Gas Controller I

Our Company More than a utility company, Unitil provides energy for life. Our work helps keep homes comfortable, businesses thriving and communities connected. Unitil is an investor-owned public utility proudly serving Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We are dedicated to delivering energy to our customers safely and reliably. Unitil is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our employees, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success of Unitil is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity and value our employees. Take advantage of a comprehensive benefits package. Unitil offers competitive salaries, a consumer-driven health plan, dental and vision coverage, flexible work, company-paid holidays, a, robust, highly competitive retirement plan and educational assistance. *Note: Benefit offerings may differ between union and non-union employee groups. Position Purpose This position is responsible for the monitoring, operation and control of the Company’s gas transmission and distribution system, emergency response pertaining to the natural gas system and the managing of pipeline and peak shaving supplies. The incumbent must ensure that the system is operated within the constraints of Federal, State and Company codes and standards as well tariff constraints for the receipt and control of the system supply. This position is responsible for off-hour coverage of the Company’s Field Service Dispatch department. In addition, this individual must provide direct support to the Gas Control Supervisor including but not limited to communicating directly with Energy Contracts and upstream pipelines, completing special projects, reviewing and updating procedures, participating as Gas Control SME in regulatory audits as well as on PSMS Risk Mitigation Teams and performing other various administrative functions. Principal Accountabilities Time % End Results 55 Monitoring and controlling of gas pipeline systems and support of processes related to market requirements for Unitil’s transmission and local distribution companies (LDC’s). Provide general control over confirming, scheduling, and balancing live gas operations. Interpret, organize and execute complex assignments. Assist Supervisor with training, coordination, and review of work for subordinate Controllers within area of assigned responsibility. Estimate personnel needs; schedule and assign work; and manage projects of a complex nature. Coordinate live gas operations and emergency response. Operate Unitil’s natural gas transmission and distribution systems in a manner that maximizes safety, reliability, and efficiency of service to all the customers within the limits of the applicable Federal, State and Company codes and standards. Monitoring the company’s gas transmission and distribution system utilizing SCADA, and respond to alarms by determining the most appropriate response which may include dispatching personnel. Monitor, respond to alarms, and manage supply of peak shaving facilities and pipeline supply. Monitor and respond to security system alarms pertaining to numerous company facilities, including but not limited to relevant natural gas facilities and other Unitil business locations. Log and maintain and maintain reports, records and documentation as they occur and/or as deemed necessary by the Supervisor, Gas Control Ability to interpret alarms of various types and determine the appropriate response and action Demonstrated proficiency in technical and non-technical software applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Update the daily forecast, provided by Energy Contracts, of system demand to ensure sufficient supply for all customers. Assume primary coordinating responsibility for isolating portions of the gas system to ensure public safety in times of emergency, as well as for routine maintenance. This would include operational corrections within limits of control and coordination with field personnel. Provide and adjust volumes on a continuing basis, in conjunction with gas acquisitions, marketers and suppliers. Maintain balancing at city gates and to affect change to meet daily and monthly goals within tolerances set by FERC tariffs. Accountable for the continual monitoring of all gas supplies utilizing the SCADA system, PC network and Pipeline Bulletin Boards (EBB’s). Monitor EBB’s for operational restrictions and to make supply adjustments as necessary during Operational Flow Orders (OFO’s) in order to avoid penalty assessments. Actions would include procuring additional pipeline supply, restricting the use of gas to interruptible customers and/or utilization of peaking supplies. Oversee training of Gas Controllers in all matters pertaining to the administration of policy and procedures, dispatch of natural gas supplies, contracts and storage inventory management and the daily gas control duties. Responsible to assist supervisor in preparation of monthly reports to ensure timely company and regulatory submission deadlines are met. Responsible to call out and direct field personnel, and to contact government agencies during emergencies. 5 Act as field service dispatcher during off hours, with actions including; Coordinate Field and Service Technicians with response to emergencies. Compliance with company policies as they relate to emergency response. Effective communications with mobile workforce, customer call centers, operating centers and distribution construction services. Exceptional response time to emergency calls. Negotiates and collaborates with field and construction services leaders to coordinate appropriate company resources (employee and equipment) and ensures effective implementation and completion of plans for all service-related emergencies. Creates, prioritizes and assigns orders to ensure all customer-requested appointments are satisfied. 20 Provide assistance, support and coverage for the Supervisor of Gas Control, including but not limited to; Confirmation and scheduling of gas onto the Granite system through the use of the EBB and in compliance with NAESB standards on an as needed basis. Interacts with shippers pertinent to receipt management operations on an as needed basis. Timely posting of operational notices and shipper deliveries on Unitil’s gas transmission system EBB as needed. Proficient in eLogger as a System Administrator. Provides support during regulatory audits serving in the capacity as Gas Control Subject Matter Expert. Participates as a team member on PSMS Risk Mitigation Teams serving in the capacity as Subject Matter Expert for Gas Control Assist Gas Control Supervisor in ensuring all policies and procedures relating to Control Room Management are reviewed, updated and maintained in accordance with Federal, State and Company policies. Act as a liaison between Gas Control and Energy Contracts/Gas Supply personnel to both coordinate and ensure adequate gas supplies. Works collaboratively with the Gas Control Supervisor to review, update and maintain training initiatives so that all Gas Controllers develop competency in meeting organizational objectives. 20 Maintain records, schedules and procedures as required to meet Federal, State, and Company codes and standards. Comply with tariff constraints for the receipt and control of system supply. Retreival of pertinent system data utilizing the SCADA system, confirming the data is correct and make changes as necessary to ensure accuracy. Ensure historical data logs are accurate and archived. Ensure nominations, scheduling and balancing reports are accurate, timely and archived. Organize, review and update policies, procedures, and reference material. Complete and maintain various forms, files and documents deemed necessary by the Supervisor, Gas Control, including those required for compliance and/or to ensure overall operational integrity Complete all company required training by prescribed time frames Qualifications Associate Degree in Business/Engineering Technology or equivalent, related educational background and/or 5 years work experience in a gas operations environment plus 3 years of experience as a Unitil Gas Controller. Requires strong analytical skills and attention to detail, working knowledge of personal computers and software including: word processing, excel spreadsheet, database and business applications. Requires excellent verbal and written communications skills. Demonstrates leadership qualities and initiative. Extensive knowledge of Unitil’s transmission and distribution networks and their constraints in moving supplies from system to system through multiple interconnections and city gates. Must be familiar with nominations and confirmations procedures for scheduling pipeline gasses. Extensive knowledge of the operation of the SCADA system and how it interacts with the varied array of field equipment which it monitors and controls. Ability to analyze emergencies quickly and initiate correct response and/or corrective action. Knowledge of State and Federal codes, as well as Unitil procedures applicable to system operation. Operator Qualifications Certified within six months of start date for the following tasks:NGA-WE-59 Controlling and Monitoring Gas Pressure and Flows NGA-PE-59A Controlling and Monitoring Gas Pressure and Flows (Remotely) NGA-PE-60A Operating Remote Control Valves (Remotely) NGA-WE-70A Basic Abnormal Operating Conditions NGA-WE-70B Properties of Natural Gas NGA-70P- Abnormal Operating Conditions and Properties of Propane Air Must be able to perform their job under the pressure of emergency situations and time constraints. Innovative, drive for results, focus on the customer, adaptability, demonstrate and promote teamwork. This job is shift work and requires working a rotating 12-hour shift schedule. This position is a covered classification under the D.O.T. anti-drug program regulations. Candidates are required to pass a drug test on entry and subsequent random drug testing. This position requires availability outside of normal scheduled hours to maintain coverage during emergency conditions, planned and unplanned absences. THIS NOTICE IS POSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE VII OF OUR AGREEMENT WITH LOCAL UNION #341, Utility Workers Union of America, dated April 1, 2022. HOURS: The normal working hours for this position are in accordance with Article VI. WAGE: Ultimate rate - *8,002.86 per month, for a 40 hour week. Overtime rates in accordance with Agreement. *Starting wage will be in accordance with Contract. Last updated: 3-1-24