Gas Service Technician

Gas Service Technician

Salary

$52,124.80 - $61,464.00 Annually

Location

Charlottesville (22903), VA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

260300020

Department

Public Utilities

Division

Gas Division Operations

Opening Date

03/27/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Bargaining Unit

Labor and Trades

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Summary

The Gas Service Technician assigned to the Department of Utilities performs skilled work in the installation, replacement, and upgrade of gas meters, regulators, and related devices; including emergency response as necessary. Works under the general supervision of the Gas Service Supervisor.

The preferred hiring range for this position is between $25.06 - $29.55 an hour ($52,124.80 - $61,464.00 Annually). As of March 28, 2024, this position is part of the Labor and Trades bargaining unit. Future wage adjustments are subject to terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement between the City and the exclusive bargaining representative. This is a full-time, non-exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, Citys 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. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the Citys 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.

• Installs and relocates domestic and commercial natural gas meters and regulators, following appropriate Federal, State, and local procedures.
• Provide front-line customer service for Utilities by investigating and addressing natural gas concerns from residents, businesses, and other City departments related Utilities.
• Restores and disconnects gas service.
• Turns gas and water meters on/off.
• Installs pressure recording devices on customer owned piping to monitor issues.
• Red tags faulty gas appliances if a hazard to property or life exists.
• Installs, adjusts, and repairs regulators as well as pressure gauges.
• Sizes gas meters and regulators for customer BTU needs.
• Performs meter proving and calibration services to ensure meters accurately measure gas flow; identifies and resolves discrepancies, makes necessary adjustments or replacements, and maintains proper documentation of meter performance.
• Responds to natural gas leaks and carbon monoxide using leaks using leak detecting equipment; determines severity, extent of evacuation, and response needed.
• Responds to new customer request for service by collecting previous meter readings for water and gas consumption to document initial reading for new account.
• Corrects Abnormal Operating Conditions (AOCs) when found or issued and documents progress after completion in the Utilities AOC Application.
• Conducts weekly sampling of odorant readings.
• Maintains and calibrates natural gas leak detection equipment; including carbon monoxide detection equipment, gas leak detection equipment (Detecto Pack Infrared (DPIR)), Odorator 2 handheld meter reading device.
• Operates a city vehicle in the performance of duties.
• Maintains service vehicle, by keeping the truck and all tools clean, usable and in their appropriate location; keeps vehicle stocked with equipment and supplies that are used on a regular basis.
• 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

• 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 1 year of experience in pipefitting and gas distribution or general construction work.

OR

• 3 or more years of experience in pipefitting and gas distribution or general construction work.

OR

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

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

• Subject to emergency and stand-by call and must respond within a 30-minute response time to the City facility.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia Driver's License and acceptable driving record according to city criteria.
• Must complete and maintain Operator Qualification (OQ) testing as required by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
• Must 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

• Thorough knowledge of the safe methods and practices used when working with gas lines, meters, regulators, appliances, and related devices.
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work and equipment.
• Knowledge of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to test for safe level as required by OSHA.
• General knowledge of relevant sections of Charlottesville Gas Division Operations and Maintenance Manual (O&M).
• General knowledge of the equipment and materials used in gas work.
• Basic knowledge of local fire codes, plumbing, and mechanic codes; and of MISS Utility Color Code System.

Reading

• Basic: ability to understand the meaning of commonly used multi-syllable words and simple paragraphs. Comprehends simple written instructions, signs and notices.

Writing

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

Math

• Basic: ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division.

Communication Skills

• Routine: regular and routine interaction involving providing or exchanging standard information. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, customers, and others. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups and to deal courteously and effectively with the public.

Independence and Decision-Making

• Requires General Direction: normally performs the job by following general instructions or established standard operating procedures and/or policies. There is some discretion when making decisions among a few easily identifiable choices of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance is reviewed frequently.
• Ability to assess customers problems, inspect gas infrastructure conditions, note abnormal operating conditions, and determine necessary corrective actions.

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 gas pipefitting and ability to use specialized tools and equipment.

Fiscal Responsibilities

• No budgetary/fiscal responsibilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No responsibility for direction or supervision of others.

Other Characteristics

• Time management skills, sometimes under time constraints.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Tedious or exacting work.
• May require additional hours outside of normal schedule, which may include evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• May require emergency response.
• Demonstrates patience and professionalism when assisting 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.
• Considerable standing, moving, lifting, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and carrying.
• 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:

• Requires use of specialized equipment used in installation, maintenance, repair and construction of natural gas infrastructure and facilities, including pipefitting. Typically requires use of 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 outside environment with exposure to outdoor weather conditions, hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, inadequate lighting, in or around roadways, atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dust and gases, and extreme temperatures. Noise level may be loud.
• Work is performed directly with customers at their homes. Works on private property both inside and outside customers homes.
• 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 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 hr@charlottesville.gov.

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 February 9, 2026

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: Need some time off? Use it, you earned it:

Years Worked

0 - <3

3 - <5

5 - <10

10 - <15

15 - <20

20 - <25

25+

Hours Accrued Biweekly

3.09

3.85

4.62

5.4

6.16

6.93

7.7

Sick: Under the weather? Earn 4.62 hours biweekly, approximately 120 hours a year, with no limit on accumulation to be used to care for yourself and qualifying family members.

Holidays: Enjoy 13 paid holidays per year. Including 1 Floating Holiday, which must be taken during the Fiscal Year (July 1 - June 30):

OBSERVED CITY HOLIDAYS

New Years Day

Dr. Martin Luther King Day

Presidents' Day

Liberation & Freedom Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Friday after Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

1 Floating Holiday

Volunteer Leave: Paid leave for participating in an authorized event as a volunteer, subject to Section 9-3, Code of Ethics & Conflicts of Interest. Regular full-time employees receive up to 8 hours and all regular part-time employees are eligible to receive pro-rated leave each available each calendar year.

2. INSURANCE:

Aetna Medical Plans: Coverage is effective on the first of the month following date of hire.

• Choose from two options:

• Select HMO with City-funded HRA ($0 premium for employee-only coverage)

• Choice POS ($13.02 biweekly premium for employee-only coverage)

• Prescription Card: ($10 generic, $30 lower cost name brand,$55 higher cost name brand, 20% up to $150 for specialty drugs)

• Mail Order Maintenance Prescription Drug Program ($20 generic, $60lower cost name brand, $110 higher cost brand) not available for specialty drugs)

Delta Dental Plan:

• Diagnostic and Preventative-100% of allowable charge; Basic Dental Care-80%; Major Dental Care- 50%
• Primary - $50 deductible, 80/20; Prosthetic and Complex Restorative -$50, 50/50
• $1,500 Annual benefit maximum
• $1,000 Orthodontic benefit (children to age 19)

MetLife Vision Plan: (Optional)

• $2.50 premium paid bi-weekly for employee-only coverage. Dependent care coverage also available.
• 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 Insurance: In the event of your death, your beneficiary will receive twice your annual salary. Supplementary policies for you and your dependents are available.

Long-Term Disability: Upon approval for along-term illness or injury, you can receive up to 60% of your earnings after a 90-day wait period.

Voluntary Benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity insurance; Short-Term Disability; Identity Theft Protection

3. RETIREMENT:

Pension:

• Choose from two (2) 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% vesting after three years of service. There is no required contribution from salary. (Note: the Defined Contribution retirement plan is the only plan available for Library employees).

Supplement: Deferred Compensation 457 available for you to invest your own money for additional retirement savings.

4. VOLUNTARY:

Wellness:

• Gym Membership Reimbursement Program (up to $34.00 per month)

• Bicycle Commuter Program: Reimbursement up to $20 per month for reasonable bicycle commuting expenses

• Online wellness resources and Lunch-and-Learn Sessions

Employee Assistance Program:

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

Tuition Reimbursement:

• Up to $1,500 for job-related certificates, trade programs, undergraduate coursework or up to $3,000 for graduate level courses per fiscal year for career-related courses.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

• Expense accounts available for healthcare, dependent care and parking/mass transit.

01

Do you have a High School Diploma or GED? (Must be verifiable in reference to the Education History section of your online application.)

• Yes; I have a high school diploma or higher.
• Yes; I have a GED.
• No.

02

Please indicate your level of experience in pipefitting and gas distribution or general construction work below: (Must be verifiable in reference to the Work History section of your online application.)

• I have no experience related to pipefitting and gas distribution or general construction work.
• Less than one (1) years of experience.
• One (1) to less than three (3) years.
• Three (3) to less than five (5) years.
• Five (5) years or greater.

03

Do you currently reside, OR will you reside by employment start date, within a 30 minute response time to the City Yard, located on 4th Street NW in Charlottesville, VA?

• Yes; I currently reside within a 30 minute response time.
• Yes; I am willing and able to reside within a 30 minute response time by employment start date, if hired.
• No; nor am I willing or able to by employment start date.

04

This position requires driving to perform essential job duties and requires a valid drivers 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 drivers 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 drivers 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 drivers license and am willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.
• No; I do not have a valid drivers 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.

05

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

06

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

Employer City of Charlottesville

Address P. O. Box 911

605 East Main Street

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902

Phone (434) 970-3490

Website http://www.charlottesville.gov/jobs