Engineer/Specialist, Ops Quality Assurance
This position is responsible for assessing in-progress and completed work (including documentation) for compliance with internal and external regulatory policies and procedures. The successful candidate must be able to conduct rigorous enforcement of laws and standards as well as influence the workforce regarding the importance of Quality through their emotional intelligence, operating proficiency, and technical skill sets.
This position is posted as a job family and can be filled at an Engineer./Specialist I or Engineer./Specialist II. depending on:
Experience and/or education
Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and ability
Complexity of programs administered, risk and responsibility, and budgetary value of managed work
This position will be based out of our Joliet reporting center. The assigned work area is mostly in the area bound by Interstate 88 on the north, Interstate 74 on the south, Interstate 57 on the east, & Interstate 39 on the west.
The Engineer/Specialist, Operations Quality Assurance is a focused discipline within a job family. The duties listed below are activities associated with the various levels of the Engineer/Specialist progression. This progression covers the following general titles:
Engineer/Specialist I, Operations Quality Assurance
Engineer/Specialist II, Operations Quality Assurance
Functional Expertise
Performs operational assessments, both “live” and “post,” to evaluate work performed by field personnel for compliance with Company policies and procedures (driven by Federal and State regulations as well as industry best practices and Company-mandated requirements) in one to three (or more) of the following areas:
Construction Operations (focus on Company Crews)
Field Operations
System Operations
Storage/Peaking
Transmission
Corrosion
Field Training/Welding
Asset Protection
Leak Survey
Serves as Company liaison during State field inspections
Performs multiple out-of-state QA audits (record and field) at other Southern Company Gas companies to evaluate Company and contractor personnel compliance with Company policies and procedures which are driven by Federal and State regulations as well as industry best practices and Company-mandated requirements
Performs main hit reviews for Field Operations – Delivery and Construction Operations – Company crews to determining OQ disqualification
Actively represents Gas Distribution and Southern Company within industry groups
Collaborates with Safety and FO Support departments to develop and implement programs and processes to minimize workplace hazards
Teaches principles to others
Performs and documents event-learning analysis, with oversight (i.e. self-inflicted hit reviews)
Evaluates timeliness and implementation schedules (i.e. NOE action plans)
Anticipates issues and proposes action plans for correction
Ability to learn and interpret 49 CFR 192 regulations
Serves as Subject Matter Expert (SME) to departments on matters of occupational safety, Quality Management Systems, and compliance
Ability to understand and recognize hazards
Ability to lead and direct Quality expectations with employees
Supports implementation of Nicor Gas Quality Management Systems
Conducts inspections (facility, worksite, etc.) to ensure compliance
Trains, coaches, and delivers presentations to educate employees on Quality Management principles
Provides emergency response support
Promotes the Nicor Gas Safety Culture and Safety Value
Promotes required Personal Protective Equipment
Engineer/Specialist I:
Participates in the annual audit of compliance records in advance of public service commission compliance records audits
Participates in special audits of new/revised procedures recently implemented or of newly certified employees
Interprets Company policies, procedures, and O&M manual
Performs multiple out-of-state QA audits (record and field) at other Southern Company Gas companies to evaluate Company and contractor personnel compliance with Company policies and procedures which are driven by Federal and State regulations as well as industry best practices and Company-mandated requirements
Performs main hit reviews for Field Operations – Delivery and Construction Operations – Company crews to determining OQ disqualification
Participates in efforts to interpret and develop responses to proposed regulatory rules changes that could affect Gas Distribution and Southern Company
Participates in internal gas distribution audits, documenting findings, preparing reports, and communicating findings to management
Participates in internal process audits and helps develop necessary action plans for corrective measures
Participates in meetings to communicate project (i.e. targeted or focused audits) progress and details to affected parties
Delivers frequent feedback to team members
Promotes Nicor Gas Safety- and Quality Management Systems
Engineer/Specialist II:
Informally oversees/supervises QA staff that conduct the QA assessments
Assists in on-boarding plans and technical knowledge plans for newly hired QAs at LDC
Collaborates on and/or co-leads the annual audit of compliance records in advance of public service commission compliance records audits
Collaborates on and/or co-leads special audits of new/revised procedures recently implemented or of newly certified employees
Serves as Subject Matter Expert (“SME”) in interpreting Company policies, procedures, and O&M Manual
Informally oversees/supervises QA staff that conduct the QA assessments
Assists in on-boarding plans and technical knowledge plans for newly hired QAs at LDC
Collaborates on and/or co-leads the annual audit of compliance records in advance of public service commission compliance records audits
Collaborates on and/or co-leads special audits of new/revised procedures recently implemented or of newly certified employees
Serves as Subject Matter Expert (“SME”) in interpreting Company policies, procedures, and O&M Manual
Engages in efforts to interpret and develop responses to proposed regulatory rules changes that could affect Gas Distribution and Southern Company
Assists in internal gas distribution audits, documenting findings, preparing reports, and communicating findings to management
Assists in internal process audits and develops necessary action plans for corrective measures
Assists in departmental budget management
Assists in complex and critical projects across multi-disciplinary and cross-functional departments
Champions, coaches, and promotes Nicor Gas Safety- and Quality Management Systems
Business Acumen
Recommends updates/revisions to policies, procedures, or OPM-based field observations where procedures may not be followed because they are unclear, incorrect, or non-existent
Communicates leading- and lagging indicators to management
Supports achieving Quality objectives, goals, and targets
Determines Quality best practices to support the Company’s goals by consulting with Company representatives (internal peers and other key business units)
Engagement
Provides guidance and coaching to supervisors, field personnel, and training personnel on how to interpret policies, procedures, and the OPM
Represents QA department at supervisor roundtables and presents assessment findings for area of assessment responsibility
Coaches supervisors on the content of the assessment form and how to conduct effective assessments
Desires to create strong field presence daily
Demonstrates good communication and interpersonal skills at all levels within the Company necessary to guide business units and individuals with respect to Quality and Safety issues
Develops and conduct presentations for business and safety meetings, committee meetings, safety summits, supervisor, manager, and director roundtable meetings, and other presentations on Quality-related standards and policies
Supports and encourages development of a Quality culture
Driving Results
Promotes safe work practices by shutting down jobs if unsafe conditions are encountered during an assessment or if activity affecting the integrity of the pipeline does not meet Company standards
Prepares assessment report and communicates assessment findings to crews, supervisors, and managers
Recommends additional training, if deemed necessary, for field personnel based on findings of field assessments
Analyzes individual and departmental assessment findings and follows-up on poor performance observed in previous assessments
Evaluates employee performance for safety and Quality workmanship
Conducts Quality compliance assessments. Drives the business units to correct deficiencies by conducting follow-up assessments and audits with the business leaders
Directs and oversees investigations of process Quality incidents such as self-inflicted main and service investigations (Engineer/Specialist II)
Monitors implementation of corrective and preventive actions to prevent further incidents (Engineer/Specialist II)
Supports Quality programs critical to changing behaviors (Engineer/Specialist II)
JOB REQUIREMENTS: (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills )
Education
BS in any engineering discipline or other analytical/technical discipline; or
Equivalent academic education and experience in any/all of the following:
- Construction Operations, Field Operations, System Operations, Storage/Peaking, Transmission, Corrosion, Field Training/Welding, Asset Protection, or Leak Survey
Experience
2+ years operations experience in a gas utility in three or more field operating departments, or 2+ years within QA ((Engineer/Specialist I)
4+ years operations experience in a gas utility in three or more field operating departments, or 4+ years within QA (Engineer/Specialist II)
Knowledge
Good understanding of Company policies, procedures, and O&M manual (Engineer/Specialist I)
Thorough understanding of Company policies, procedures, and O&M manual (Engineer/Specialist II)
Ability to understand legislation and regulation
Leads by example, building strong, trusting relationships with internal- and industry contacts
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and managers
Ability to effectively communicate assessment findings
Oral and written communications are clear, concise, and timely
Coaches and mentors less-tenured employees (Engineer/Specialist II)
Effective trainer in formal and informal settings
Knowledge of safe work practices and procedures
Manages projects and processes, with supervision, delivering on-time results
Competency to work independently, to be a self-starter, and to take initiative
Microsoft Office Suite – Basic proficiency
Ability to learn program databases, software applications, and other technology tools quickly
Strong leadership skills
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Strong presentation and team facilitation skills
Strong project management skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
ASQ Certification, as required
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
Occasional traveler (5-20% travel). The incumbent will be required to travel on occasion. Trips may require air travel and/or overnight stay away from home for one or more nights
Must be able to work in the field under a variety of weather conditions
This position requires constant standing or walking
This position occasionally requires the incumbent to bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl
This position requires the ability to lift up to 10 pounds.
The incumbent works in an office environment
The incumbent may/will work near or with moving mechanical parts
The incumbent may/will be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, or chemicals
The incumbent may/will be exposed to varying outdoor weather conditions
The incumbent may/will be exposed to excessive noise
On-Call Duties
Must be able to respond to urgent Quality issues when contacted
Availability to respond to assist in emergency situations when needed
Disclaimer : This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required in the job; responsibilities may be changed or added without advance notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com .
Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Job Identification: 12711
Job Category: Gas Pipeline Operations & Maintenance
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Nicor Gas
Pay Range: null - $118,444.70 USD Annually: Base salary varies depending on a wide array of factors, which may include but are not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, and at the time of this posting, this is the reasonable salary range for this role.