city staff, city officials, contractors, homeowners, and the public. Communicate and provide basic information to others outside direct reporting relationships on procedures or general policies, both orally and in writing. Contact may require the consideration of different points of view to reach understanding and gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.

Independence and Decision-Making

• Requires General Direction: normally performs the job by following general instructions or established standard operating procedures and/or policies.  Ability to work independently, engage in problem solving, exercise sound judgment, and implement collaborative decision-making. Performance is reviewed frequently.

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. Skilled in use of electronic pipeline locating equipment. Ability to use computers and software including but not limited to: Microsoft Office, Office Audit App, and ESRI ArcGIS.

Fiscal Responsibilities

• No fiscal/budgetary responsibilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No supervisory responsibilities.

Other Characteristics

• Time pressures.
• Must exercise good judgment in responding to unique situations.
• May require additional hours outside normal schedule, such as for emergencies.
• Demonstrates patience and professionalism when assisting frustrated and/or upset individuals.

Physical Demands:

• Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Requires near constant standing and moving about, including balancing, kneeling, crouching, stooping, reaching, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions.
• 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) while using a computer and while performing duties in the field.

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

• Typically requires use of electronic location tools and other equipment used in performance of duties, as well as 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 and temperatures, inadequate lighting, uneven terrain, gases/fumes, dusts and pollen, animals/wildlife, vibrations, near moving mechanical parts, and in or around roadways.  
• The noise level may be very loud.
• 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.