Propane Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

General Summary

Performs installation, maintenance and repair of propane and/or oil burning systems, HVAC units, equipment, and appliances for Southern States Cooperative, Inc. (SSC) customers. May also perform repair and maintenance work on diesel or gasoline tanks and equipment. Strictly adheres to government regulations and SSC operating procedures while working independently. 

Essential Job Functions -- complexity of essential job functions increases with grade level

• Maintain regular communication with facility leadership regarding daily service dispatching for new installation, repair and maintenance of appliances, systems and related equipment. Provide updates and input on installation schedule, job progress, account issues, supply of materials and other critical factors. 
• Safely install and repair propane, oil burning, diesel and/or gasoline systems, equipment, and appliances according to federal and state codes. Calibrate equipment to proper settings. Effectively utilize HVAC, mechanical, electrical, millwright, plumbing, and other specialized skills and the appropriate tools as determined by the job. 
• Read and effectively interpret electrical and mechanical blueprints, manuals, engineering specifications, diagrams, meters, gauges, and control panels to perform installations and repair equipment. Gather and analyze information to diagnose malfunctions and troubleshoot systems. 
• Represent SSC in a positive manner by providing reliable and prompt service to customers. Communicate in a professional and courteous manner. Provide usage instructions for all equipment and appliances serviced. Review account details, collect payments or provide invoices, and confirm future service with customers. Strive to grow and maintain SSC market share through excellent service and customer referrals. 
• Discuss new equipment sales with current and prospective customers. Conduct site surveys and identify products and equipment to meet capacity needs. Assist customers in making an educated and informed decision by reviewing options and presenting recommendations. 
• Effectively operate Southern States Cooperative, Inc. (SSC) commercial motor vehicles in compliance with government regulations and SSC policy. Perform routine maintenance and repair to keep vehicles in good working condition. 
• Depending upon location, may load and deliver supplies of propane and/or other fuels according to standard operating procedures. Handle and lift canisters into truck and/or utilize load hose, meters, gauges, and terminal controls for bulk fuel loading (top load and bottom load). Obtain distribution of fuel from SSC facility or third party terminals. 
• Prepare and maintain invoices, reports, logs, vehicle and equipment maintenance records and other related documents accurately, neatly, and in a timely manner. 
• Maintain complete and up-to-date files on parts manuals, service manuals, and service bulletins. Maintain files on all equipment sold including design, bill of materials, follow-up report, guarantee and warranty cards, and records of service. 
• Ensure that all in-warranty parts are returned to supplier along with proper information in order for location to receive proper credit. 
• Maintain adequate parts inventory. Assist with taking physical inventory of parts, equipment and merchandise. Adhere to inventory control initiatives. May assist with shipping and/or receiving of related products as determined by business need. Effectively utilize forklift and other material handling equipment according to facility procedures. 
• Participate in specialized training, certification courses, and/or meetings as requested. Learn and develop techniques to enhance job performance and to stay current on industry safety and operational standards. 
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area by keeping tools, equipment and supplies in proper places. Minimize waste and properly dispose of waste material. Perform all related cleaning of equipment, vehicle and work areas according to Housekeeping Plan and SSC procedures. 
• Perform work safely as to not cause harm to yourself, customers and property, co-workers, equipment, or inventory. Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required. Operate all equipment and vehicles according to SSC policy and government regulations. Comply with OSHA regulations, Southern States Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards, work rules and policies. 
• Perform all other job functions as assigned.

Education: Requires a High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) 

Experience:

Requires two (2) or more years of experience with installation and repair of propane or oil based heating systems (HVAC), equipment and appliances, as well as experience with diesel and gasoline equipment. Previous Southern States work experience a plus. 

Licensing requirements vary by location and are based on state/federal regulations.

• Requires license in HVAC, Liquid Propane Gas Fitter or related trade
• Requires Petroleum and/or Propane Certification (or ability to obtain)
• Requires Commercial Driver's License (Class C or Class B depending upon location)
• Requires Hazardous Materials and/or Tanker Endorsement (or ability to obtain) 

Requirements -- complexity of requirements increases with grade level

• This position requires the safe operation of a motor vehicle to perform essential job functions and mandatory compliance with the SSC motor vehicle safety policy
• Satisfactory completion of required training and certification, dependent upon location
• Effective knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and/or pipe fitting repair and maintenance
• Able to cut, weld, and fabricate metal
• Able to read and interpret blueprints and schematic symbols, manuals, engineering specifications, diagrams, meters, gauges, and control panels
• Able to gather and analyze data to troubleshoot and diagnose repair needs utilizing test instruments and specialized tools
• Computer literacy to operate SSC business systems
• Able to effectively communicate technical information
• Able to effectively utilize interpersonal skills to communicate customer sales and service
• Able to utilize GPS equipment
• Able to work well independently and follow safety, quality control and operating procedures at all times
• Able to add, subtract, multiply, divide and calculate percentages in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals; able to calculate dimensions, liquid measurements and calibrations
• Able to perform work with concentration, focus and attention to detail
• Able to operate a forklift, handcart and other industrial equipment
• Able to complete paperwork, reports, documentation, and email communication in a legible, organized, and timely manner
• Able to speak, read, write the English language in a proficient manner
• Able to work in a fast paced team environment
• Able to work extended hours to meet business demands 

Work Environment

Performs essential job functions in various environments, including: driving a commercial motor vehicle and working at a customer site, outdoors where may not be protected from weather conditions, and in a warehouse environment subject to seasonal temperatures and humidity. 

Frequently exposed to hazards including:

• Heating oil, kerosene, diesel, gasoline, and/or liquid propane, and related odors and fumes
• Moving mechanical parts and vehicles
• Noise levels where hearing protection is optional per PPE Plan
• Dust, wet surfaces, vibrations, and electrical current 

Schedule requirements will vary during peak and off-peak seasons. Extended hours and/or alternate work schedules are required and may vary by location. 24/7 On-call or Emergency Service Standby required by many locations. Ability to report to work on time and in adverse weather conditions is required. 

Physical Activities & Requirements

This role requires continuous physical activity to perform essential job functions for the duration of the shift. At times extended hours are required. Description of physical activity is a general summary and may vary by location.

• Continuously bend, crouch, stoop; drive motorized equipment; manual dexterity (fingers and hands) for controls, tools and equipment; reach with arms and hands for extended periods while driving and operating equipment; stand and walk for extended periods on uneven surfaces; utilize hands in repetitive motion; utilize eye/hand/foot coordination; twist back and neck. Pull, push, lift, carry up to 50 pounds. 
• Frequently balance, kneel, stack, sweep; climb steps in and out of vehicle throughout the shift; utilize feet in repetitive motion. Pull, push, lift, carry 50-80 pounds, may be assisted. 
• Occasionally pull, push, lift, carry 80-100 pounds, may be assisted. Depending upon location, may pull or push propane tanks (170+ pounds) utilizing handcart and move large equipment for installation. 

Must be able to hear vehicle and equipment sounds, co-workers and radio. Must be able to speak to co-workers and customers regarding operations and safety. Specific vision abilities required by this position include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Tools & Equipment

Hard hat, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, respirator, face shield, front end loader, forklift, handcart, manuals, forms, spreadsheets, telephone, writing instrument. Additional personal protective equipment as required by any and all product warning labels. Commercial motor vehicles and specialized tools and equipment, all of which may vary by location. 

Southern States Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws or regulations.