Gas Pipeline Operations Engineer

Gas Pipeline Operations Engineer

This position will be hired at an Engineer I or Engineer II and based on the skillsets of the individual at the time of hire, e.g., experience, education, and training.  Salary will be commensurate with the level of the person hired; an Engineer I or an Engineer II.   

Colorado Springs Utilities' Operations Engineering department provides engineering solutions to support the safe and reliable performance of our four-service utility assets. Our team is seeking a Gas Pipeline Engineer to provide engineering support and solutions for gas construction, operations and integrity initiatives, in addition to identifying and resolving risk points within our gas distribution infrastructure comprised of more than 5,000 miles of gas distribution mains and service lines.

The scope of work that you will perform in this job can be divided into the following areas:

• Gas Construction and Operations Support
  • Troubleshoot and develop engineering solutions and controls on topics to include gas regulation, valving selection and isolation plans, and monitoring system pressures
  • Supporting safe gas operations and construction practices by evaluating safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and industry standards and best practices
  • Translating technical requirements into clear, actionable Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Manual updates and other technical guidance used by Front Line Employees
  • Supporting data collection and validation efforts for various field data collection efforts such as regulator inspections, valve inspections, etc. 
  • Conducting field visits to Construction Crews or Operations Personnel
  • Assisting with material and system failure investigations and after-action reviews as needed
• Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP) Support
  • Utilize our Gas Distribution Risk Assessment Model via Synergi Pipeline Software Platform to model risk on our gas assets, develop project proposals, and submit work packages for design and execution
  • Supporting DIMP risk modeling through understanding Utilities' data sources, data collection methods, and software platform maintenance
  • Supporting the DIMP Program Manager and DIMP Program elements as required in accordance with Title 49 CFR, Part 192, Subpart P and other state and federal requirements
  • Work intake, prioritization, and submission to the appropriate team for execution
• Troubleshooting equipment and system issues and developing innovative solutions
  • Evaluating current gaps in equipment capabilities and identifying and evaluating existing solutions for gas regulators, reliefs, valves, and other pipeline components and equipment in the gas distribution environment
  • Engaging with design, planning, and operations teams to determine solutions for things such as: gas quality field analysis, telemetry location points and regulator stations, and remote or actuated valving
  • Conducting data audits and determining new work flows and tracking mechanisms to understand and correct systemic issues
  • Supporting records management (e.g., fusion equipment, corrosion half cells) and data visualization (Power BI) for Gas Construction and Gas Operations Supervisors

Who You Are: 

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline from an accredited university
• Demonstrated experience (typically 2 years) in a gas engineering, regulatory, or similar capacity (for E2 level)
• Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license is required; this position requires conducting weekly field visits using a Utilities' vehicle

The following knowledge and expertise is valued for this job:

• Knowledge of gas distribution pipeline practices, procedures, and operating standards
• Knowledge of applicable Federal and State pipeline safety regulations (e.g., Title 49 CFR Part 192)
• Knowledge of ESRI GIS Ecosystem, DNV Synergi Pipeline Risk Models, and other data analysis tools
• Knowledge and ability to prepare, review, and maintain technical documents, engineering reports, procedures, and compliance documentation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite including but not limited to: Word, Excel, Power BI Dashboards, etc. 
• Possession of an Engineering Intern (EI) or Engineer in Training (EIT) license

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
-Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (1/3 of the time), and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, or pull objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary only if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other criteria are met.
-Positions in this class typically require talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions within an office working environment.

Our Commitment to Our Employees…
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities.  They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving.  We don't just say people are important – we prove it!  That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

Time Off to Recharge

• Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
• Personal Leave –3 days per year
• Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
• Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
• Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

• Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
• Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
• Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
• Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
• Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP

Financial & Retirement Security

• Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans

Additional Support

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250  annually to support continued education
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness