Engineer I

Commerce • Brunswick County, NC

1d

About The Position

Are you looking to find meaningful work and positively impact the lives of the residents of North Carolina? If your answer is yes, then we want you to join our team at the Utilities Commission and make a difference. The Department of Commerce, Utilities Commission is looking for Engineer I. This position is assigned to the Gas Pipeline Section of the Operations Division of the Utilities Commission. This position requires frequent travel within the assigned counties and occasional statewide travel. The primary purpose of this Engineer I position is to demonstrate a high degree of organization, accountability for process and workflow management, and independent judgement. The Engineer I position requires analytical skills and a demonstrated passion for working with data to make conclusions and assemble related policy recommendations. We are seeking a proactive professional to pursue knowledge and acquire expertise in a variety of disciplines. Division responsibilities include but are not limited to: Conducting field inspections throughout the State of North Carolina to evaluate compliance with state and federal natural gas pipeline safety regulations. Reviewing operator records, procedures, and documentation related to pipeline operations, maintenance, construction, and integrity management. Observing field activities and construction sites to assess safety practices and regulatory compliance. Documenting inspection findings and preparing written inspection reports and related compliance documentation. Assisting with enforcement actions, including follow-up on identified deficiencies and corrective actions. Performing analysis of program, industry, and utility trends; developing and tracking performance metrics; and reviewing state and federal legislation, rulemakings, and industry standards to support policy development and enforcement strategies. Researching and staying informed on local and national regulatory developments, rulemakings, and stakeholder concerns, and applying this knowledge to promote best practices and regulatory consistency. Providing technical guidance and participating in outreach efforts with regulated operators and other stakeholders. The Pipeline Safety Section of the Operations Division of the North Carolina Utilities Commission enforces natural gas pipeline safety regulations, inspecting all intrastate natural gas system operators and investigating incidents. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 62-50, the Commission is responsible for promulgating and enforcing safety standards for the operation of natural gas pipelines in North Carolina. That statute extends Commission regulatory authority with regard to pipeline safety to entities that are not investor-owned utilities subject to the Commission's jurisdiction for setting rates and ensuring service quality. Such entities include municipal natural gas systems, housing authorities that have installed natural gas systems, and certain landfill gas operators. G.S. 62-50 also authorizes the Commission to enter into agreements with other governmental entities including the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) to enforce safety regulations and to participate in grant programs. Pursuant to G.S. 62-50, the Commission has adopted the federal pipeline safety regulations including Chapter 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 191, 192, 193, 198 & 199, which are administered by the Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The applicant selected will be required to successfully complete a minimum of seven courses at the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA's) Training and Qualification (T&Q) Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and other formal training as needed. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with State Benefits, including health insurance, as well as retirement.

Requirements

• APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION.
• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field of engineering from an appropriately accredited institution; Or; An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated working knowledge or the ability to acquire knowledge of gas pressure-volume-temperature relationships.
• Demonstrated working knowledge or the ability to acquire knowledge of the maintenance requirements of natural gas pipeline systems.
• Demonstrated working knowledge or the ability to acquire knowledge of the materials, equipment, and parts used in natural gas pipeline construction.
• Demonstrated working knowledge or the ability to acquire knowledge of the techniques used in gas pipeline construction.
• Demonstrated working knowledge or the ability to acquire knowledge of the practices of civil, corrosion, and mechanical engineering as applied to the construction and operation of natural gas pipeline systems and facilities.

Responsibilities

• Conducting field inspections throughout the State of North Carolina to evaluate compliance with state and federal natural gas pipeline safety regulations.
• Reviewing operator records, procedures, and documentation related to pipeline operations, maintenance, construction, and integrity management.
• Observing field activities and construction sites to assess safety practices and regulatory compliance.
• Documenting inspection findings and preparing written inspection reports and related compliance documentation.
• Assisting with enforcement actions, including follow-up on identified deficiencies and corrective actions.
• Performing analysis of program, industry, and utility trends; developing and tracking performance metrics; and reviewing state and federal legislation, rulemakings, and industry standards to support policy development and enforcement strategies.
• Researching and staying informed on local and national regulatory developments, rulemakings, and stakeholder concerns, and applying this knowledge to promote best practices and regulatory consistency.
• Providing technical guidance and participating in outreach efforts with regulated operators and other stakeholders.

Benefits

• 12 Annual Paid Holidays and monthly accrual of vacation and sick leave.
• North Carolina State Health Plan administered by Aetna.
• Supplemental Benefits including Flexible Spending Accounts, Accident Insurance, Cancer & Specified Disease, Critical Illness, Dental, and Vision.
• NC State Retirement (TSERS), 401(k), and 457 savings plans.
• WeSave Employee Discounts.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level