Contractor Compliance Spec 2 or 3

NW Natural•Happy Valley, OR

8d•$88,700 - $140,300•Hybrid

About The Position

At NW Natural, we offer more than 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. The Leakage Program Manager is responsible for strategic oversight, regulatory compliance, contractor management, scheduling, quality assurance, and performance execution of NW Natural's Leakage Survey Program throughout Oregon and Washington. This role ensures leakage survey, atmospheric corrosion inspection, transmission survey, marker post, valves, customer access, and related compliance activities are completed safely, accurately, and within required timeframes. The position serves as the primary liaison between NW Natural and contracted leakage service providers and is accountable for program planning, contractor performance, data integrity, budget management, reporting, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Level 2 requires 5+ years of utility operations, gas operations, pipeline integrity, compliance, contractor management, or field operations experience. Including, 2+ years of field leadership or lead-level responsibility.
Level 3 requires 7+ years of utility operations, gas operations, pipeline integrity, compliance, contractor management, or field operations experience. Including, 2+ years of leadership experience and demonstrated expertise in contractor management and contract administration.
Knowledge of natural gas leakage survey requirements, pipeline safety expectations, atmospheric corrosion inspections, field safety practices, contractor qualification requirements, and compliance documentation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, mobile field applications, GIS or mapping data, work management systems, dashboards, and performance reporting. Strong communication, analytical, vendor management, and problem-solving skills required.
Ability to be agile to adjust priorities in an ever-changing environment.
Thorough knowledge of company standards and safety requirements.
Knowledge and ability to interpret contracts and proper charges for work completed.
Ability to communicate with outside construction crews and government representatives to gain cooperation.
Ability to physically access construction and other work site locations as required.
Ability to work across departments and companies to gain consensus.
Possess/maintain a valid Oregon/Washington driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
Subject to random drug testing.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, construction management, utility operations, environmental science, or a related field preferred. Equivalent utility industry experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Manage NW Natural's leakage survey, atmospheric corrosion, pipeline patrol, marker post inspection, and related compliance programs across the service territory.
Develop annual and multi-year compliance strategies, work plans, and survey schedules to ensure regulatory requirements are completed within required timeframes.
Oversee distribution, transmission, high-pressure pipeline leakage surveys, and contractor valve programs to ensure timely and compliant completion.
Coordinate annual planning, quarterly work releases, resource allocation, and completion tracking while identifying and mitigating schedule, staffing, and operational risks.
Manage contractor performance, including staffing levels, productivity, work quality, safety compliance, field accountability, and adherence to NW Natural standards and procedures.
Validate contractor qualifications, Operator Qualification (OQ) records, training documentation, ISNetworld requirements, and regulatory compliance obligations.
Conduct field audits, quality inspections, safety observations, and corrective action follow-up to ensure program integrity and continuous improvement.
Monitor program completion, documentation quality, data accuracy, and compliance status; maintain records and performance reporting to support regulatory audits and leadership reporting.
Coordinate resolution of field issues affecting customer access, safety, compliance, schedule performance, or data integrity.
Promote a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with company safety requirements, PPE standards, traffic control practices, equipment use expectations, and public safety responsibilities.
Oversee deployment, maintenance, calibration, and replacement of leak detection technology, field equipment, marker posts, decals, and related assets while supporting technology and workflow improvements.
Audit contractor invoicing and perform invoice receiving.
Performs other work assigned by management.
Level 2 independently performs contractor inspection and compliance activities within an assigned area. Applies established policies, standards, and contract requirements to monitor contractor performance, ensure compliance, and resolve routine issues. Exercises judgment within established guidelines and escalates complex contractor or contract administration matters.
Level 3 serves as a senior contractor compliance professional responsible for the most complex contractor oversight and contract administration activities. Exercises significant independent judgment in interpreting contracts, resolving contractor performance issues, authorizing non-routine work, and balancing operational, safety, regulatory, and financial considerations. Frequently serves as a subject matter expert and resource to others

Benefits

Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
Free access to an online wellness resources platform
Up to 23 Vacation Days
80 Hours of Sick Time
10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
Flexible work arrangements
3 weeks paid parental leave
Be part of a workplace where your voice matters. Engage with our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, and a variety of Employee Resource Groups that support community and growth.
1500 sq foot exercise facility and secure bike room
Meaningful annual incentive bonus opportunity in addition to base salary
Competitive 401K company contribution and match
15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
Wellness incentive program
20% off natural gas service
Up to 30% discount at NW Natural Appliance Center
TriMet Pass for all HQ employees
Generous discounts with Verizon & AT&T Wireless