Senior Gas System Inspector

City of Las Cruces•Las Cruces, NM

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Conducts inspections of natural gas projects and lines to ensure safety and quality assurance in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. Serves as the lead technical resource for gas system inspection activities. This is the senior level in the Gas System Inspector series. Employees are expected to apply advanced technical knowledge and independent judgment in the inspection, evaluation, and regulatory compliance of natural gas transmission and distribution systems. Incumbents perform complex inspections, investigations, and operator qualification evaluations; interpret and apply federal pipeline safety regulations; and serve as the department’s primary technical resource for gas system inspection activities. The position provides technical guidance, mentoring, and training to Gas System Inspectors and gas operations personnel but does not exercise formal supervisory authority.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED AND seven (7) years of experience in the maintenance and repair of underground natural gas delivery systems.
A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.
Valid driver’s license is required.
Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.
Operator Qualified (OQ) within sixty (60) days of employment.
Complete Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) training within six (6) months of employment.
Knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, specifications, and standards to perform effectively.
Knowledge of natural gas systems and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
Knowledge of practices, techniques, and methods of poly and steel welding.
Knowledge of applicable occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices.
Knowledge of procedures and standards for installing, maintaining, and repairing natural gas mains and services.
Knowledge of equipment and procedures used when working on and around natural gas and other utility lines.
Knowledge of techniques and procedures approved for gas pipeline welding and gas pipeline connection.
Knowledge of polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fusion techniques and procedures approved for gas pipeline connection.
Knowledge of principles, procedures, and standards of gas pipeline inspection to include pressure testing, purging, and tie-ins.
Knowledge of the general layout of the City's natural gas system.
Knowledge of principles of cathodic protection.
Knowledge of emergency response procedures and gas leak detection procedures.
Knowledge of current principles of record keeping and records management.
Knowledge of principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques.
Knowledge of occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices.
Knowledge of safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment.
Knowledge of current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence.
Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Knowledge of business and personal computers and related software applications.
Knowledge of City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.
Ability to perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines.
Ability to ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives.
Ability to read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions.
Ability to collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and data.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction.
Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
Ability to safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles.
Ability to navigate across even and uneven surfaces.
Ability to timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats.
Ability to take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.
Skills in reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Skills in effectively managing assignments.
Skills in responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority.
Skills in responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions.
Skills in effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities.
Skills in using applicable tools, equipment, materials, and supplies for the installation, maintenance, and repair of natural gas mains and services.
Skills in preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence.
Skills in researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats.
Skills in operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software.
Skills in preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner.
Skills in demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills.
Skills in performing highly effective support in assigned areas.

Nice To Haves

FIRST CONSIDERATION MAY BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES EMPLOYEES WHO MEET ALL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS.

Responsibilities

Performs and coordinates advanced inspections of natural gas construction, maintenance, repair, pressure testing, tie-ins, and purging activities to ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and industry standards; serves as the lead inspector on complex or high-risk projects.
Coordinates various complex gas system projects and prepares and reviews system procedures for installation and repair to ensure standard processes are in place; ensures appropriate GPS data is developed and updated.
Leads investigations involving gas line hits, damage claims, service interruptions, compliance concerns, and other operational incidents; prepares findings, recommendations, reports, and supporting documentation to ensure accurate and timely resolution; monitors, manages, and maintains as-built drawings, test records, inspection reports, and hit reports to provide accurate and timely information.
Provides lead technical assistance to City staff regarding natural gas issues; reviews and updates material specifications to ensure records are current; researches and evaluates equipment and materials to recommend purchases; conducts the procurement of materials, equipment, and tools.
Assists with administration of the Operator Qualification Program, including compliance monitoring, evaluations, recordkeeping, audits, training support, and implementation of regulatory requirements; conducts steel, arc, oxyacetylene, and poly-fusion welding; tests vendor gas products and equipment for compliance with federal standards.
Reviews construction plans, engineering drawings, specifications, and design documents for compliance with applicable codes, standards, regulations, and gas utility requirements.
Conducts compliance audits and reviews of gas system operations, inspection records, pressure testing documentation, operator qualification records, and regulatory filings to ensure compliance with federal pipeline safety requirements.
Researches and interprets changes to federal pipeline safety regulations and industry standards and recommends procedural updates to maintain compliance.
Provides technical mentoring, field instruction, and knowledge transfer to Gas System Inspectors and gas operations personnel regarding inspection practices, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
Serves as the acting Training and Safety Coordinator as needed.
Provides performance feedback, trains, and instructs employees to meet established goals and objectives; participates in staff evaluations with designated supervisor to provide impartial feedback regarding performance; assures that staff maintain safety standards and adhere to policies and procedures for efficient and safe operations.
Reviews, maintains, and updates records in various formats, mediums, and automated systems to ensure data integrity and adherence to internal controls, practices, and policies; demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless services.