Communications & Controls Supervisor

NW Natural•Sherwood, OR

10d•$110,250 - $157,100•Hybrid

About The Position

NW Natural offers rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry. In addition to environmental stewardship, we’re also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility. This hybrid position is based at our headquarters in downtown Portland, Oregon. Candidates must reside within commuting distance of the office or be willing to relocate to the Portland metropolitan area. Employees are required to work onsite Tuesdays through Thursdays each week, with remote work flexibility on Mondays and Fridays, subject to business needs. This schedule supports collaboration, connection, and team engagement while providing flexibility for focused remote work.

Requirements

A minimum of 7 years of current combined experience in field SCADA telemetry, network, telecommunications, and microwave communications systems (including 3 years of leadership experience) or equivalent combination of experience and education is required.
A minimum of 3 years of current telecommunications, control automation or SCADA telemetry experience supporting preferred.
Excellent computer skills, strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation, report writing and group facilitation abilities
Demonstrated skill and ability in delegating and coordinating employee activities.
Proven ability to facilitate and coordinate projects; skill in organizing and managing time effectively to meet deadlines and balance priorities.
Availability to respond immediately to emergency situations and staffing requirements.
Ability to physically climb up to 150 feet on various types of radio towers.
Possess/maintain a valid Oregon/Washington driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
Subject to random drug testing.

Nice To Haves

Hold the Oregon Limited/Restricted Energy Technician License, Journeyman Electrician License or Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
Knowledge and practical application of gas control systems principles, field telemetry communications systems principles, gas distribution systems, Federal Pipeline Safety Rules, and OSHA Regulations preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervises the installation, maintenance and operation of a variety of communications and control systems including: telemetry and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) communication devices and related systems; microwave radio systems; Multiple Address Radio (MAS) SCADA telemetry radio systems; Voice Radio UHF and VHF systems; network and wireless systems supporting field telemetry and voice and data communications; and telephone and data communication systems.
Coordinates work processes with Engineers, SCADA developers, Gas controllers, and Project Managers.
Schedules Electronic technician work and PTO; provides consolidated work schedule for requested (scheduled) work.
Ensures unscheduled work (outages) are prioritized and responded to appropriately and according to SEV level definitions.
Interprets, updates and works from plans and detailed schematics. Ensures workgroup adheres to documentation standards and wiring diagram as-built update process.
Maintains SCADA Telemetry asset inventory and records.
Maintains current training programs and manuals for workgroup.
Certifies task proficiency of Electronic Technicians on scheduled (preventive maintenance); unscheduled (equipment malfunction/outage) maintenance procedures; and appropriate operator qualifications (OQ) for all assigned equipment.
Performs on the job training for electronic techs in a lab environment or at Remote SCADA Telemetry Sites
Performs routine inspection trips to remote SCADA Telemetry Sites to ensure standards are met.
Assures that telemetry, radio, and communications-electronic systems are installed, maintained and operated in compliance with DOT code and company policy.
Assures that field personnel and equipment are prepared for cold weather and emergency operations.
Promotes, implements, and monitors safe work practices and conducts safety meetings for appropriate staff.
Responds to and evaluates emergency situations, analyzing required action and directing appropriate response; maintains proper emergency response procedure.
Coordinates work methods in accordance with company and regulatory standards
Develops staffing needs; participates in employee selection processes.
Develops and ensures adherence to preventive maintenance schedules for all assigned equipment.
Supports Company’s commitment to a safe work practices.
Adheres to and promotes the philosophies and directives of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Develops, trains, and mentors individual and team members with documentation and ongoing performance feedback; recognizes accomplishments and provides cross-training opportunities when applicable.
Demonstrates appropriate leadership and decision-making behaviors; maintains technical job knowledge and personal skill development. Committed to coaching and developing employees.
On-call availability for escalated issues.