Gas Operator

Purpose

The Gas Operator ensures the safe and reliable operation of the natural gas distribution systems for all Iberdrola USA Gas Operations (including RG&E, NYSEG, Maine Natural Gas and New Hampshire Gas), 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Makes decisions regarding system operation independently, often without on-site Supervision. Coordinates and oversees gas transmission and distribution system safe operation in coordination with Field Personnel, Gas Supply, Interstate Pipeline Companies, Company field personnel and the customer.  This position is office based, located in the Energy Control Center in Vestal, NY.

Responsibilities

MAJOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Monitors and controls natural gas transmission and distribution system pressure, flow and odorization, including the flow of gas through the city gate station, while maintaining proper gas pressures through the transmission and distribution system. Existing system responsibilities include monitor and control of the following:

a. >275 RTUs

b. 82 Gate Stations off 13 different pipelines

c. ~1,500 analog alarm points

d. ~600 status alarm points

e. 75 odorizers

f. 49 heaters

g. All Lease Line or dial-up communication channels

2. Estimates daily/hourly natural gas requirements for all Iberdrola USA OPCOs; coordinates with Gas Supply staff and pipelines to adjust gas orders, modify gas flows and request the increase or reduction of supplies.

3. Responsible for the remote operation of gate station heaters and one distribution compressor station. Monitors local production to assure local production gas quality and moisture stays within pipeline quality specifications.

4. Receives, documents and reports natural gas related incidents to internal and external personnel including the New York State Public Service Commission.

5. Writes, approves, monitors and analyzes Gas Operating Procedures to ensure compliance with the Gas System Operating Rules (GSOR) and to ensure system, crew and customer safety.

6. Ensures that accurate and real time data is input in both the Electronic (GIS) and hard copy (Maproom) maps for the RG&E gas system.

7. Monitors SAP OMS (Gas Trouble and Emergency), Gas Dispatcher radio and telephone traffic, processes stakeout requests and dispatches appropriate Field Operations Crews to respond to exposed or damaged gas Mains or Services.

8. Documents communication with Field Personnel, Employees, interstate pipelines, telecommunication companies and Customers on issues related to the maintenance and operation of the gas system.  Provides guidance and ensures compliance with appropriate regulations
and procedures.

Competencies

Skills and Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience Required:

• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other applicable field; OR 

• Five (5) years of related experience in natural gas system operations

Skills/Abilities:

• Must be able to independently exercise good judgment and make operations decisions under pressure.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, analytic and organizational skills

• Proficient use of personal computers and computer software

• Demonstrated problem solving and decision making capabilities.

• Ability to work alone on rotating shift schedule that includes nights, weekends and holidays.

• Available to be on call to respond to gas emergencies.

Experience/Training:

• General knowledge of the Company and its organization.

• High Knowledge of Gas Theory, Gas Distribution and Transmission system operations and operating procedures desirable.

Avangrid employees may be assigned a system emergency role and in the event of a system emergency, may be required to work outside of their regular schedule/job duties.

Our Selection Process

#LI-CH1

Mobility Information

Please note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country