Meet Chavis, a Gas Leak Survey Technician. Chavis is a Georgia native who is traveling with Southern Cross to work on different projects throughout the United States. Chavis has been in the utility industry for many years and has experience in gas and electric. His love for his family is what keeps him going and drives his career forward. Chavis has big goals set for himself to move into the computer and IT sector, and we are hopeful those goals translate to bigger and better things for him and us at Southern Cross.

What do you do as a Gas Leak Technician?

Every day I go out and do a thorough investigation of areas where leaks have been located. Right now, I am focusing on pinpointing exactly where the leaks are coming from, whether or not they are migrating and if the leak is hazardous.

What do you like most about this job?

I like that with our current assignment we are being put right in the area where there has already been an indication of gas. We know the gas has been detected and it is our job to pinpoint exactly where it is at.

What is one of your biggest challenges with this job?

Honestly? Probably the animals. Some days you are in an area with stray dogs, or in a neighborhood with aggressive pets that are near the meters or leak. This can make it challenging to complete the job that day, and you might have to come back when the homeowner is home and can get their pets inside.

What was your first Impression of Southern Cross?

When I first started at Southern Cross, I was trained thoroughly and liked the role, but I struggled to connect with the current management team. I decided to stick with it, and the culture and work environment improved! Now, it is great. Jason [Walker’s Supervisor] is great and all of my co-workers are great. Working in different cities and traveling for work is a new experience for me. This is the first time I have ever left my children and family and traveled this far, but it has been a great experience!

How does your work impact the safety of the public?

Well, it is my job to make sure that everyone is safe, and I also take it very seriously. Having gas leak technicians and the equipment to detect leaks helps prevent potentially catastrophic incidents. We keep the public safe.

Describe one of your proudest moments at Southern Cross?

When I first arrived in Texas, I experienced one of my proudest moments. I found so many leaks when we first arrived, and that is something I pride myself on. I was fortunate enough to receive recognition from my team and management for a job well done. It was amazing.

As we move on and switch gears – You have talked a lot about your family. What do they [Your Family] think you do?

My family knows I work in the gas industry, but they think I am just checking meter sets and service lines. I don’t think they have any idea that I could be in the middle of the street digging holes to pinpoint a leak or in areas with dangerous traffic. There are so many different jobs that are done on a day to day.

Why did you apply to Southern Cross?

I started in the utility industry when I was 21 or 22. I was working with a different company in Michigan at the time where I was exchanging gas and electric meters to the new smart meters that had just come out. That is what really got the ball rolling for me in the utility industry. It made me look towards pursuing a future in this field.

What are you doing when you are not working?

Family! I spend time with my kids and wife. We have four children that are 2, 4, 5 and 12. Now, that I am traveling I go home every three weeks to see them in Georgia.

If you were to leave the utility industry what would you be doing? What is your dream job?

I would be working in programming or something with computers. I am a big computer guy! It is what I went to school for. I have a couple certifications but getting a degree in C Sharp or C++ would be the goal.

Over the last few years, Chavis has been a dedicated technician for Southern Cross. He has worked on projects around the country and is actively working to keep you and our country safe by pinpointing and verifying gas leaks. Southern Cross is grateful for Chavis’ continued service to our industry, and look forward to seeing where he ends up next!