Apprentice (Ocala) - TECO Energy : Job Details

Title: **Apprentice (Ocala)**

Company: **Peoples Gas System**

State and City: **Florida** - **Ocala**

Shift: **8 Hr. X 5 Days**

**WHAT YOU'LL DO**

Assist in the lay-out, fabrication and installation of gas distribution systems, which includes new construction and/or maintenance on various types of commercial, residential and industrial equipment. An **Apprentice** shall work in compliance with all Company policies, procedures, rules, regulations, safety standards and communicate in an effective, professional and courteous manner with all Company personnel, customers, contractors, developers, police/fire officials, other utility representatives, and members of the general public.

**Day-to-Day Responsibilities:**

Individuals in this classification have minimal experience in the natural gas industry and will attend and successfully complete formal/informal training to be qualified to efficiently and effectively perform the duties and responsibilities listed below:

+ Turn on and turn off gas services, appliances, and equipment.

+ Read meters and meter instruments.

+ Perform the duties of a line locator.

+ Assist and/or perform the installation, removal, change-out or upgrade of service regulators and meter sets.

+ Assist and/or perform the start-up of conversion burners.

+ May assist and perform the installation and maintenance of underground/above ground distribution/transmission mains, services, equipment and meter activity, including minor repairs and adjustments.

+ Assist and/or perform plastic pipe fusion, tapping, and stopping operations.

+ Assist and/or perform in operating hydraulic tools, backhoe and other machines used in natural gas operations.

+ Assist and/or perform the investigations of inside and outside natural gas leaks.

+ Work with a hand-held radio device with internet capability to open and close assigned service orders.

+ Use of a lap-top computer for mapping, work orders, training and Employee Self Service for working time, benefits and job listings.

+ Ability to work overtime as needed including weekends and holidays in response to gas emergencies.

+ Ability to work Call Out and Stand-by schedule on a rotating basis.

+ Will perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

-Must be able to detect normal concentrations of natural gas odorant.

-Must have vision acceptable under DOT guidelines 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10).

-Must have hearing acceptable under DOT guidelines 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11).

-Must be able to independently ingress/egress and operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner.

**IMPORTANT: Please make sure you can commit to all steps before applying.**

**The BSTB test, interview and mandatory paid training will be held on the following tentative dates:**

+ Basic Skills Test Battery (BSTB) test - Facilitated virtually between the hours of 8:00AM - 5:00PM

+ Interview - Will be done through Microsoft Teams and requires a computer or smart phone (Between the hours of 8:00AM - 5:00PM Monday-Friday)

+ New hire start training date - March 3, 2025

+ Mandatory Paid Training - all weekdays for 4 weeks, starting March 3, 2025

**Must Haves:**

+ Valid High School Diploma or Valid G.E.D. is required

+ Valid driver's license with a safe driving record is required

+ Must understand basic map reading; know how to operate power tools and communication devices; ability to follow complex oral and written instructions. Using a calculator- must be able to perform basic math functions (add, subtract, multiply, divide, decimals, and fractions).

**Nice-to-Haves:**

+ One (1) to two (2) years natural gas or utility work experience or related work experience (such as propane, pipe fitting, etc.) a plus.

+ Two (2) or more years of direct work experience performing the duties and responsibilities of a gas locator.

**Working Conditions**

+ Must be physically capable of indoor/outdoor manual labor.

+ Successful candidate must reside within 25 miles or 30 minutes of the Ocala Division office location to ensure business continuity and emergency response time.

**Physical Demands**

+ Must be able to pass a pulmonary function test for use of respiratory equipment.

+ Must be able to ascend/descend ladders, stairs and the like using feet, legs, hands, and arms.

+ Must be able to maintain balance when walking, standing, or crouching, on/in narrow or slippery surfaces and/or spaces.

+ Must be able to independently operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner.

+ Must be able to independently enter/exit a motor vehicle as required during an eight-hour shift.

+ Must be able to bend and/or stoop requiring full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.

+ Must be able to kneel and or crouch by bending legs at knees to come to rest at knees and bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.

+ Must be able to walk, stand or sit for extended periods of time.

+ Must be able to grasp/handle small hand tools and other objects by applying pressure with fingers and palms.

+ Must be able to work primarily with fingers (pinching, picking, etc.) rather than using the whole hand or arm.

+ Must be able to pull, push, lift and carry objects weighing up to 100 lbs

+ Must have vision correctable to 20/40.

+ Must not have an average hearing loss greater than 40 decibels in the better ear at frequencies of 500, 1000, and 2000 with or without a hearing aid.

+ Must be able to smell gas odorant in normal concentrations.

+ Must be able to perform repetitive motions by extending arms and hands in any direction with substantial movement of wrists, hands and fingers.

+ Must be able to physically express ideas in writing.

+ Must be able to enter letters and numbers on a keyboard.

+ Must be able to rotate and revolve body (twist) as to face in another direction.

+ Must be able to work outside for extended periods of time.

+ Must be able to perform basic math functions (add, subtract, multiply, divide, decimals, fractions, basic algebra, and geometry).

_The successful applicant will be required to take and pass a Baseline Medical Examination as part of the pre-employment screening once an offer has been accepted. A pre-employment drug screening, as well as a background check (including education, employment, criminal and motor vehicle) will also be conducted as part of the pre-employment screening. A physical may be conducted if required for the role._

**Nearest Major Market:** Ocala

**Job Segment:** Fabrication, Hydraulics, Apprentice, Manufacturing, Engineering, Entry Level