Gas Control Specialist

Delta Utilities Services•New Orleans, LA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Gas Control Specialist is a critical role responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of the natural gas distribution system within a 24/7 control room environment. As an expert in Gas Control and SCADA systems, this role will maintain strict adherence to federal regulations, including Control Room Management (CRM) requirements, and will drive operational excellence across all aspects of gas control operations. This position will serve as the primary point of authority in the absence of the Gas Control Supervisor, providing leadership and strategic direction in critical decision-making scenarios. The Gas Control Specialist will also collaborate with key internal teams and external stakeholders to drive continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring that best practices, regulatory compliance, and safety standards are consistently met. The role offers an opportunity to influence the operational strategy and be a key player in advancing system reliability and performance across the company.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field, or 4+ years of equivalent practical experience in the gas utility, control room environment or regulated industry/sector.
3+ years’ experience in a professional environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions such as pivot tables, data analysis tools, and chart creation to support reporting and decision-making tasks.
Advanced communication and documentation skills, with the ability to manage high-pressure situations and make data-driven decisions.
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and collaborate effectively in a 24/7 operational environment.
Ability to work independently and make critical decisions, while acting as a backup for the Gas Control Supervisor during their absence.
Able to operate a personal computer, either desktop or laptop.
Able to sit for extended periods of time.
Able to operate a copy machine, fax machine, calculator, telephone and other miscellaneous office equipment.
Able to exert up to 10 Lbs. of force occasionally, and /or a minimal amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push or otherwise move objects.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience with SCADA systems, alarm management, and control room technologies, ensuring system reliability and operational excellence.
5+ years of proven experience in gas utility operations, including SCADA systems management and control room operations.
Strong expertise in PHMSA CRM regulations, with the ability to navigate complex compliance frameworks.

Responsibilities

Ensure 100% compliance with CRM regulations and the company’s CRM Plan, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of all relevant regulatory requirements.
Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing review of policies, procedures, and training programs related to gas control operations.
Track and document all aspects of shift operations, including turnover, fatigue mitigation, and adherence to safety protocols, ensuring the highest level of operational integrity.
Manage alarm systems, conduct backup facility testing, and oversee the communication of manual operations in emergency scenarios.
Implement operational change management strategies and drive continuous improvement through lessons learned and process optimization.
Act as a back-up as needed for control room functions.
Design and facilitate advanced training programs to ensure that all Gas Controllers meet OQ and CRM qualifications, contributing to the continuous professional development of the team.
Maintain comprehensive training records, ensuring all staff are current with compliance and industry requirements.
Facilitate ongoing compliance education through regular reviews and audits, ensuring that the team remains up-to-date on all regulatory changes.
Lead the creation and management of high-level departmental and enterprise reports, ensuring timely and accurate responses to internal and external data requests.
Provide detailed support during audits and regulatory reviews, presenting clear and organized documentation for compliance purposes.
Act as a liaison between Gas Control and other departments, including Gas Supply, Operations, Engineering, Measurement, and OT, to ensure seamless communication and operational alignment.
Participate in strategic planning sessions and play a key role in responses to system changes, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and operational goals.
Collaborate with and lead SCADA support teams to ensure that the SCADA system remains optimized, reliable, and effective in supporting 24/7 operations.
Provide critical guidance and direction to Gas Control shift personnel, ensuring business continuity and minimizing system downtime.
Document and manage changes to SCADA systems, ensuring all modifications comply with change management protocols and do not impact system reliability.