Description and Functions

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Beginning July 1, 2023. This position inspects and conducts technical engineer analysis of natural gas utilities' and intrastate natural gas pipeline operators to ensure jurisdictional utility and pipeline facilities meet applicable state and federal codes as defined in 49 CFR §§ 40, 191-193 and 199; technical engineer analysis; analysis and audits operations and facilities; communicates violations of codes to utility operators; and ensures effective corrective action is taken. This position performs audits, inspections and technical evaluations to determine compliance with safety requirements and ensure operators comply with Commission Rules to provide safe, adequate and reliable utility service. Conducts engineering investigations of underground facility damage to determine cause and provide recommendations on possible Civil Penalties as outline in W.S. 37-12-301 through 306. This position also works with other agency staff in analyzing complex utility applications to build new infrastructure. Provides technical advice/recommendations to the Commission on natural gas Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity Applications

Human Resource Contact: Alice Saldana / alice.saldana2@wyo.gov / 307-777-7667

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.

• Inspection and technical engineering analysis of natural gas utilities, intrastate natural gas transmission pipeline operators, liquified Natural Gas (LNG) operators, Regulated Natural gas gathering operators and Liquified Propane Gas (LPG) operators’ gas distribution, transmission, and other regulated facilities to determine compliance with the appropriate Federal and State Safety Regulations.
• Conduct or participate in Program, Standard and Construction pipeline safety inspections as the Lead or Inspector.
• Conduct engineering incident investigations of pipeline safety incidents.
• Provide timely reports of possible violations of the pipeline safety regulations and the severity of the violation.
• Work with utility, pipeline, and facility operators to insure the safe operation of jurisdictional facilities as defined in Federal regulations are 49 CFR §§ 40, 191-193 and 199, Wyoming regulations and statutes, and the Commission’s Rules and Regulations, to ensure safe, adequate, and reliable service.
• Engineering investigations of underground facility damage to determine cause and provide recommendations on possible Civil Penalties as outline in W.S. 37-12-301 through 306.
• Conducts engineering analysis on operator facilities.
• A minimum number of inspection days are required to meet Federal and Commission Strategic Plan requirements.
• Makes engineering recommendations as a result of facility inspections. Appears before the PSC to deliver results of inspections and makes recommendations, providing technical guidance and recommendations, for operator compliance.
• Provide technical support to the Commission and other staff members on the possible implications of the variations to the Wobbe indexes.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of good engineering principles; knowledge of Public Service Commission Rules.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal codes, 49 CFR 40, 191, 192, 193 and 199.
• Skilled in oral and written communications.
• Skilled in interpersonal relations and skill in work organization.
• Ability to conduct safety and operational audits of utilities’ equipment, operating procedures, records.
• Work statewide without supervision.
• Ability to render a complete and concise report of the results of safety and operational audits and possible violations.
• Ability to independently analyze technical aspects of a problem or case and provide a recommendation supported by sound engineering principles.
• Possess and maintains a Wyoming driver’s license, or the ability to acquire and maintain same.
• Knowledge of complex mathematical computer models.
• Knowledge of utility construction methods.
• Knowledge of authoritative reference materials in the field of engineering. Knowledge of scientific and/or technical research practices.

Necessary Special Requirements

• This position is in an office setting with frequent travel.

• FLSA: Exempt

Supplemental Information

There are many benefits to living and working in Wyoming. Beautiful country with wide-open spaces and clean air, great recreational opportunities, and no State income tax to mention a few! In addition, the State of Wyoming offers State employees a very generous benefits package. Please click here for more information on the State of Wyoming employee benefits*.