Commission Pipeline Damage Prevention Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary
The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (Commission), a leading utility regulatory agency, is looking for a talented Sr. Pipeline Safety Inspector with field work leader experience in a gas distribution utility or federal or state regulatory agency, who can make a professional difference in the Nation's Capital. The Commission oversees regulated utility and competitive companies that provide electricity, natural gas, and telecommunication services to District of Columbia ratepayers. As a Sr. Pipeline Safety Inspector, you will be deployed on a challenging variety of gas compliance and enforcement field inspection operations, as well as technical support for the enforcement of regulations, codes and standards relating to the construction, operation, maintenance, replacement/rehabilitation and retirement of all pipelines, infrastructure and systems utilized by the natural gas distribution company to transport gas and provide services in the District. The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing project leadership for the development and achievement of technical, policy, and regulatory objectives related to the compliance and enforcement programs and activities under the Commission's jurisdiction; and for maintaining mandatory United States Department of Transportation/Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (USDOT/PHMSA) Technical Qualification Certification on gas pipeline safety and excavation damage prevention. You will serve as a technical authority and advisor to support the Commission's pipeline safety and damage prevention goals. You will gain significant industry exposure and unmatched professional experience as a member of a leading regulatory agency with a proud 100+ year history of regulatory excellence and exemplary scores in annual federal audits of its pipeline safety program and damage prevention program. The Commission is currently deploying a hybrid telework schedule, which includes three days per week of teleworking, and two days each week in our 13th and G Street offices. We also offer flex time schedules, a competitive salary range, a generous travel stipend for public transportation, as well as an attractive benefits package. The Commission's benefits package encompasses a flexible menu of comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance options, as well as a strong set of portable retirement benefits and savings options. The Commission also offers attractive vacation and sick leave time, as well as paid holidays, consistent with District government provisions. As an organization dedicated to professional development and learning, the Commission encourages staff to participate in regulatory and industry association activities, as well as educational and professional training. Tuition reimbursement may also be available.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Senior Pipeline Safety Inspector position is in the Office of Compliance and Enforcement ("OCE") of the Office of Technical and Regulatory Analysis ("OTRA") in the Commission. The Commission regulates the electric, natural gas, and local telephone companies serving the District. OTRA is responsible for advising the Chairman and Commissioners on engineering, accounting, economics and financial issues in formal cases and other proceedings before the Commission. OCE helps the Commission to ensure the safety and reliability of natural gas transmission and distribution, electricity distribution, and telecommunication services and is charged with enforcement of the Federal and District governments' gas safety regulations for transportation of natural gas by pipeline. As part of the OCE Team, the Senior Pipeline Safety Inspector is responsible for providing technical advice and support to the Chief, Office of Compliance and Enforcement on all matters relating to the Commission's pipeline safety program and damage prevention program. Conducts inspections of liquid and natural gas pipeline facilities (such as standard, construction, records, and follow-up inspections) to include inspecting and observing critical valves, regulator stations, relief valves, pressure recorders, odorizes, pipes, couplings, joints, and rectifiers using Field Evaluation forms, cell phone, and specialized equipment, following departmental guidelines and regulations, and professional standards in order to determine compliance with state and federal regulations. Develops project monitoring plans by the Commission, conducts inspections of construction sites, assists in developing and implementing inspection data systems and their documentation, and makes recommendations to the Chief, OCE. Prepares pipeline safety and excavation damage prevention inspection plans and schedules for use by all Pipeline Safety Engineers/Inspectors. Develops schedules to ensure that required inspections and follow-ups are completed. Reviews inspection and violation reports and recommends corrective, compliance and enforcement actions to encourage and enable the gas operator to achieve the goals of maximizing public and system safety. Conducts gas pipeline safety site inspections, excavation damage prevention inspections, records inspections, and Operator Qualifications ("OQ") inspections to determine compliance with the Federal Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act, and the District of Columbia Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act and Regulations. Schedules and participates in compliance audits of the gas company's implementation of the Transmission Integrity Management Program (TIMP) and Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP) per PHMSA requirements and prepares compliance reports for PHMSA evaluation. Composes reports such as field evaluation, construction, natural gas incidents, and follow-up to report findings and documents compliance with state and federal guidelines. Composes letters such as notices of probable violation to notify operators of violations and bring compliance by the operator.
Qualifications and Education
Bachelor's degree in science, engineering or applied science is required. Master's degree is desirable. To be creditable, the incumbent must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (CS-13) in the normal line of progression, or its non-District equivalent, gained from the public or private sector. Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience. This position requires advanced knowledge of engineering principles and practices applied in the design, construction/installation, operation, and maintenance of gas utilities, as needed, to conduct inspections and investigations. This is evidenced by academic degrees, statutory certification, and work experience. Advanced knowledge of modern trends and practices of gas and hazardous liquid safety standards to include distribution and transmission pipelines, as needed, to conduct inspections and investigations; and skill in applying this knowledge in protecting natural gas pipelines in the District of Columbia. Mastery knowledge of and skill in problem solving, negotiation strategies, and project management; and skill in working collaboratively with gas operator and contractor personnel, Commission attorneys, accountants, and economists. Advanced knowledge of natural gas production, transmission, distribution and retail, and/or material science; and the ability to apply the requirements to the jurisdictional local gas distribution company within the District of Columbia. Mastery of and skill in applying oral and written communication tools and techniques to prepare pipeline safety reports, advisory memoranda, and project reports, and prepare for annual federal audits. Ability to maintain strong working relationships with Commission staff and professional, management officials, and technical personnel outside of the agency. Proficiency and experience in MS Windows-based software and in deploying appropriate mobile GPS and cloud-based software, automated inspection, compliance and enforcement workflow software, and related equipment and hardware to complete field, site and records inspections and reporting tasks.
Licensures, Certifications and Other Requirements
Successful completion of the USDOT/PHMSA mandatory Technical Qualifications courses for Gas Pipeline Safety Inspectors or Gas Integrity Management Inspectors. Valid Driver's License.
Working Conditions/Environment
The work is performed in the field, approximately seventy percent (70%), conducting pipeline safety inspections, and monitoring equipment, components, and natural gas pipeline installations and facilities, and documenting observations and results. Exposure to weather, traffic, mobile and live equipment, and construction and project site conditions requiring electric shock resistance ("ESR") protection, a hard hat, safety glasses, vests and other personal protective equipment and gear is an inherent part of field visits and inspections. Regular visits to gas company offices, laboratories, plants, and service installations may involve exposure to industrial plant and site conditions and excavation, trenching and confined-space environments. Inspections sometimes require visits to private homes and offices, including basements, yard and service entrance areas, which may require entering unfinished and under-construction private spaces and dealing with members of the public and their pets and children. The rest of the work is performed in an office setting.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday Friday.
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential.
Duration of Appointment: Career Service Permanent.
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is in a collective bargaining unit represented by AFSCME, District Council 20, and you may be required to pay union dues.
Residency : If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residence in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment. EEO Statement:
The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.