Gas Pipeline Operations Engineer I

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 with a drive to become an expert in natural gas distribution systems and to provide engineering solutions for gas construction and operations initiatives.  This engineer will directly support the operation of a natural gas distribution infrastructure comprised of more than 5,000 miles of gas mains and service lines delivering safe and reliable natural gas service to over 200,000 customers.

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

1. Troubleshooting equipment 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, regulator stations, and remote or actuated valving. 
• Conducting weekly field visits to Construction Crews or Operations Personnel to identify existing issues, and develop and implement solutions 
• Assisting with material failure investigations, documenting results, and recommending mitigative measures

2. Gas Construction and Operations Support

• Supporting data collection efforts for gas valve inspections, gas regulator station inspections, odorant checks, and other required inspections
• Responding to emergency events or other abnormal operating conditions and providing engineering support (e.g., purging plans, bypass and/or repair criteria, testing, fit-for-service)
• Developing new, or improving existing processes to support gas construction and operations, to include improving technological solutions, updating Operations and Maintenance Manuals, support materials, and conducting training
• Supporting the development and improvement of valving plans, alarm management, remote/actuated valve operation, and other program-level support 
• Performing gas tools calibration records management (e.g., fusion equipment, corrosion half cells) and data visualization (Power BI) for Gas Construction and Gas Operations Supervisors
• Participate in design and project reviews. Providing Operational feedback along with drawing review and redline comments 
• Assisting with forecasting tools and equipment budgets for Gas Construction and Operations groups - this includes vehicles, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs), pipe squeezers, heavy equipment, and road plates

3. Tracking and Traceability Data Collection Process Planning and Implementation

• Serving as a Gas Operations Division hardware expert (e.g., high-accuracy GNSS receivers, barcode scanners, data loggers, iPhones, iPads)
• Developing and documenting standard operating procedures for data collection by field personnel with ESRI Field Maps GIS mobile applications
• Implementing and training field crews on digital as-built procedures and overseeing the digital as-built close-out process for Operations
• Analysis and validation of new and historic asset data

Who You Are:

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline from an accredited university
• Demonstrated experience (typically 0-2 years) in a gas distribution engineering, regulatory capacity, or other related engineering field
• Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license is required; this position requires conducting weekly field visits using a Utilities vehicle
• A drive to learn complex distribution systems and mechanical components

The following knowledge and expertise are 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 applicable relevant pipeline and piping standards or codes  (e.g., ASME, API, MSS)
• Knowledge of ESRI GIS Ecosystem
• Knowledge of analytical and presentation software applications such as ArcMap, Microsoft Excel, and Power BI, Risk Modeling software
• Completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam or enrollment as an Engineer Intern or EIT is valued

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a small amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting for most of the time but may also require walking or standing for brief periods. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Positions in this class typically require speaking, listening, seeing, and performing repetitive motions within an office environment.

Who We Are...
Colorado Springs Utilities, a four-service utility provider with a 100-year reputation of integrity, gives you an experience unmatched by other utility companies. We continuously strive to stay ahead of the business curve with our established priority to update and incorporate state-of-the-art technology and provide a work culture dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and synergy. In fact, we were recently awarded the Diamond Designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA), recognizing our utility for having some of the highest ratings in reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvements among the more than 2,000 public utilities in the nation. Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is the perfect blend of mountain and city living. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, you will enjoy nature at its finest while residing in one of the most desirable places to live in the United States (according to U.S. News & World Report, 2021).

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 do not 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 – Because everybody needs time off to recharge
  • Vacation – New employees accrue 13 days of paid time off to start, while our more tenured employees accrue 24 days per year
  • Personal Leave –3 days per year of personal leave
  • Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
  • Sick Leave – Accrue 12 days of sick leave annually for those days when you or a family member is feeling under the weather
  • Vacation Buy – Purchase up to 40 hours of additional vacation time
• Pension Plan – Looking forward to a comfortable lifestyle once you’re done working? The Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) provides you with retirement benefits and peace of mind when you retire 
• Medical – Select from three comprehensive medical plans, starting at $10.00 a month.  Employees also enjoy access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Wellness Program – A voluntary wellness program that allows you and your spouse to each earn up to $500 to use towards healthcare expenses, $100 in Visa gift cards, and up to $400 in gym membership reimbursements
• Dental – Select from two dental plans, with in-network PPO preventive care covered at 100% and access to orthodontic coverage
• Vision – A Voluntary plan that covers full vision care services and discounts on LASIK eye surgery
• Retirement Saving Programs – Supplement your pension plan with voluntary retirement programs such as the PERAPlus 401(k) and MissionSquare’s Roth IRA and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage – Short-Term (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance available for purchase
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Makes the going a little easier by aiding with mental health, stress management, work-life balance, financial and legal matters, and much more
• Long-Term Care Insurance (LTC) – Whether it's due to an accident or a serious illness, LTC insurance is available for purchase to help you and your loved ones
• Life Insurance – Company-paid life insurance and supplemental coverage available
• Tuition Reimbursement – Employees are eligible to receive up to $5,250 annually for Tuition Reimbursement
• Qualifying Public Service Employer – Payments made towards student loans may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program