Specialist - I&E

Summary:

 The Specialist - I&E oversees the installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of Process Control Systems for reciprocating, electric and turbine natural gas compressor units.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works with field operating personnel on a daily basis to provide technical expertise and assistance to Area Directors, Operations Managers, Engineers, Technicians and other operating personnel as required to assure the safe and reliable operation of pipeline facilities.  Is regarded as maintaining a high level of expertise in his/her discipline and is considered a ready resource of information by peers across the Company.
• Analyze and resolve complex operating problems involving multiple components and personnel, including cross-discipline issues.
• Interprets and applies the Company’s procedures with an appreciation of underlying industry codes and standards and government regulations.  Is able to defend and argue alternate positions related to facility installations and represents the company in an agency audit, inspection, or enforcement action.
• Identifies potential problems with or revisions necessary to Company procedures written to comply with State and Federal regulations, industry codes and department technical policies and practices.  Trains field personnel and implements procedures; monitors field activities for compliance with procedures through daily contact, reports, summaries and periodic inspections.
• Develops and supports the department technical policies and procedures that are used to maintain and operate the pipeline systems.  Evaluates how procedures impact field manpower, employee safety, materials, equipment and expenses in order to meet minimum requirements and the desired level of reliability and performance.
• Design training materials that instruct and verify the knowledge in a way that supports and satisfies the requirements of the Employee Qualification Program.   Shares this material across the Company and participates as an instructor. 
• Assists in the development of the annual O&M and Capital budgets.  This involves: Providing input and feedback to Areas on maintenance work scopes, reviewing and developing cost estimates, analyzing the feasibility of proposed solutions, suggesting innovative alternatives, and ensuring equipment specified is state-of-the-art and best fulfills the intended purpose.  Assists the Area in the preparation of capital budget projects and supports the projects through final approval and completion of capital work orders which includes the management of some projects from start to finish.
• Participates in new facility design and commissioning.  Assists in the preparation of designs for facility modifications and incorporation of new equipment.  Is able to facilitate installation including modifications to designs to meet functional requirements.
• Develops, reviews and provides technical input for control schemes and equipment maintenance standards including:  software and documentation for unit control panels and station control systems, hardware used for engine and station control, plant security and electrical systems, and electronic measuring devices.
• Keeps abreast of state-of-the art equipment and innovations being developed for the natural gas pipeline industry to improve performance and safety.  Recommends testing, evaluation and implementation when appropriate.  Is able to set up tests and trials and present results in a convincing manner.  Examples include:
  • Compression – Advanced maintenance and analyzing technology; computerized maintenance management systems.
  • Control and Automation – Flame, gas, and smoke detection systems; ESD systems; engine safeties; PLC and computer systems; station control systems; transducers and transmitters
  • Electrical – Variable speed drives, motor starters, programmable controllers, grounding procedures, switchgear, breakers, power distribution, power generation, advanced preventive maintenance programs.
• Serves on multi-department committees as a technical advisor, involving matters such as automation and modernization
• Participates in accident investigations and failure analysis on pipeline facilities including making recommendations to prevent reoccurrence of failures

Required Skills (External)

Requirements:

Education and/or Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements for this position are listed below:

• Associates Degree in an engineering related field or a Bachelor’s Degree plus six years of experience in the gas transmission field.
• An additional two years of experience is required in lieu of a formal degree.
• Past programming of PLCs, Lookout, Wonderware or other HMI.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and excellent human relations skills. 
• Thorough knowledge of Company procedures and Industry-related standards, codes and practices, and applicable Federal and State regulations. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Able to handle changing priorities and multiple projects concurrently. 
• Able to work effectively in a functional team with peers geographically dispersed across the Division. 
• Able to utilize computers within a network including loading & setup of Process Control & Communication related software.
• Knowledgeable of Natural Gas Operating Procedures, Engineering Standards, OSHA and Safety practices.