Municipal Gas Job Opportunities

Your APGA membership allows you to advertise your system's job openings. Your listing can also be placed in APGA's bi-weekly Public Gas News publication which goes out in printed and electronic copies to our members. The APGA member price for posting a job advertisement in Public Gas News is $100.00 for 100 words or less and 25 cents for each additional word. APGA does not allow non-members to post job advertisements in APGA publications effective March 2015. To view print rates & policies please click here. To post a job, please contact APGA Communications Manager John Powers at jpowers@apga.org or 202 464 2742. 

Note to Employers: When submitting a job ad, applicant is required to give their contact information including name, company, phone, fax and e-mail address and agrees to have their information stored in our database. All job listings must comply with federal guidelines and standards and all companies must be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Listings will be removed within 30 days after application deadline.

Natural Gas Engineer - Knoxville, TN

About KUB: The Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) is one of the largest public utilities in the country providing electric, gas, water, and wastewater services to more than 457,000 customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. We exist to serve our customers, improving their quality of life by providing utility services that are safe, reliable, and affordable. And our mission is about more than just pipes and wires. It’s about being good stewards of our community’s resources: utility assets, customer dollars, and the environment. We work to safeguard those resources and enhance their value for the people of the communities we serve and generations to come.

Work Description: This position works with a team of engineers responsible for the overall planning, oversight, and management of KUB natural gas assets including distribution mains and services, gate and regulator stations, large meter sets, and repairs.  This position consists of designing pipeline projects; preparing and reviewing construction plans, bid documents, and cost estimates; managing all phases of capital improvements and maintenance programs; coordinating work with construction crews, customers, permitting agencies, contractors, and KUB departments; developing and/or updating KUB standards and specifications for installation and repair work; and training of KUB employees as needed.  This position requires the understanding and assurance of compliance with applicable sections of 49 Code of Federal Regulations. In addition, this position provides engineering design and technical support with tasks including, but not limited to the following: advising KUB field inspectors and construction and maintenance crews on pipeline construction; providing engineering solutions, technical support, and on-call emergency response during dig-ins, pipeline repairs, and other emergency response events; researching and field-verifying historical installation records regarding the natural gas system to ensure accurate records; and reviewing city and state construction projects and plans submitted by developers for impacts to KUB natural gas system.  Responsibilities include executing all project phases including identifying the problem, developing a job scope, evaluating alternatives, pipeline routing, materials procurement, easement review, engineering design, cost estimating, construction management, and record keeping.   Position could also include planning for expansion of KUB's natural gas system, for pipeline replacement projects, and for development of maintenance programs.   Highly qualified candidates shall have the technical background and work experience that provides a comprehensive understanding of natural gas distribution design and construction methods, as well as industry best practices for installing natural gas facilities.  Note: For more specific information regarding this position, please contact Human Resources.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Civil, or Metallurgical Engineering, or Engineering degree in another discipline, from a four-year ABET-accredited college or university
• Strong teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills to communicate policies, procedures, and objectives effectively
• Ability to work well in team environment in both office and field
• General knowledge of or ability to learn Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, ESRI ArcMap, and computer-aided drafting programs, such as MicroStation or AutoCAD
• Valid driver’s license

Physical Demands:  Works primarily in an office setting, but regular field visits and activities are required.  These field visits may include: emergency response activities and support beyond normal business hours, heavy lifting or strenuous work and mobility over rough terrain.  Requires bending, stooping, lifting, and working in awkward and strenuous positions at times.  Occasionally requires above normal mental and visual alertness. Note:  The physical demands described above are intended to relate the approximate physical demands of the classification.  Physical demands for a specific position within this classification may vary and/ or exceed those demands described above.  Additional information regarding specific positions is available in Human Resources.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current registration as an Engineer in Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer in either Mechanical or Civil Engineering in the state of Tennessee or the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year
• Five (5) years of experience in engineering, planning, project management, operations, and/or construction of natural gas distribution mains, services, meters, and stations
• Prior experience leading, supervising, or inspecting field construction crews in gas construction
• Thorough knowledge of code requirements of 49 CFR Part 192 and the Tennessee Public Utility Commission and ability to learn KUB Gas Standards and Specifications and Standard Operating Procedures

Selection Process

(Subject to change)

Phase 1 Apply online at www.kub.org
Phase 2 Experience, training, and education evaluation
Phase 3 Interview with department representatives
Phase 4 Written, performance, and behavioral exercises
Phase 5 Background investigation
Phase 6 Physical assessment and/or drug screen

If special accommodations are needed at any phase of the selection process, please notify Human Resources in advance.

(Posted 8/17/2018)

Natural Gas Project Coordinator - Knoxville, TN

About KUB: The Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) is one of the largest public utilities in the country providing electric, gas, water, and wastewater services to more than 457,000 customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. We exist to serve our customers, improving their quality of life by providing utility services that are safe, reliable, and affordable. And our mission is about more than just pipes and wires. It’s about being good stewards of our community’s resources: utility assets, customer dollars, and the environment. We work to safeguard those resources and enhance their value for the people of the communities we serve and generations to come.

Work Description: This position is located within the Gas Systems Engineering department which is responsible for the overall planning, oversight, and management of KUB natural gas assets including distribution mains and services, gate and regulator stations, large meter sets, and repairs.  Responsibilities include providing quality control through construction inspection services and technical support. Highly qualified candidates shall have construction inspection experience that provides a comprehensive understanding of construction methods, as well as industry best practices for installing, operating, and maintaining natural gas facilities. The purpose of this position is to organize the installation of distribution main and services and replacement activities. This individual assists in coordinating KUB employees and contractors who construct gas utility infrastructure according to KUB safety standards and specifications. This job requires the functional expertise to oversee construction of underground gas utility infrastructure for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. This individual is required to make decisions in the field and coordinate with other KUB departments and outside agencies to ensure that work is performed on schedule and with appropriate permits. Job duties could include design work as well as approving work orders, progress reports, field changes, invoices, and as-built records to ensure compliance with KUB standards and policies. The individual will communicate project progress to appropriate parties involved. Candidate will monitor project expenses, analyzing costs and benefits for specific construction projects and evaluating field design changes to keep the project on schedule and within budget. This position includes interpreting contracts to ensure sufficient services are provided. Candidates will need to understand the requirements of the Department of Transportation 49CFR Part 192, the Tennessee Public Utility Commission and have the ability to learn KUB’s Gas Standards and Specifications and Standard Operating Procedures. May require after hours response in emergency situations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate policies, procedures, and objectives effectively
• Effective analytical, organization, and planning skills for assessing issues that may arise during construction projects
• General knowledge of or ability to learn Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, Power Point, ESRI ArcMap, and computer-aided drafting programs such as MicroStation or AutoCAD
• Valid driver’s license

Physical Demands: May require walking up to five miles per day over rough and/or hilly terrain when assisting with field surveying and layout work. Requires above normal mental and visual alertness quite frequently. Position may require ability to: drive vehicles; bend, stoop and lift various objects weighing 10-75 lbs two to three times per week; and work in all types of weather, with exposure to equipment and machine noise, dirt and traffic. Note:  The physical demands described above are intended to relate the approximate physical demands of the classification.  Physical demands for a specific position within this classification may vary and/ or exceed those demands described above.  Additional information regarding specific positions is available in Human Resources.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field from an accredited college or university
• Three years of field experience in natural gas utility pipeline construction and maintenance, including plastic and steel mains and services that are fused, welded, or coupled, with demonstrated proficiency to inspect the work of others
• Experience with electronic pipe locating equipment and GPS equipment
• Prior experience leading, supervising, or inspecting field construction crews in gas construction

Selection Process

(Subject to change)

Phase 1                 Apply online at www.kub.org
Phase 2                 Experience, training, and education evaluation
Phase 3                 Interview with department representatives
Phase 4                 Written, performance, and behavioral exercises
Phase 5                 Background investigation
Phase 6                 Physical assessment and/or drug screen

If special accommodations are needed at any phase of the selection process, please notify Human Resources in advance.

(Posted 8/17/2018)

Corrosion Technician - Knoxville, TN

About KUB: The Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) is one of the largest public utilities in the country providing electric, gas, water, and wastewater services to more than 457,000 customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. We exist to serve our customers, improving their quality of life by providing utility services that are safe, reliable, and affordable. And our mission is about more than just pipes and wires. It’s about being good stewards of our community’s resources: utility assets, customer dollars, and the environment. We work to safeguard those resources and enhance their value for the people of the communities we serve and generations to come.

Work Description: Obtains cathodic protection data from KUB’s steel mains and services such as pipe to soil potentials, the rectifier, and foreign pipeline interference concerns.  Solves technical problems related to pipeline corrosion prevention. Conducts site visits to perform visual assessments for corrosion and coating status, to provide oversight of test station installations, to troubleshoot and assess low or out of compliance readings, and to install small anodes.  Provides input into standards, specifications, and procedures related to cathodic protection.  Must be able to provide clear, concise, and thorough documentation.  Works directly with corrosion and pipeline engineers and as a resource for construction and compliance groups to provide subject matter expertise for KUB’s Distribution Integrity Management Program.  Prepares for and participates in applicable regulatory inspections.  Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations including, but not limited to, DOT, PHMSA, TRA, etc.  Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent knowledge acquired through vocational training and/or technical school
• Strong PC skills including MS Office Professional (i.e., Word and Excel)
• Strong analytical and project management skills and ability to work independently on projects in a timely manner
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Valid Tennessee driver’s license

Physical Demands: May require walking up to five miles per day over rough and/or hilly terrain when assisting with field surveying and layout work.  Requires above normal mental and visual alertness quite frequently. Position may require ability to: drive vehicles; bend, stoop, and lift various objects weighing 10-75 lbs two to three times per week; and work in all types of weather, with exposure to equipment and machine noise, dirt, and traffic.  Note:  The physical demands described above are intended to relate the approximate physical demands of the classification.  Physical demands for a specific position within this classification may vary and/ or exceed those demands described above.  Additional information regarding specific positions is available in Human Resources.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's Degree from an accredited community college or university in a relevant technical field (Mechanical, Electrical, or Metallurgy)
• Sound knowledge in basic electricity, chemistry, and diagnostic equipment
• Previous experience related to regulatory compliance
• Experience with processes, cathodic protection design, and construction methods
• Experience with the interpretation of mapping data, codes, and standards
• Previous knowledge of corrosion and cathodic protection
• Ability to achieve NACE CP Technician Level 1 status and maintain all professional certifications as current (i.e. National Association of Corrosion Engineers)
• Desire to develop a working knowledge of the KUB metallic piping systems under the supervision of the KUB Corrosion Engineer
• Understanding of pipeline materials and risks associated with distribution and maintenance
• Understanding of the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline Regulations 49 CFR 192 Subpart I (Requirements for Corrosion Control) related to the operations and maintenance of gas distribution systems and cathodic protection of these systems
• Strong interpersonal skills that allow for productive relationships with contractors and KUB employees to convey corrosion assessment data, mitigation techniques including test station and anode installation, and repair of cathodic protection systems
• Troubleshooting abilities composed of the following skills: basic electric principals, use of instrumentation that measures electrical potentials, knowledge of DC circuits, analytical reasoning skills, and comprehension of engineering drawings

Selection Process

(Subject to change)

Phase 1                  Submit online application at www.kub.org
Phase 2                  Experience, training, and education evaluation
Phase 3                  Interview with department representatives
Phase 4                  Written, performance, and behavioral exercises
Phase 5                  Background Investigation
Phase 6                  Physical examination and drug screen

If special accommodations are needed for testing purposes, please notify Human resources in advance of the test date.

(Posted 8/17/2018)

General Manager - Westfield, MA

Westfield Gas & Electric is a community owned utility with a 100+ year reputation of excellence. As the local provider of utility services, including gas, electric and telecommunications in one enterprise, the manager supports and cultivates a work culture dedicated to competitive rates, reliability of service and customer satisfaction.

Westfield Gas & Electric serves 17,988 electric meters and 10,413 gas meters with annual revenues of $65,862.368. In 2015, Whip City Fiber (WCF) was launched. WCF is a high speed gigabit FTTP internet service within the community and surrounding areas that is growing at an accelerated rate. The workforce numbers 83 full-time employees. The General Manager is responsible for the full operation and financial oversight of distinct and separate financial portfolios for each of the three utilities.

Westfield Gas & Electric maintains and follows a ten year strategic plan guiding the utility and resulting in a Standard & Poor’s Grade A+ investment rating as well as a Platinum designation in RP3 (Reliable Public Power Provider) program sponsored by the American Public Power Association, and a Silver designation as SOAR (System Operational Achievement Recognition) gas provider with the American Public Gas Association.

Job Description
The General Manager is the Chief Executive Officer for the utility having full charge of the operation and management of the utility under the general direction and control of the Municipal Light Board subject to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 164 Section 56.

Functions

• Full charge of the operation and management of the utility.
• Full charge of the manufacture and distribution of gas and electricity.
• Full charge of the purchase of supplies.
• Full charge of the employment of attorneys, agents and servants.
• Full charge of the method, time, price quantity and quality of supply.
• Full charge of the collection of bills.
• Full charge of the keeping of accounts.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Minimum 15 years management experience within the utility (gas, electric, and telecom) distribution industry.
• Minimum 15 years management experience within the utility (gas, electric, and telecom) distribution industry.
• A Bachelors Degree with strong preference toward advanced degree.
• Demonstrated capability/experience in understanding gas, electric, and technology networks.
• Proven experience in capital management.
• Acumen in multimillion dollar financial budgeting.
• Legal acumen specifically in the areas of statutory and industry regulation, labor relations and negotiated labor agreements.
• Proven excellence in communication with industry experts and within political realms.

For consideration, email resume to humanresources@wgeld.org or mail to:

Westfield Gas & Electric
Attn: Human Resources
100 Elm Street, P.O. Box 990
Westfield, Massachusetts 01086

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

(Posted 8/15/2018)

General Manager / CEO - Owatonna, MN

The Owatonna Public Utilities, supplier of electricity, water, and natural gas services in Owatonna, Minnesota is seeking qualified candidates for the position of General Manager/CEO.  Candidates must have experience in the utility industry including operations, organizational management, strategic planning, and financial management.  Candidates should also possess exceptional communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, and have a personal commitment to providing excellent customer service.  Experience in employee engagement, marketing and knowledge of engineering principles is a plus.  The General Manager/CEO reports to an appointed board of commissioners and is responsible for carrying out all board policies and directives.  A bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, engineering, finance or equivalent and 5-10 years senior level management experience in a municipal public utility with more than one commodity is preferred.  OPU’s compensation and benefits are competitive and will be dependent upon qualifications and experience.  An Opportunity Profile for this position is available upon request; see e-mail below.  Interested candidates may apply by submitting a cover letter and resume no later than September 14, 2018 to:

marge.madson@owatonnautilities.com
Marge Madson
Owatonna Public Utilities
P.O. Box 800,
208 S. Walnut Avenue
Owatonna, MN  55060
507-446-5414

Equal Opportunity Employer
EOE-M/F/H/V

(Posted 7/27/2018)

Energy Services Capital Project Design Engineer - Monroe, NC

The City of Monroe Energy Services Department is seeking a highly skilled professional for the Capital Project Design Engineer position. Under the supervision of the Design Engineering Manager, the Capital Project Design Engineer designs and provides specifications for electric, natural gas, and fiber optic infrastructure to comply with City standards, safety standards, NESC, Pipeline Safety Act, OSHA, and other industry standards/regulations. The Capital Project Design Engineer prepares budget estimates and serves as the project manager for electric and natural gas capital projects, coordinating with operations, construction crews, inspectors, and consultants; prepares permits and works with regulatory agencies for approval of projects; and reviews subdivision plans, annexation plans, rezoning plans, etc., for electric and natural gas service needs. The selected individual must possess thorough knowledge of policies, procedures, best practices for electric and gas utility work and exceptional analytical reasoning skills, with the ability to make informed, evidence-based decisions, and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, associates, contractors, and the general public.

The City of Monroe Energy Services operates both electric and gas systems for the residents of Union County. The electric system is primarily located within the City limits, while the natural gas system is spread throughout Union County. Both systems have great load factors with industrial loads representing more than 50% of the annual total. The City of Monroe has an electric transmission loop, while serving distribution voltages 34.5 kV and 13.2 kV to our approximately 11,000 customers. The City of Monroe is the only municipal gas transmission operator in North Carolina and is currently in the process of becoming the second municipal LNG operator in North Carolina. The distribution system serves the citizens of Monroe as well as the Towns of Unionville, Mineral Springs, Wingate, and Marshville with a total of approximately 11,000 gas customers. The City of Monroe Energy Services total budget exceeds $80 million annually and total assets exceed $135 million.

The selected candidate must have a combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering or related field and considerable experience in public works or utility engineering. Possession of Engineering Intern certificate is preferred. The candidate must possess an appropriate driver's license valid in the state of North Carolina. Grade 24; salary range for this position is $62,379 to $96,699. Apply online at www.monroenc.org and select Employment Opportunities. EOE/Drug Free.

(Posted July 13, 2018)

Gas Superintendent - Watertown, SD

Watertown Municipal Utilities is seeking an individual to serve as Gas Superintendent.  This position oversees the daily operation of managing the construction, maintenance and repairs to the city natural gas system.  Considerable knowledge and experience in construction, maintenance and repairs of gas distribution systems and service lines required.

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.  Excellent benefits package, including SDRS pension, health, dental, vision and life insurance, 457 plan, paid sick leave and vacation.  A completed application and resume, including salary history, references and cover letter, are required. 

Job description and application form available at www.watertownmu.com. 

Watertown Municipal Utilities
Attn:  Human Resources
901 4^th Ave SW, Watertown, SD  57201
Phone: 605/882-6233
E-mail:  hr@watertownmu.com 

Deadline to apply:  July 31, 2018

EOE

(Posted July 9, 2018)