Operator Qualifications (OQ) Evaluator

Operator Qualifications (OQ) Evaluator

The Regulatory and Compliance Department at Colorado Springs Utilities is hiring a Gas Operator Qualification Evaluator. In this position, you will be responsible for providing training, proctoring knowledge assessments, and evaluating the performance of covered tasks in simulated or field environments. These tasks will be carried out in accordance with the OQ Program Plan and the Operations and Maintenance manual. These evaluations, training, and assessments will be performed for in-house crews, in addition to supporting contractors and Licensed Utility Service Installers (LUSIs). All of these duties are carried out in accordance with the policies and procedures that govern the conduct of Colorado Springs Utilities employees with a deep commitment to safety and quality.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Oversee and carry out the day-to-day responsibilities of ensuring all personnel who are required to perform covered tasks are appropriately qualified to do so
• Ensure compliance with DOT CFR 49 Part 192 Subpart N as it relates to qualified personnel conducting covered tasks on gas pipeline facilities
• Ensure compliance with all internal policies governing the qualification process, suspension process, disqualification process and associated policies and procedures related to the OQ process
• Ensure the OQ Training Facility is stocked, clean, prepared, and configured for the day’s scheduled activities
• Schedule and provide training days for individuals pursuing qualification
• Proctor written or oral knowledge assessments 
• Conduct Operator Qualification Performance Evaluations to ensure individuals performing work on the Natural Gas system are adhering to all O&M and DOT qualification requirements
• Manage the Colorado Springs Utilities Learning Management System (Energy Worldnet) to ensure accuracy of records and make regular notifications to individuals with upcoming qualification deadlines
• Manage the Colorado Springs Utilities Operator Qualification Bookings Calendar to ensure individuals can maintain required qualifications
• Interact with Regulatory and Compliance field auditors, review findings, and strategize necessary reactions based on the findings from operators in the field
• Interact with qualified personnel and leadership who bring an internal or external operator’s performance of a covered task into question
• Help coordinate and participate in Quarterly OQ Committee meetings
• Contribute and participate during scheduled and opportunistic audits from regulatory bodies having jurisdiction
   

Experience Requirements:

• Demonstrated years of journey-level experience in one or more gas operations roles
• Master Evaluator Certification (Energy Worldnet) or ability to attain within 6 months of hire.
• Proficiency in Energy Worldnet Learning Management System

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light work.
• Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions, and intense noises.

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