Public Utilities Engineer

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is seeking applicants for the position of Public Utilities Engineer - Pipeline Safety Division. The incumbent will be required to conduct inspections and investigations of natural gas, propane, and steam facilities, verifying their fitness for service, reliability, capacity, periodic maintenance, and compliance with federal and state statutes, regulations, and Department Orders. This includes investigating failures of operator's distribution system components and reviewing operator programs, plans, procedures, policies, maps, and records. The role involves writing reports, participating in hearings, rate cases, conferences, and training. The incumbent will conduct engineering studies of physical plant, evaluate the condition of plant and equipment through audits and inspections, assist in rate filings, investigate consumer complaints, review petitions for construction or expansion of facilities, conduct studies on natural gas delivery, conservation, and emissions, and recommend changes to operating standards. The role also involves investigating incidents, assisting in the preparation of rules and regulations, and supporting the Damage Prevention Program. Availability for stand-by duties or call back may be required.

Requirements

• Four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering work, the major duties of which included the design, construction or operation of facilities for the generation, transmission and/or distribution of light, heat and power.
• At least two years of the experience must have been in a professional capacity.
• Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Nice To Haves

• An Associate's degree with a major in mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, electrical engineering or electrical engineering technology may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.
• A Bachelor's degree with a major in mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, or electrical engineering technology or electrical engineering may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.
• A Graduate degree with a major in mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, or electrical engineering technology may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience.
• Educational substitution will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections and investigations of natural gas, propane, and steam facilities.
• Verify physical plant for fitness for service, reliability, capacity, and periodic maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state statutes, regulations, and Department Orders.
• Investigate failures of operator’s distribution system components such as pipelines, district regulator stations, compressor stations, and transmission pipelines.
• Review operators programs, plans, procedures, policies, maps, records, and other documents to determine compliance.
• Write reports and create necessary documents for the administration of the Pipeline Safety Program.
• Participate in hearings, rate cases, informal conferences, technical sessions, and meetings.
• Conduct engineering studies of physical plant of natural gas utilities to determine capacity, service effectiveness, and reliability and make recommendations.
• Evaluate the physical condition of plant and equipment of public utilities through on-site audits, inspections or investigations and document the findings in appropriate reports.
• Assist as needed in rate filings that come before the Department.
• Investigate consumer complaints concerning the safety of gas utilities natural gas pipelines.
• Review petitions filed by natural gas companies on such matters as construction or expansion of natural gas facilities for compliance with federal and state safety compliance.
• Conduct studies on such matters as, the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas, energy conservation, greenhouse gas emissions, of natural gas companies.
• Review and recommend changes to the operating standards, plans, procedures and other documents governing the safety of natural gas utilities to the Division Director.
• Investigate incidents involving natural gas companies to determine cause and origin and make recommendations in detail in reports of findings.
• Assist in the preparation of Department rules and regulations, legislative reports, or legislative statutes.
• Assist the Damage Prevention Program as needed.
• Complete duties as required for pipeline safety.
• Be available for stand-by duties or call back to duty as required or directed.

Benefits

• Outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package.
• Work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree