Southern Cross has a long history in the utility industry, and with that long history comes a long-standing relationship with our field workers. Darnell is a Southern Cross Gas Leak Survey Technician in Texas and has been with our company for over a year working in multiple cities and states. Today, he is ensuring your safety by inspecting your pipelines and gas meters. Tomorrow? Who knows he could be President of the United States – for a day. Follow along for an inside look into the daily lives of one of our trusted Field Technicians, Darnell.

First thoughts on Southern Cross?

I applied for a job with Southern Cross after I saw an ad on Indeed. I was previously working at the Walmart in Virginia and was looking for a job that could jump-start a career. When I got the job with Southern Cross my first impression was that it was an important job! I’m from Virginia and I knew Southern Cross had their corporate office in Georgia but had jobs all over. A company of that size and all over must be a good company that is very important.

What do you do as a Leak Survey Technician, and what is your favorite part about your job?

As a technician, I inspect gas pipelines, services and check for any indications of gas leaks. As a technician, I like being able to work outdoors and the [somewhat] freedom to work at my own pace. The job is very independent.

What is the most challenging part of Leak Survey?

When you are traveling from state to state the most challenging part of the job is the different ways for Grading leaks. You always want to make sure you know the correct Grading scale.

Talk about your proudest moment at Southern Cross?

The proudest moment as a Technician and with Southern Cross is finding a Grade 1 Leak! Our work tremendously impacts public safety. If you miss it [leaks] then something is eventually going to go wrong. The fact that you do find it makes you feel good and you know nothing is going to go wrong, and the customer is going to remain safe for another five years or so until it [service line] is inspected again.

Best advice for someone who is thinking about joining Southern Cross as a Leak Survey Technician?

After, being a Technician for over a year I would have to say the best advice I can give someone is to have a good strong work ethic and be self-motivated because with this type of job you don’t have someone watching over you all the time. It is up to you to get everything done!

What would surprise us about you?

I am originally from New York, but I am a very quiet person. Whenever people hear that they are surprised, because most New Yorkers are loudmouths, and here I am a little quiet and keep to myself.

Who or what inspires you?

I would have to say my Father inspires me. He passed away a couple of years ago. He inspires me most because he worked really hard for our family. He worked to get our family out of New York and the troubles in the big city. He wanted us to have a nice calm life in a nice suburban atmosphere. Which has inspired me to do the same for my family.

Tell us a bit about your family? What do they think about your career?

I have a wife, a son and a stepdaughter. I spend a lot of time with them in my downtime. I am a homebody and enjoy staying inside watching movies or TV and visiting our family around town. I’m not sure my family understands what I do. They know I inspect gas lines, and I am dealing with gas and it can be dangerous. They also know I protect the public by inspecting the gas lines, so I would say they have an idea of what I do, but maybe not a full grasp.

What are your goals for the future and where do you see yourself?

I love to work with my hands. Putting stuff together around the house and helping out. If I am still with Southern Cross in the future I would love to be in management and continuing my career, but I see myself going into the military. BUT let’s say I can be anything for a day – might as well shoot for President of the United States!

Darnell is one of the hundreds of Field Technicians we have across the United States. His loyalty to our company and the utility industry is what allows us to continue providing our customers with the best quality of work. Without workers like Darnell, we would not be able to do what we do, and we are grateful for his hard work and dedication!