Job Description

This position manages the pipeline safety department, which leads the development, maintenance and operation of the integrity management program, operator qualification program, company operation and maintenance procedures and standards, and occupational safety and health program. This position ensures compliance with all federal pipeline and occupational safety regulations applicable to Kern River. This position ensures a high level of company commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

Direct Reports

Senior Pipeline Safety Engineer; engineers (all levels); technical specialists (all levels), OSHA safety specialists (all levels)

Directs pipeline safety efforts to ensure compliance, facility integrity and proper risk management.

Ensures field operations, operations control & analysis and engineering departments obtain the regulatory and compliance support necessary to meet the requirements of Code of Federal Regulations part 192 including integrity management, operator qualification, public awareness and other required programs.

Provides direction on the company's occupational safety programs and ensures they are implemented in compliance with applicable occupational safety and health regulations.

Oversees the development and implementation of policies, procedures, plans and practices to ensure they are developed and implemented in full compliance with federal, state and local regulations and company requirements.

Sets pipeline safety, regulatory compliance, and occupational safety direction and strategies.

Performs administrative activities necessary for effective management of the department including hiring, performance management, team building, employee safety, pay administration, employee development and training, setting organization goals and providing status reports to management.

Coordinates the efforts of the pipeline safety department with Kern River operations and engineering management and with affiliates, agencies and vendors.

Develops and administers the pipeline safety annual operations and maintenance and capital budgets to ensure compliance with policy and safe, efficient operations. Performs special projects and other additional responsibilities as requested.

A bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical field or equivalent experience. Engineering degree is preferred. Typically, six years of related, progressive work experience is needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree. A minimum of eight years of industry-related experience including three or more years of experience in a leadership capacity. In-depth knowledge of design, construction, and operation of pipeline facilities such as compression, measurement, pipeline and cathodic protection facilities. Extensive knowledge of policies, procedures, practices, operating philosophies and regulations related to the gas transportation industry. Demonstrates a strong knowledge of federal pipeline safety regulations and understanding of the compliance requirements prescribed in the 49 CFR parts 190, 191, 192, and 199, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulations and some knowledge of environmental protection regulations. Knowledge of gas transportation business including operations and engineering relationships and practices. Effective interpersonal skills and leadership abilities including team building, employee development and training, mentoring, coaching and employee motivation. Effective analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills. Project management skills: ability to prioritize and handle multiple issues and projects concurrently. Availability as a resource for problem resolution on a 24-hour basis. Ability to travel to remote locations (generally requires a valid driver's license).Working knowledge of accounting, financial and contract applications.

BHE Pipeline Group consists of Berkshire Hathaway Energy’s interstate natural gas pipeline companies, BHE GT&S, Kern River Gas Transmission Company and Northern Natural Gas Company. Combined, BHE Pipeline Group operates approximately 21,200 miles of pipeline with a design capacity of approximately 21.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, owns assets in 27 states and is an industry leader in natural gas transportation. BHE Pipeline Group also operates 22 natural gas storage facilities with a total working gas capacity of 515.6 billion cubic feet and a liquefied natural gas export, import and storage facility.