Pipeline Safety Inspector I

PowerLines; Warwick (RI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

PowerLines in Warwick, RI is seeking a qualified inspector to assist with natural gas pipeline inspections and compliance with federal/state regulations. The role involves evaluating valves, regulators, meters, and related equipment, reviewing operator programs, and preparing reports.

Candidates should have a BS in engineering and at least one year of technical experience, with PHMSA training required within three years.

Qualifications

• A working knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• Experience conducting audits and inspections of gas facilities.
• Familiarity with Pipeline Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 190–199 and Part 40).
• Ability to interpret regulations and develop inspection schedules.

Responsibilities

• Assist with inspections of natural gas pipeline facilities using Field Evaluation forms.
• Utilize equipment such as multi-meters and odorometers.
• Review operators’ programs and records to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Prepare field evaluation, construction inspection, and incident reports.

Skills

Engineering principles

Audits & inspections

Regulatory understanding

Communication skills

Education

B.S. in Civil Engineering

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Multi-meter

Odorometer

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To assist with inspections of natural gas pipeline facilities (such as standard, construction, and follow-up inspections) including inspecting and observing critical valves, regulator stations, master meters, relief valves, pressure recorders, odorizers, and rectifiers using Field Evaluation forms; to utilize specialized equipment such as multi-meters and odorometers; to follow applicable guidelines and regulations, supervisory directives, and professional standards in order to determine compliance with state and federal regulations regarding design, installation, operation, and maintenance of facilities; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general direction of a superior with latitude for the exercise of independent judgement in technical and administrative matters; work is reviewed for conformance to Division policies and industry regulations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Usually none.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• To assist with inspections of natural gas pipeline facilities (such as standard, construction, and follow-up inspections) including inspecting and observing critical valves, regulator stations, master meters, relief valves, pressure recorders, odorizers, and rectifiers using Field Evaluation forms.
• To utilize specialized equipment such as multi-meters and odorometers.
• To follow applicable guidelines and regulations, supervisory directives, and professional standards in order to determine compliance with state and federal regulations regarding design, installation, operation, and maintenance of facilities.
• To review natural gas operators’ programs, plans, procedures, policies, maps, records and other documents necessary to determine compliance with federal and state statutes and regulations.
• To assist in conducting pipeline safety evaluations as well as incident and accident investigations.
• To assist in the inspection of gas pipeline facilities such as regulator stations, leak repairs, relief valves, rectifiers, odorizers, master meters, and critical valves in order to ensure safety and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• To assist in inspecting gas pipelines during construction including reviewing welding procedures, plastic joining procedures, and use of proper materials in order to ensure safety and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• To assist in the investigation of incidents to gathering information on root cause in order to ensure safety and compliance with state and federal procedures and ensure deficiencies are corrected to prevent recurrence.
• To compose reports such as field evaluations, construction inspections, natural gas incident documentation, and follow-up notices in order to report findings and document compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• To compose official letters such as Notices of Violation in order to notify operators of violations that will result in compliance by the operator.
• To cooperate with federal monitoring of the state program to assure program compliance with certification requirements.
• To attend pipeline safety training courses conducted by PHMSA’s office of Training and Qualifications (TQ) and others as directed or required.
• To assist in the coordination and enforcement of Dig-Safe laws and federal pipeline safety enforcement through an agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under Pipeline Safety Code of Federal Regulations CFR- Chapter 49 Parts §190-§199 and Part §40, inclusive (or any applicable successor provisions).
• To perform annual record and field operator audits and provide written documentation of all findings including areas in violation, areas of concern, and improvement opportunities.
• To ensure all activities, contacts, and meetings are properly documented and documentation is appropriately electronically filed.
• To coordinate utility operations data to include outage reports from all regulated utilities as a key partner in ESF-12 (energy) and work at the Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during inclement weather and other times of activation as deemed necessary by a supervisor.
• To be on call and to respond to emergency situations as needed.
• To investigate consumer complaints regarding gas utility services or lack of service.
• To do related work as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A working knowledge and understanding of engineering principles, theories and processes; knowledge of the fundamental principles and practices of engineering in natural gas and the ability to apply such knowledge to relevant engineering problems encountered in the construction, maintenance, repair, and operation of a gas utility; knowledge of inspection and research techniques involved in the review of gas operators' records; the ability to conduct audits and inspections of gas pipelines; familiarity with the Pipeline Safety Regulations – 49 CFR Parts 190 through 199 and Part 40 (or any applicable successor provision); familiarity with Rhode Island’s One-Call regulations regarding underground utility location and damage prevention; the ability to apply engineering concepts in conducting pipeline safety inspections; the ability to interpret and understand regulations and standards; the ability to develop schedules to ensure that required inspections and follow-up inspections are completed; the ability to prepare supporting material and justification for grant and budget requests; the ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, public utility personnel, and the public; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:Possession of a Bachelor of Science degree from a college of recognized standing in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field; and

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of employment in a technical position in a Utility engineering program or other comparable level at a public agency or in a private industry.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Within three (3) years of appointment, must successfully complete the Federal Department of Transportation, Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s Basic Gas Inspector Training Program.

2. As a condition of employment, must remain current with all training and certifications as outlined by PHMSA.

3. Must complete specialized elective training and other training(s) as directed by the agency.