Gas Distribution Technician Apprentice to First Class

Location: Portsmouth
Posted on: June 23, 2025

Job Description:

Portsmouth - North on-call area Our Company More than a utility company, Unitil provides energy for life. Our work helps keep homes comfortable, businesses thriving and communities connected. Unitil is an investor-owned public utility proudly serving Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We are dedicated to delivering energy to our customers safely and reliably. Unitil is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our employees, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success of Unitil is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity and value our employees. Take advantage of a comprehensive benefits package. Unitil offers competitive salaries, a consumer-driven health plan, dental and vision coverage, flexible work, company-paid holidays, a, robust, highly competitive retirement plan and educational assistance. *Note: Benefit offerings may differ between union and non-union employee groups Position Purpose To perform activities required to operate, maintain, construct, inspect and survey the gas distribution system. To ensure that these activities are performed in accordance with Federal and State regulations as well as company policy, company procedures and management objectives. To provide services as an emergency gas leak first responder with the objective of ensuring public safety and protecting company assets. To ensure the timely and accurate completion of all necessary records, timesheets, paperwork and documentation needed for accounting, regulatory, asset management and related purposes. Professionally interact with customers, regulatory authorities, and employees to ensure that the company satisfactorily meets their needs. Principal Accountabilities Time % End Results 60% Maintenance, Construction, and Inspections: To perform activities associated with the maintenance, construction & inspection of the gas distribution system. To ensure that these activities are conducted in full compliance with Unitil’s O&M and other related procedures. These responsibilities may include, but is not limited to: System gas leak repair (Emergency and Scheduled) Valve inspection and repair System patrols Facility replacement Service Abandonment’s System Investigates New Installations Survey Work Other Inspections 20% Gas Leak Program: To perform activities associated with the implementation of the company’s gas leak program. To ensure that all activities are conducted to protect public safety, safeguard company assets and in full compliance with Unitil’s Operations & Maintenance procedural manuals. To perform scheduled gas survey’s and analysis work on all company owned facilities, which may include, but is not limited to:Annual distribution survey. Winter patrol. Business district survey. School survey Bridge survey Interior Atmospheric and corrosion Service line survey. Exposed pipe survey. Public Building Commercial Building Pre-paving High risk survey Active leaks Repaired leaks Methane Quantification Identify, classify and prioritize gas leaks associated with the gas distribution system with the main objective of ensuring public safety. Prepare construction and maintenance orders as required to complete work activities for the replacement or repair of facilities where gas leaks have been identified. To utilize GIS/GPS mapping software and the gas CMS system in the execution of this program. To test company owned combustible gas indicators (CGIs), flame ionization units (FIUs), laser methane detectors (LMDs) and other electronic gas testing equipment in accordance with company procedures. To properly care for and maintain company equipment such as assigned vehicle, electronics, tools and material including the timely completion of records associated with such equipment. 15% Emergency Response: To respond as an emergency first responder to gas leak situations. To immediately asses these situations and to make recommendations and/or decisions that will ensure public safety. 5% Damage Prevention: To perform activities associated with the locating and mark-out of the gas distribution system, including activities associated with safe guarding company assets during third party excavations. Utilization of the DigTix damage prevention management program. Line locating and mark-out High risk tickets Monitoring third party excavations To utilize GIS/GPS mapping software and the gas CMS system in the execution of this program As Needed Capitalizes on unplanned opportunities and responds to unforeseen situations; undertakes and completes assignments and special projects as assigned by management. Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent. 3 years of related field experience. Must reside within a specified geographic area, be available to respond to emergencies within required response times and be available for duties during times of system emergencies. Must accept standby on rotation basis. Be in good physical condition; have good appearance and habits. Exercise courtesy and tact in dealing with customers. Be willing and able to accept shift and emergency assignments, work overtime and standby. Work in all types of weather conditions per collective bargaining agreement. Have the ability and aptitude to perform duties independently in a safe and professional manner. Have the ability to maintain/keep required records satisfactorily. Be consistently punctual, regular in attendance and have a good safety record. Must be able to obtain and retain Operator Qualification (O.Q.) certification based upon the requirements set forth in DOT 49 CFR 192, Subpart N Must have the ability to recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions. Requires CDL-A (for First Class) and Driver Qualification File Will be drug tested under the PHMSA and FMCSA drug pool Union Notice THIS NOTICE IS POSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE XI OF OUR AGREEMENT WITH LOCAL UNION 12012-6, United Steel Workers, dated September 6, 2020. HOURS: The normal working hours for this position are in accordance with Article V. WAGE: Ultimate rate - *48.87 per hour, for a 40 hour week. Overtime rates in accordance with Agreement. *Starting wage will be in accordance with Contract. Unitil is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Last updated 06/20/25

Keywords: , Leominster , Gas Distribution Technician Apprentice to First Class, Energy / Utilities , Portsmouth, Massachusetts