Utilities Services Worker II

Job Title: Natural Gas Fitter

Employer: City of Las Cruces

Salary: $23.79 Hourly

Location: Las Cruces, NM

Job Type: Full-time Regular

Job Number: J039 03-26 MD

Department: Utilities

Opening Date: 03/02/2026

Closing Date: Continuous

Nature of Work

Performs a variety of gas-skilled work and services in the installation and maintenance of natural gas meters and regulators in order to ensure efficient gas service to residents and businesses with minimal disruption in service.

Works outside or within customer residences and/or businesses; exposure to natural gas and carbon monoxide fumes, fire and explosive hazards.

Heavy physical work involving balancing, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching above shoulder height; pushing/pulling/lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds; 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 requires stand-by duties to respond to emergency needs, irregular shifts as assigned, extended hours beyond an eight-hour day, weekend work, and long hours in all weather conditions. Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this 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. Release of Information Form (49 CFR Part 40) required.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process. FIRST CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES EMPLOYEES WHO MEET ALL THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS. This initial posting will be used to fill a full-time, regular, non-exempt, union represented position in the Utilities Department but may be utilized to fill other full-time, regular, non-exempt, union represented and/or contract vacancies. Position will be advertised as continuous until filled, with periodic review of applications.

Duties and Responsibilities

Locates aboveground and underground gas leaks; identifies corrective and preventative actions; controls hazardous situations by evaluating the situation; determines the need for evacuation; notifies public safety agencies; performs traffic control.

Operates natural gas and carbon monoxide detection equipment, pipeline locators and electrical volt meters.

Operating light motorized equipment and specialized gas system equipment, installs and maintains gas meters and regulators to ensure efficient gas service with minimal disruption in that service; repairs and replaces gas meters and regulators; plugs broken gas lines; replaces valves and fittings.

Designs, fabricates and installs distribution manifolds.

Produces sketches for mapping of gas leak locations; completes leak repair and report forms.

Serves as emergency stand-by in responding to emergency service calls.

Sizes and installs gas meters and regulators; performs changeover of meters from an old to new gas system; responds to customer service orders, including turning gas service on/off and lighting appliances.

Completes work orders, records, and reports.

Works on special gas projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Equivalent to a high school diploma PLUS two years of experience as a journeyman natural gas fitter. Experience working with natural gas distribution systems is desirable. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Valid driver's license is required; Journeyman Gas Fitter License is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: natural gas systems monitoring, maintenance and repair; pressure regulators, relief valves and gas meters, principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; 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: take accurate measurements; use appropriate test equipment and power/hand tools; operate gas pipe fitting equipment; detect the odor of natural gas; operate electrical and air drilling and cutting equipment and hand tools associated with gas pipe fitting; perform technical reading and writing; ability to become "Operator Qualified" within 60 days of hire date; operate a motor vehicle and navigate across even and uneven surfaces; perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities 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 relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; 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: equipment and tool use; manual and mechanical aptitude, 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.