Pipeline Safety Inspector

State-of-Washington-Utilities-and-Transportation-Commissio; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION seeks two Energy/Utility Engineer 3 positions to support the Pipeline Safety Division. The roles involve inspecting regulated pipelines, ensuring compliance with state and federal rules, and advancing safety through regulatory action.

Hybrid work is available, with reporting required to the Lacey headquarters as needed. These roles require completing in-training plans (E/UE1 or E/UE2) and progressing to E/UE3.

Qualifications

• One year of relevant work experience in pipeline safety enforcement.
• Knowledge of federal and state pipeline safety rules and regulations.
• Willingness to travel within Washington state and occasional overnight stays.

Responsibilities

• Inspect regulated hazardous liquid and gas pipelines to ensure compliance with state and federal rules.
• Investigate natural gas incidents and hazardous liquid accidents and prepare reports.
• Review operator records, manuals, and procedures for safety and regulatory alignment.
• Assist with enforcement actions and communicate technical findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Pipeline inspections

Regulatory compliance

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

Respect. Professionalism. Integrity. Accountability.

Pipeline Safety Inspector

Energy/Utilities Engineer 3

Salary Consideration: Range 67, Step A ($84,528) – Step L ($110,952) annually.

These positions may be filled as an Energy/Utilities Engineer 1 or 2 in-training. The incumbents will advance to the goal class of Engineer/Utilities Engineer 3 after satisfactory completion of the extensive training requirements. The salary for the Energy/Utilities Engineer 1 is $4,746 to $6,229 per month. The salary for the Energy/Utilities Engineer 2 is $6,075 to $7,973 per month.

The starting employment offer will be determined based on the successful candidates’ qualifications. Typically Step M of the pay range is a longevity step.

This recruitment is open until September 16 2026, at 11:59pm.

UTC reserves the right to render a hiring decision and/or choose to close or extend this recruitment at any given time. Applications for this recruitment could be used to fill comparable positions that open within the next 60 days.

The Opportunity: The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is seeking to fill two (2) Energy/Utility Engineer 3 positions to support the mission of the Pipeline Safety Division and are specifically aimed at enhancing public health and safety through regulatory compliance. These positions may be filled with a twelve (12) month in-training plan as an Energy/Utilities Engineer 1 or may be filled with a twelve (12) month in-training plan Energy/Utilities Engineer 2 to the class goal of Energy/Utilities Engineer 3. The positions primarily conduct inspections of regulated hazardous liquid and gas pipeline companies to ensure compliance with state and federal pipeline safety rules and regulations.

Hybrid: Although these are hybrid opportunities, the successful incumbents must reside within Washington state and must be available to report to the Lacey, Washington headquarters building as needed.

Travel: These positions necessitate travel throughout Washington state and occasionally other parts of the U.S. that involve overnight stays for inspections, incidents, training, conferences, and for meetings. This may occur during and/or outside normal work hours (including remote locations) that may include overnight stays.

Who We Are: Our Mission is to protect the people of Washington by ensuring that investor-owned utility and transportation services are safe, equitable, available, reliable, and fairly priced. Our Vision is to strive to achieve equitable and fair outcomes as a regulator of utility and transportation services and prioritize inclusion and belonging in the workplace. The UTC is continually recognized for its excellence and integrity as a regulatory agency, as we challenge the status quo and ourselves to ensure equitable outcomes for our customers and the people of Washington State. We recognize that our employees are the key to the agency’s success. We are committed to our work but value balance with our personal lives. We demonstrate our commitment to employees by providing an environment that stimulates professional growth, and offers continuing learning opportunities, meaningful work, and a comprehensive benefits package. For more information about our benefits or working at UTC, please visit our website.

What We Offer Our Employees: UTC fosters an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, while striving to hire and retain a workforce from the communities we serve.

We place importance on a healthy balance between personal and professional lives; offering flexible work schedules, wellness programs, and mobile/telework opportunities.

Through the state, our employees (and their families) are offered options for medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance.

We offer enrollment into the state retirement programs and a deferred compensation plan.

Throughout a calendar year, employees receive a minimum of 14 days of vacation leave per year and 11 paid holidays and 1 personal holiday in addition to accruing sick leave.

Our Values: Respect, Professionalism, Integrity, Accountability.

How to Apply: Interested in joining the UTC team? Click the Apply button at the top to begin! We only consider candidates for further screening if the following documents are attached to your completed application packet.

The Position: Reporting to the Energy/Utility Engineer 4, these positions inspect regulated hazardous liquid and gas pipelines, respond to and investigate incidents; provide technical assistance to pipeline operators, local governments, and communities; and improve safety laws and regulations.

What you’ll do: You’ll be responsible for validating compliance with and enhancing safety standards required for natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines located within the state. This is done primarily by conducting safety inspections of regulated hazardous liquid and gas pipeline companies to ensure compliance with state and federal pipeline safety rules and regulations. This work will require someone who is independent, efficient and can balance competing priorities.

The successful incumbents interact with other pipeline safety engineers, UTC Consumer Protection and Regulatory Services staff, support staff, and assistant attorney general assigned to the program. Additionally, you’ll work with the Commissioners, other officials from the Federal Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), other state pipeline safety program representatives, regulated pipeline personnel, local government, and the general public.

Additional duties include, but aren’t limited to the following:

• Conducts independent complex standard and specialized inspections and assessments of both interstate and intrastate gas and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities, operations, and maintenance in order to determine compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Investigates natural gas incidents and hazardous liquid accidents to determine cause, operator responsibility and potential violations of Federal and State Pipeline Safety Standards. Prepares a written report of findings and conclusions with potential recommendations for enforcement actions.
• Reviews and analyzes records pertaining to operators’ compliance with Federal Pipeline Safety Standards (i.e., 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) sections 191 through 199), and state gas and liquid pipeline safety rules as defined by Washington Administrative Codes (WAC).
• Conducts compliance activities to include, but are not limited to, review of operation and maintenance manuals, operation and maintenance activities, evaluation of operator’s design and operation of equipment, pipelines, pipeline pressure control and overpressure protection devices. This will involve fieldwork in remote locations for extended periods.
• Performs activities that include calculations of pressure relief capacity, safe operating pressures, corrosion control procedures to preserve integrity of steel pipe systems, odorization monitoringoperation and maintenance plans, emergency plans and procedures to ensure public safety during an emergency.
• Compiles, prepares, enters, and updates records, data, reports and other information in program databases, files, and other storage media in order to document inspection and investigative findings.

The commission values diverse career paths and recognizes that competencies may be acquired through a combination of education, training, certifications, research, volunteer service, lived experience, military service, professional practice, or other demonstrated accomplishments.

Energy/Utilities Engineer 1 (E/UE1) In-Training Level Required Education, Experience, and Competencies: One (1) year of relevant work experience in federal and state enforcement of pipeline safety regulations including the design, construction, operation and maintenance of pipeline systems.

AND

The ability to meet the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Engineering and Technical Analysis: Learn and apply engineering principles, technical standards, and analytical methods to evaluate complex utility, energy, telecommunications, transportation, water, or infrastructure systems; learn to analyze engineering, operational, financial, or technical data and develop evidence-based conclusions and recommendations; and learn to evaluate system performance, reliability, safety, efficiency, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Regulatory and Policy Analysis: Learn to interpret and apply statutes, regulations, tariffs, technical standards, policies, and industry practices; learn to assess the impacts of regulatory, operational, financial, or technical proposals on customers, regulated entities, and the public interest; and learn to develop clear recommendations that balance technical, economic, operational, and regulatory considerations.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Learn to identify complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend practical solutions; learn to exercise sound professional judgment when analyzing incomplete, conflicting, or highly technical information; and learn to anticipate risks, consequences, and implementation challenges associated with proposed actions.
• Written and Oral Communication: Learn to communicate complex technical concepts and findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences; learn to prepare reports, testimony, recommendations, technical memoranda, presentations, or briefing materials that support decision-making; and learn to explain technical analyses and respond to questions from stakeholders, leadership, decision-makers, or the public.
• Project Leadership and Work Management: Learn to independently manage multiple projects or assignments while meeting deadlines and quality expectations; learn to plan, organize, prioritize, and coordinate work involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities; and learn to lead technical workgroups, project teams, investigations, or cross-functional initiatives.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Learn to build productive working relationships with colleagues, regulated entities, industry representatives, consultants, governmental partners, and members of the public; learn to facilitate discussions and work effectively with individuals holding diverse perspectives and interests; and learn to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, and respect in all interactions.
• Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Learn to maintain current knowledge of emerging technologies, industry practices, engineering methods, and regulatory developments; and learn to adapt to changing priorities, technologies, and organizational needs while maintaining high-quality work.

Energy/Utilities Engineer 2 (E/UE2) In-Training Level Required Education, Experience, and Competencies: Two (2) years of relevant work experience in federal and state enforcement of pipeline safety regulations including the design, construction, operation and maintenance of pipeline systems. This position typically will work in collaboration with a E/UE3 although may be assigned some independent work subject to approval of Chief Engineer.

AND

The ability to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Engineering and Technical Analysis: Independently apply engineering principles, technical standards, and analytical methods to evaluate complex utility, energy, telecommunications, transportation, water, or infrastructure systems; independently analyze engineering, operational, financial, or technical data and develop evidence-based conclusions and recommendations; and independently evaluate system performance, reliability, safety, efficiency, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Regulatory and Policy Analysis: Independently interpret and apply statutes, regulations, tariffs, technical standards, policies, and industry practices; independently assess the impacts of regulatory, operational, financial, or technical proposals on customers, regulated entities, and the public interest; and independently develop clear recommendations that balance technical, economic, operational, and regulatory considerations.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Independently identify complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend practical solutions; independently exercise sound professional judgment when analyzing incomplete, conflicting, or highly technical information; and independently anticipate risks, consequences, and implementation challenges associated with proposed actions.
• Written and Oral Communication: Independently communicate complex technical concepts and findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences; independently prepare reports, testimony, recommendations, technical memoranda, presentations, or briefing materials that support decision-making; and independently explain technical analyses and respond to questions from stakeholders, leadership, decision-makers, or the public.
• Project Leadership and Work Management: Independently manage multiple projects or assignments while meeting deadlines and quality expectations; independently plan, organize, prioritize, and coordinate work involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities; and independently lead technical workgroups, project teams, investigations, or cross-functional initiatives.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Independently build productive working relationships with colleagues, regulated entities, industry representatives, consultants, governmental partners, and members of the public; independently facilitate discussions and work effectively with individuals holding diverse perspectives and interest; and independently demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, and respect in all interactions.
• Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Independently maintain current knowledge of emerging technologies, industry practices, engineering methods, and regulatory developments; and learn to adapt to changing priorities, technologies, and organizational needs while maintaining high-quality work.

Energy/Utilities Engineer 3 (E/UE3) Level Required Education, Experience, and Competencies: Three (3) years of relevant work experience in federal and state enforcement of pipeline safety regulations including the design, construction, operation and maintenance of pipeline systems.

The ability to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Engineering and Technical Analysis: Applies engineering principles, technical standards, and analytical methods to evaluate complex utility, energy, telecommunications, transportation, water, or infrastructure systems; analyzes engineering, operational, financial, or technical data and develop evidence-based conclusions and recommendations; and evaluates system performance, reliability, safety, efficiency, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Regulatory and Policy Analysis: Interprets and applies statutes, regulations, tariffs, technical standards, policies, and industry practices; assesses the impacts of regulatory, operational, financial, or technical proposals on customers, regulated entities, and the public interest; and develops clear recommendations that balance technical, economic, operational, and regulatory considerations.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Identifies complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend practical solutions; exercises sound professional judgment when analyzing incomplete, conflicting, or highly technical information; and anticipates risks, consequences, and implementation challenges associated with proposed actions.
• Written and Oral Communication: Communicates complex technical concepts and findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences; prepares reports, testimony, recommendations, technical memoranda, presentations, or briefing materials that support decision-making; and explains technical analyses and responds to questions from stakeholders, leadership, decision-makers, or the public.
• Project Leadership and Work Management: Independently manages multiple projects or assignments while meeting deadlines and quality expectations; plans, organizes, prioritizes, and coordinates work deliverables involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities; and leads technical work groups, project teams, investigations, or cross-functional initiatives.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Builds productive working relationships with colleagues, regulated entities, industry representatives, consultants, governmental partners, and members of the public; facilitates discussions and work effectively with individuals holding diverse perspectives and interests; and demonstrates professionalism, integrity, accountability, and respect in all interactions.
• Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Maintains current knowledge of emerging technologies, industry practices, engineering methods, and regulatory developments; and adapts to changing priorities, technologies, and organizational needs while maintaining high-quality work.

Demonstration of DEI Competencies: The ability to take action to learn and grow: Takes responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses and uses their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others: Flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people they work with and serve.

UTC Core Competencies: Accountability, DEI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment, Self-Awareness and Commitment to Growth, Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships, Inclusive Excellence & Allyship, Measuring Success and Improvement, Customer Focus, Results Focus, Communication Skills, Adaptability/Flexibility, Self-Development, Continuous Process Improvement

Preferred/Desired Qualifications: E/UE1 and E/UE2 In-Training Levels

E/UE1 and E/UE2 In-Training Levels: Bachelor\'s degree in engineering with a focus on mechanical, structural/civil, or related field from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the US Dept. of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent. Equivalent education or experience may be substituted for the degree on a year-for-year basis. "Equivalent education or experience" refers to a combination of college-level coursework or training and relevant technical experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform independent pipeline safety inspections and investigations.

E/UE3 Level: Bachelor\'s degree or higher in engineering with a focus on mechanical, structural/civil, or related field from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the US Dept. of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent. Equivalent education or experience may be substituted for the degree on a year-for-year basis. "Equivalent education or experience" refers to a combination of college-level coursework or training and relevant technical experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform independent pipeline safety inspections and investigations.

Licensed professional engineer.

Utility and Energy Industry Knowledge: Experience evaluating regulated utility systems. Knowledge of utility operations, infrastructure planning, system reliability, asset management, or emerging energy technologies.

Regulatory and Public Utility Experience: Experience interpreting or applying utility regulations, tariffs, technical standards, industry guidelines, or public

Technical and Economic Analysis: Experience conducting engineering, economic, financial, statistical, risk, or cost-benefit analyses to support decision-making. Experience evaluating utility investments, capital projects, rate impacts, resource planning, or operational performance.

Communication and Influence: Experience preparing technical reports, recommendations, presentations, testimony, briefing materials, or other decision-support documents. Experience presenting technical information to leadership, decision-makers, stakeholders, or public audiences.

Project Leadership: Experience leading complex technical projects, multidisciplinary teams, investigations, or cross-functional initiatives. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities while delivering high-quality work products.

Data and Analytical Tools: Experience using engineering, modeling, forecasting, statistical, GIS, database, or data visualization tools to support analysis and recommendations.

Professional Development: Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional learning through education, training, certifications, professional licensure, industry participation, military service, apprenticeships, or other relevant experiences

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY: This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

The successful incumbent must complete the following training:

1. Must attend and successfully complete all federal PHMSA training and certifications within three (3) years of completing the first (initial) course. Successful completion of the core curriculum is required to be an E/UE3. Incumbent will be in an E/UE 2 in-training position until successful completion of core curriculum.
2. Must maintain Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPPER) and annual refresher course.
3. The RCW 80.01.020 limits the UTC\'s ability to employ any person who owns stock in any company the UTC regulates or is otherwise financially interested in such company. Such interests include those of an employee\'s spouse.
4. UTC does not use E-Verify. Therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the UTC, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the candidate needed for this or other roles.

All information may be verified; additional documentation may be required.Candidates may be disqualified if the education and/or work experience does not include information used to meet the minimum qualifications of the job.

The UTC is an equal opportunity employer. We want to make sure you have an equal opportunity to join our team. Our commitment is making sure current and future employees are treated fairly and equally without regard to age, sex (including gender identity), race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or religious or political affiliation.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact [e-mail].

Veterans Preference: For information about YesVets click here.

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their redacted DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact UTC Human Resources at [e-mail].

For more information about the UTC, please visit: www.utc.wa.gov, www.twitter.com/wautc and www.facebook.com/wautc

The State of Washington: http://access.wa.gov