Pipeline Integrity Specialist at Essential Utilities

Peoples, an Essential Utilities company, has been proudly serving Western Pennsylvania for over 130 years, offering talented individuals the opportunity to serve more than 700,000 customers in the region.  Peoples is more than your average natural gas utility.  We have a vision to:

• Provide valuable services to our customers
• Encourage economic growth for businesses in our region
• Improve the quality of life for our communities
• Ensure that we are protecting our environment
• Support our employees and partners

Join our team and make a difference!

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.

We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.
 

Provides and/or leads investigations, technical actions and problem-solving with field personnel, engineers, technical specialists, technicians, regulatory agencies, other business units and contractors to facilitate quality assurance and safety related to pipeline system integrity. This position is mostly a field position being on job sites and hauling the GasCam Inspection Equipment. 80% Field and 20% Office                         

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Provide and lead all aspects of technical analysis and management of advanced leak survey and locating techniques including optional methane gas control programs, (including but not limited to) data collection, investigations of gas related incidents (to include detection, sampling, inspection and/or investigation), analyses, technical support, procedure/policy/manual development, problem resolution, remedial actions, field testing, inspections, training programs, contractor management, use of new materials and instrumentation, etc. to mitigate adverse effects and safety issues related to locating equipment and optical methane detection from natural gas pipelines and storage facilities and in full compliance with all rules and regulations.                                 
• Develop, implement, audit (contractors and internal personnel), and reconcile programs (to include locating, right-of-way mowing and leakage surveys).                          
• Respond to requests and provide direction, support, and problem-solving solutions to bargaining unit personnel, field crews and/or line management and contractors, as needed (may involve manipulation and use of locating or leak detection equipment, especially that of the specifically designed optical methane gas detection vehicle and its equipment and inline locating devices and equipment).                                         
• Develop, analyze, interpret, and report on information, operations, testing, samples, data input or related results.                                      
• Provide weekly or monthly reporting to those requiring information (e.g., Operations, Customer Service, Billing, etc.)                                  
• Maintain the safe operations and upkeep of the vehicle, trailers and job specific equipment.
• Communicate internally or externally with those providing, supporting, or needing information, including senior level and management personnel.                                         
• Operate and maintain in-line locating, GasCam Inspection Equipment and Water Extraction Equipment on an as needed basis to support field operations.                                        

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function(s).

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY:

• May support specific project budgets related to optical methane gas systems and/or inline locating.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• In-depth knowledge of practice, procedures, processes, applicable CFR codes, PUC, OSHA, etc.
• Excellent knowledge of PNG/TWP pipeline systems, locating processes/equipment, leak detection processes/equipment, and storage fields.                               
• Strong abilities in essential computer skills and applicable database systems (e.g., SAP, BI, Microsoft Office Suite, etc.)                                    
• Strong planning, writing, and data management skill.                                 
• Exceptional communications skills, including written, verbal, and interpersonal relationships.
• Can operate independently, manage multiple projects and complexities and highly responsive to PNG needs.        

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in Gas Distribution, Operations, and/or Engineering.      
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in leading projects (and others).                                          
• Experience in initiating process and procedure improvement.                               
• Excellent working knowledge of piping systems, locating systems/processes, leak detection systems/processes, related safety issues and all related equipment and practices.
• Exceptional project management skills with capability to manage multiple diverse projects.
• Successful experience coordinating and managing projects and others.                             
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.                                
• Demonstrated related experience may be substituted for education.                                     
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive Company vehicles.                                    

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to:
• Travel approximately 75% to work sites of PNG/TWP, external customers and travel beyond Pittsburgh representing PNG/TWP.             
• Perform light work- exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.                               
• May be in working conditions of extreme temperatures, noise, and wet/humid environments; possible gas exposure; atmospheric conditions may include odors or gases.                     
• Physical demands include visual acuity, hearing, communicating, manual dexterity, and repetitive motions.                                       
• Position requires the ability to use a computer, copier, fax machine (and related office equipment).         

WORKING CONDITIONS/MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Peoples, an Essential Utilities company, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
Peoples is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.  If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).  

To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:

• Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
• Family members cannot work in the same department.