PIPELINE
SAFETY/REGULATION SPECIALIST
BASIC
PURPOSE:
Positions in this job family are involved in the inspection
and regulation of natural gas and hazardous liquid transportation pipelines and
operators. This includes the
enforcement of state, federal and Commission pipeline regulations through
inspections, investigations, complaint response, and training of operators and
contractors.
TYPICAL
functions:
The functions within this job will vary by level, but may include the
following:
·
Interprets state and federal laws and commission rules for
agency and industry personnel and the general public.
·
Performs investigations and responds to complaints related
to the release of natural gas or hazardous liquids from pipeline facilities.
·
Responds to and investigates threats to public safety
resulting from non-compliance with state and federal laws and agency policy.
·
Conducts field inspections of pipeline facilities,
transportation systems, and construction sites to evaluate safety and
performance, using appropriate testing equipment.
·
Identifies and reports operational deficiencies and
coordinates with operators to correct, ensuring compliance with guidelines and
instructions.
·
Provides training and technical assistance to pipeline
operators, employees, and the public on pipeline dangers, safety procedures and
the proper use of emergency response equipment.
·
Prepares and/or reviews operational reports, daily work
records, and other required documentation.
·
Prepares exhibits and testifies as an expert witness in
Commission hearings.
LEVEL DESCRIPTORS:
The Pipeline
Safety/Regulation Specialist job family has three levels that are distinguished
by the complexity of assignments, the level of expertise required to perform
the duties assigned, and the responsibility assigned for providing leadership
to others.
This is the basic level of the job
family where employees are assigned responsibility for performing entry level
work in conducting inspections and investigations of operator facilities and
operations using test equipment to run field tests, observing operations, and
visually checking equipment and facilities.
Incumbents will respond to hazardous releases and complaints,
documenting results and providing recommendations for corrective actions. These positions will act as liaison between
the Corporation Commission, industry and the general public, and will
coordinate with and provide technical assistance to utility operators by
assisting in developing operating standards, planning and conduction surveys,
studies and investigations, and providing information and assistance to
personnel in the resolution of technical problems. No training or supervisory responsibilities will be assigned at this
level.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required
at this level include knowledge of basic engineering principles related to
natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines; of the construction, operation and
maintenance of natural gas distribution systems, natural gas transmission
systems and hazardous liquid pipeline systems; of basic research and analysis
methods, and of basic investigatory techniques, report writing and record
keeping. Ability is required to conduct
inspections and investigations of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline operations
and accidents; to use electronic test equipment and personal computers; to
communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; and to establish and
maintain effective working relationships with others.
Education
and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor's degree
in mechanical, petroleum or civil engineering plus two years of experience in
the regulation, operation and/or maintenance of natural gas distribution
systems, natural gas transmission systems and/or hazardous liquid pipeline
systems; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Note: Four years of experience can be substituted
for the bachelor’s degree in engineering.
This is the career level of the
job family where employees are assigned independent responsibility for on-site
inspections and investigations of operator facilities and operations using test
equipment to run field tests, observing operations, and visually checking
equipment and facilities. Incumbents
will respond to hazardous releases and complaints and investigate using
complainant interviews and fieldwork, documenting results and providing
recommendations for corrective actions.
Incumbents are also responsible for regulation of construction activities,
including determining operator’s compliance with state and federal laws and
agency policy. These positions will act
as liaison between the Corporation Commission, industry and the general public
and will coordinate with and provide more complex technical assistance to
utility operators, including conducting special projects such as surveys,
studies and investigations when required.
At this level, some limited guidance and training of entry-level
employees may be assigned.
Knowledge,
Skills and Abilities required at this level include the knowledge and
skills identified in Level I plus knowledge of engineering principles and
practices related to the design, installation and testing of pipeline systems;
of natural gas pressure regulating equipment and cathodic protection
installations; of complex research and analysis methodologies; ability to
prepare technical reports; to compile data and effectively communicate
technical information; and to present evidence in formal hearings.
Education
and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in
Level I and two additional years of qualifying experience.
This is the leadership level where
employees are assigned responsibility for performing and supervising work
involving on-site inspections and investigations of operator facilities and
operations, including regulation of natural gas and hazardous liquid
transportation pipelines and operators.
Incumbent will review new and existing energy legislation and agency
policies and prepare reports on projected impact, and may compose news
releases, informational handouts, and/or articles concerning natural gas and
hazardous liquid transportation pipelines.
These positions will also perform investigations of natural gas pipeline
accidents and hazardous liquid pipeline incidents resulting in death,
hospitalization, or damages exceeding $50,000.
At this level, positions are assigned responsibility for the supervision
of Pipeline/Safety Regulation personnel, including reviewing and assigning
work, providing training and evaluating performance. Some positions may provide direct supervision that includes
additional responsibilities for employee development, approving leave and
initiating disciplinary actions, as well as performing related administrative
functions.
Knowledge,
Skills and Abilities required at this level include the knowledge and
skills identified in Level II plus knowledge of advanced research and analysis
techniques; of advanced investigatory techniques; and of supervisory principles
and practices, and ability to supervise the work of others.
Education
and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in
Level II and two additional years of qualifying experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must be willing and
able to be on call twenty-four (24) hours per day; be willing to travel
frequently and be away from home for extended periods of time; be willing to
relocate to the place of assignment; and be willing to accept the physical
discomforts and/or dangers inherent in the work.