Construction Trainee (Various Portland Locations)

The projected start date for this position is February 26, 2024.

Our Natural Gas construction crews keep the Pacific Northwest up and running! Crew members are responsible for more than just our meters and pipes—they are problem solvers, fixer-uppers, and field experts. Do you enjoy working with your hands and getting the satisfaction from starting and completing a project from scratch? If so, please consider apply for our team!

NW Natural offers all new Construction Trainees an intensive year-long training program after hire; as a trainee, you are responsible for bringing the enthusiasm and drive to learn. Our construction family of jobs also offers opportunities within the company to progress in the ranks, so qualified trainees are always in demand!

• Performs construction and related activities on mains, services, and related equipment.
• Performs mechanical connections, pipe fusing, and pipe joining work.
• Plugs, taps, tests, and purges mains or service.
• Builds and replaces meter sets, regulators, and house-lines.
• Reads meters.
• Pre-inspects job sites and inspects customer-provided excavations. 
• Coordinates jobs including attendance at pre-construction meetings and serving as liaison with internal and external stakeholders regarding permits, installation dates, saw cuts, etc.
• Performs various one-person work as required.
• Trains, assists, and provides feedback to less-experienced workers at the direction of supervisor, which may include providing feedback to supervisor on progress of training.
• Performs other tasks as required, including those in lower levels as referenced in the CBA, with training as needed.
• Appropriately wears required protective equipment and safety gear.
• Operates Company vehicles in compliance with state/local laws and Company policies and procedures.
• Acquires and maintains OQ qualifications.
• Acts and communicates in a professional, respectful, and cooperative manner in connection with all activities associated with NW Natural.
• Follows supervisory instructions and is flexible and adaptable to changing conditions and expectations.
• Maintains punctual, regular, and reliable attendance.
• Demonstrates the Company's core values and complies with all Company policies and procedures.
   

Position Specific Essential Functions:

Phase 1 (Construction Trainee, Pipe Fuser In-Training 1 ,2)
1. Performs Trainee functions to assist in the installation, lowering, maintenance, and replacement of mains and services.

Phase 2 (Pipe Fuser)
1. Successfully completes In-Training Program; performs all the essential functions of Phase 1 (Pipe Fuser in Training.)
2. Performs polyethylene fusion pipe joining on gas pipeline facilities and structures made in connection with installing, lowering, repairing, and replacing mains and services.

Construction 1 consists of three levels. Employees will receive training and will be evaluated at each of these levels. Refer to the Training Department for detail on the details on the training program.

• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and ability in construction methodology and requirements directly related to this position. 
• Ability to use associated tools, hand tools, power/pneumatic tools and mechanized equipment such as backhoe, mini-excavator, bore machine, dump trucks, and jack hammer.  
• Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in construction.   
• Basic math and reading skills. 
• Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. 
• Basic knowledge of the Company’s organization, inter-relationships, policies, procedures, processes, and department/work specific requirements. 
• Ability to interface with employees and customers to answer questions or resolve issues with tact and diplomacy. 
• Ability to perform physically demanding work involving walking, standing, bending, twisting, wrist turning, grasping, lifting, squatting, kneeling, reaching, or assuming awkward postures for 8+ hours. 
• Ability to hear normal voice at 3 feet; warning signals/horns during field operations.  
• Near/distant vision for driving and reading information to complete work assignments.  
• Moderate/severe exposure to uneven surfaces, noise, vibration, high-speed rotating machinery, and odorant inhalation. 
• Must be able to lift a maximum of 100 lbs. 
• Must be able to transport and load/unload equipment and materials at worksites in compliance with state/local and Company regulations. 
• Ability to work in adverse weather or terrain conditions. 
• Ability to safely operate Company vehicles/equipment and perform inspections and minor maintenance as necessary and in compliance with Company policies and state/local laws. 
• Valid OR/WA driver’s license, any required certifications and/or endorsements, and satisfactory driving record.  Must hold, or be able to obtain a valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class A. 
• Must successfully meet requirements for respirator use. 
• Must be able to work overtime and travel outside the assigned location for extended overnight stays.   
• Qualified bidders must be able to respond to their assigned Resource Center within 40 minutes. 
• Subject to random drug testing. 

Qualification Period (timeframes below are from start of training for the level): 
C1 Level 1: Three calendar months
C1 Level 2: Six calendar months 
C1 Level 3: Three calendar months
From entry to fully qualified C1 (Level 3): Twelve calendar months 

All new hires will start at the Hourly Rate at Hire - In Training 1 rate.  This role has a formal training program and time starts on the date of hire for external hires and rehires, or the first day of training for internal hires.  The pay steps are outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and are tied to timeframes, not to the completion of training phases or qualifying periods. 
        
Employees may progress from Entry to Experienced Rate after successfully meeting all the conditions described in the CBA and after receiving satisfactory performance evaluations. 
        
In the instance where there are inconsistencies with the language provided here and the CBA, the CBA language will prevail.