Gas Systems Welder I

Maintains the integrity of natural gas pipelines through the construction and maintenance of natural gas distribution systems and transmission facilities.

Position functions primarily outdoors with exposure to all weather and traffic conditions; exposure to noise, mechanical hazards, gases, chemicals, fumes, dust, moving equipment and vehicles; occasional exposure to explosives and burns.  Safety equipment includes safety helmet with face shield, fire retardant coveralls, eye wear, steel toe boots, vests, SCBA equipment, and gloves.

Heavy physical effort is required to perform job functions including lift and carry items weighing up to one hundred (100) pounds and balancing, bending, stooping, crouching, and kneeling.  Sufficient clarity of speech, hearing, or other communication capabilities, vision or other powers of observation, manual dexterity, and personal mobility and physical reflexes sufficient to effectively and efficiently perform essential job functions.

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, and responding to customer issues.  May also involve working in extreme environmental conditions, on-call, extended hours, including evenings and weekends, and working during emergency situations.  Precise limits, tolerances and standards must be met.  Regular attendance is an essential function of the job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies. 

FIRST CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES EMPLOYEES WHO MEET ALL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

Full-time; regular; non-exempt; union-represented

This position is graded at BC17.

• Operates equipment to perform arc and/or acetylene welding of live pipe lines, regulator stations, and manifolds consisting of high and low pressure steel gas lines to maintain service and functionality.
• Operates various light equipment, welding equipment and related tools, testing and gas leak detection equipment, pipe locating, stoppling, and tapping equipment necessary to perform required functions to meet the need of the specific job; performs preventive maintenance and minor repair on light equipment to ensure proper functionality.
• Responds to inquiries and complaints; maintains necessary Department of Transportation (DOT) documentation, daily log books, and other records; prepares and presents various special and recurring reports, forms, and other documents as required and requested in compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Responds to emergency situations to ensure restoration of services and functionality of systems.
• May fabricate components from engineering drawings and sketches such as regulator stations and large meter sets to complete construction and/or repairs.
• May provide work direction, training and instruction to employees and serve as lead to other workers; assists supervisor with coordinating daily activities.

High School Diploma or GED AND three (3) years of experience in the construction of natural gas systems, which includes performing steel pipe welding. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s)

Valid driver’s license is required. Valid Class A commercial driver's license must be obtained within twelve (12) months of hire. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.  

City of Las Cruces Welding Certification under API-1104 (Arc and Oxyacetylene) must be obtained within thirty (30) days of hire or promotion.  New Mexico Department of Transportation (NM DOT): American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATTSA) Certification as a Traffic Control Technician is required within 6 months of employment.

Knowledge of:  principles, practices, techniques, materials, and regulations related to the construction, repair, and maintenance of natural gas distribution systems; practices, methods, and techniques of welding and applicable tools and materials; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to:  perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; follow established gas industry regulatory procedures and guidelines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, interpret, and ensure compliance with a variety of specifications, schematic drawings, blueprints, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations governing related activities, programs, and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate associated hand and power tools, equipment and motor vehicles; detect needed repairs and make necessary operational adjustments on equipment; work effectively in confined spaces, use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment and pass annual confined-space physical; maintain concentration; use sound judgment in decision-making with routine operations and during malfunctions or other emergencies; respond effectively to emergency situations; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives. 

Skills in:  efficient and effective use of related equipment, tools, and techniques required to successfully perform the functions of the position to include low and high pressure gas systems welding, steel pipe welding, cutting torches, and repair and fabrication of ferrous and nonferrous metals and assemblies utilizing gas welding techniques; analyzing issues,; reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working  independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.