Gas Control Support Specialist

Job Summary
The Gas Control Support Specialist 1 develops, implements, and evaluates all compliance activities for NiSource Gas Control (IN, KY, MD, OH, PA, VA) in order to ensure that NiSource is in compliance with Federal and State regulatory requirements governed by PHMSA, DOT, state regulatory bodies, and others as required.  This position is also responsible for training and evaluating Gas Control personnel according to the requirements set forth by Control Room Management (CRM) and Operator Qualification (OQ) regulation.  Duties include participating in a 24-hour standby rotation and performing in a real-time role as necessary. 

Essential Functions

• Develops, reviews, and implements plans, policies, procedures, and activities required by PHMSA, DOT, state regulatory, and SOX rules/regulations/standards/guidelines including, but not limited to, Control Room Management Plan, Alarm Management Plan, and Emergency Operating Plans.
• Stays up to date over current and evolving state and federal laws, recommends possible courses of action regarding future compliance policy, and develops action plans for those affected.
• Organizes, maintains, and controls all evidence and documentation required to prove compliance.
• Owns change management processes for CRM related processes and procedures to ensure compliance.
• Facilitates and enforces lessons-learned processes.
• Owns preparation for CRM and pipeline safety related audits.
• Maintains and improves SCADA systems and software programs used by Gas Control to better comply with CRM requirements and for best practice operations.
• Develops and executes CRM related training activities and maintains records.
• Achieves and maintains DOT Operator Qualification (OQ) for Gas Controller duties.
• Responds to all emergency conditions as needed including but not limited to acting as quick responders through coordinating operating efforts with field personnel, taking action as controller, making SCADA commands, directing field personnel and gas control personnel, note taking, making calls on behalf of the department, and creating lessons learned.
• Performs real-time duties as needed to cover vacancies or support operations.
• Drives other departments to incorporate their responsibilities in the CRM plan and connect with Gas Control overall.
• Works extended hours on varying shifts (weekends, nights, holidays), and participates in a standby rotation when necessary to support real-time operations.  .
• Plans, executes, and drives continuous improvement in Gas Control related projects driven by any change or operational needs.
• Owns processes, procedures, and actions with all facets of CRM, including:  training, SCADA changes, alarm management, fatigue management, management of change, etc.
• Continuously evaluates, improves existing, eliminates unneeded, and creates new processes as appropriate.
• Complies with all professional training, ethics policies, and upholds core values of the department and company.

Required Qualifications For Position

• Bachelor's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree in a quantitative discipline. 
• 0-2 Years of relevant experience
• Must successfully pass Gas Control selected aptitude evaluation.
• Excellent planning, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform duties effectively under normal, emergency, and contingency situations.
• Have ability to learn fluid dynamic and thermodynamic concepts including pressures, flows, and gas laws.
• Possess intermediate to advanced PC skills, especially proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Acts with integrity at all times, especially when interacting with team members and regulatory personnel.
• Self-starter who takes initiative to proactively find and solve problems.
• Ability to work alone or with others at all levels of the corporation.
• Fosters teamwork among Gas Control and supporting departments.
• Focuses on providing innovative solutions to the root cause of problems.
• Takes pride and ownership in all aspects of the position.
• Embraces diversity and values the perspectives of all stakeholders.
• Must have the ability to distinguish colors.
• Must be able to pass DOT random drug & Alcohol testing.

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

• 5+ years of work experience in a gas utility or related industry. 
• Experience administering a Bargaining Unit agreement. 
• Experience creating, maintaining, and/or enforcing appropriate usage of a Document Management System. 
• Experience in both the State and Federal regulatory arena.
• Firm understanding of engineering principles, especially as they relate to energy