Operations Support Specialist - Compliance

Description

Job Summary
Support Operations initiatives associated with the applicable operational functions of daily gas operations activities. Support strategic safety initiatives in a cooperative effort with all gas construction/operations departments. Ensure that efforts within "areas of responsibility" are in accordance with all applicable company and regulatory requirements while ensuring safe, reliable service to customers in an efficient, economical manner.
Provide field safety support in collaboration with environmental health and safety and local leadership to employees and if needed, contractors throughout Operations. Drive operational safety excellence through continuous improvement efforts. Deliver efficient and effective knowledge transfer to field operations personnel.

Essential Functions

• Align individual objectives with department goals and projects to ensure that corporate needs and safety objectives are met.
• Actively seek and incorporate feedback from internal stakeholders related to safety performance and support.
• Maintain gas operations service-focused working relationships with Operations/Construction partners.
• Participate in process to influence safety culture through industry associations and other opportunities.
• Build, promote and enhance collaborative relationships with local operations/construction leadership, industry associations, company affiliates and other potential business partners.
• Key Stakeholder on decisions to update company safety and O&M/capitol policies and procedures.
• Prepare and submit periodic reports to internal stakeholders.
• Maintain awareness of decision-making impacts to capital and O&M budgets and recommend best cost alternatives to meet budgetary constraints.
• Provide seasoned operations consulting to Gas Operations/Construction.
• Attend conventions, conferences, etc., which relate to operational safety functions performed by the department.
• Direct Pre-job assessment and preparation for company and contractor crews including data collection advising and solid improvement for contractors and company employees.
• Provide Independent assessment measuring by score, weight, and risk.
• Perform daily audits with leaders and employees to provide technical advice on consistent best practices.
• Conduct on-site evaluation of jobs in relations to needs of crews related to safety and execution of field work; compliance with State Dig Safe Pre-marking laws.
• Recommend improvement to processes, training, and gas standards based on field evaluations.
• Review documentation and record keeping to insure compliance with company safety policy and best practices.
• Support coaching opportunities for construction coordinators and contractor crews in collaboration with EHS partners.
• Collaborate to fulfill operating responsibilities/expectations and implement initiatives that ensure safe compliance with distribution operations and regulatory agency, policy or requirements.
• Collaborate with Standards, Compliance Leaders, and contractors peers, and local operations to prepare preventative strategies to eliminate repeat safety offenses.
• Offer technical support when requested relative to safety-related investigations of NOPV's and support strategy for mitigation.
• Assist with special projects and investigations in response to safety compliance issues or continuous improvement opportunities in collaboration with EH&S.
• Support Gas Operations Management Team and other departments as needed, providing Operations and safety support to help gather data, coordinate reports, and provide a technical review of reports.
• Identify and prioritize delivery of in-field safety and technical training, skill reinforcement, QA/QC, and troubleshooting.
• Serve as resource for safety training material development and safety training delivery.
• Act as stakeholder in safety standards review and development support.
• Stay abreast of and evaluate new materials, equipment, technologies, and processes to improve or enhance safe operations.
• Assist with driver evaluation

Required Qualifications for Position

• Demonstrated experience with oversight of complex projects
• Demonstrated strong organizational and planning skills
• Demonstrated strong analysis and problem solving skills
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of field operations and state specific Policies & Procedures, state and federal regulations (specifically DOT Pipeline safety regulations 192).
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with Microsoft products
• Demonstrated knowledge of operations support systems, including Maximo, GIS, and CIS
• Ability to read and interpret historical company maps and As Built prints
• Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills that result in clear, concise and positive communications
• Must be self-motivated and able to complete assignments with little direct supervision.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

• Five years experience in natural gas distribution field operations or equivalent operations and compliance experience
• Experience researching, interpreting and making recommendations regarding DOT Pipeline Safety Regulation 190, 191,192, 193, and 199Understanding and working knowledge of Company tariff
• Experience with direct interface in providing support to Public Utilities Commission audits and inquiries
• Bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrated strong problem solving and decision making skills
• Experienced in data gathering & analysis
• Previous Support/Operations/Construction auditing experience
• Previous experience with the effective delivery of training or evaluation programs
• Experience using/referencing Operations policies and procedures to interpret, clarify, and problem solve
• At least 2 years of Front-line and or Staff leadership experience in Operations or Engineering

This position can be located in our office in: Fort Wayne, South Bend, Gary, or Royal Center Indiana.

Physical Demands

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Inclusion & Diversity
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect and take into consideration diversity within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represent all walks of life and all backgrounds.

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.

Safety Statement
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.

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