Job Description

This is a multi-level position. Salary will be commensurate to the candidate’s experience. This position is responsible for conducting and coordinating engineering tasks for the pipeline safety functional area. Pipeline safety provides specialized expertise throughout the Kern River organization and serves as the company representative for Department of Transportation’s Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) on regulatory matters; evaluates proposed and final rulemakings and participates in the development and maintenance of company operation and maintenance procedures and integrity management plans; and actively participates on industry committees to represent Kern River's interests related to development of governmental policies and legislation, which may impact design, construction, operation and maintenance of its facilities. Responsibilities include leading studies to determine class location, high consequence area, and moderate consequence area status along the pipeline system; maintaining existing pipe strength test records, determining strength test requirements and assisting in strength test documentation development and review for engineering projects; and leading efforts to compile and submit required regulatory reports. Responsibilities also include conducting internal audit to verify and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and participation in incident investigations as necessary.

Demonstrate technical knowledge of Kern River Gas Transmission Company’s pipeline system; evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering techniques, criteria and procedures; use judgment in making adaptations and modifications. Provide effective leadership, organization, planning and control of assignments. Perform responsibilities as directed within determined time frames and with a high degree of accuracy; complete project assignments to meet customer needs and achieve schedule and reliability objectives. Provide safe and efficient services for all of Kern River Gas Transmission Company’s business units. Recognize, investigate, and solve problems relating to Kern River Gas Transmission Company’s pipeline system. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts. Maintain the professional competence, knowledge, and skills necessary to effectively complete responsibilities; enhance job knowledge and abilities by taking personal responsibility for professional development and training. Maintain sensitive and confidential information regarding company information. Attend work on a regular basis and support the company’s employee policies and procedures, including workplace safety rules. Coordinates goals, work plans, responsibilities, and monitors work performance in alignment with business objectives. Identifies, develops, and recommends improvements to processes, strategies, and company policies and practices. Communicates results of complex and strategic issues in oral and written reports. Researches, evaluates, and/or identifies new and alternative technologies to promote safe, reliable, and efficient pipeline operations, or to solve unique operational problems. Communicates with internal and external business partners to determine needs and measure satisfaction, understand status, emphasize priorities, provide technical advice, and verify that work products conform to applicable codes, standards, specifications, and requirements of internal/external business partners. Participates in emergency response during any pipeline emergency to provide technical expertise in area of proficiency and ensure effective business resumption. Stays abreast of regulatory developments in the natural gas industry and, more specifically, in area of expertise. Stays current with industry developments and evaluates and/or develops proposals to ensure/enhance pipeline integrity. Acts as the liaison between departments and business platforms to provide information, answer questions, share best practices and facilitate issue resolution, as necessary.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution. One or more years of experience as a practicing engineer in related engineering applications or other related industry experience. Must have engineering knowledge of natural gas industry related to pipelines, compressor stations and process equipment. Demonstrated interpersonal skills, and effective oral and written communication skills. Strong technical writing skills including the ability to communicate a basic understanding of technical information to non-technical people. Effective analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently. Critical thinking and decision-making skills to develop and present technical recommendations. Demonstrated proficiency with desktop programs (Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook). Valid driver's license and ability to travel to remote locations, including out-of-area travel. After-hours work as needed.

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.