Gas Control Technician II

The intent of this job posting is to establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill current and future, permanent and limited-term, vacancies for up to two (2) years. You must clearly demonstrate, on your resume, that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience required in the minimum qualifications listed in this posting.

SMUD delivers power to more than 1.4 million customers throughout the Sacramento area, and as a community-owned, not-for-profit electric service, we have been providing low-cost, reliable electricity for over 70 years. In addition to hydro, solar, and wind generation assets, SMUD owns and operates a 76-mile high-pressure natural gas pipeline that transports approximately 190 million cubic feet of gas per day from the PG&E backbone in Winters to four gas-fired thermal plants in Sacramento County. This pipeline is essential for fueling SMUD's thermal generation assets that generate heat energy which is converted to electrical power for SMUD customers. The transmission system operates without compression and is monitored and controlled remotely. It is equipped with a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system that communicates vital operating parameters and equipment statuses. Additionally, the pipeline features a Gas Leak Detection System (GLDS) that continuously monitors volume balance, detects and pinpoints potential leaks. The pipeline system employs remotely controlled shutoff valves with rupture mitigation devices that enable the isolation of pipeline segments prior to dispatching personnel to the field.

SMUD's Power Generation Department is seeking to hire a Gas Control Technician II. In this role, you will be an integral part of our dedicated team responsible for the operation and maintenance of our natural gas pipeline. This position involves monitoring and controlling pipeline operations to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards. You will play a key role in troubleshooting operational issues, performing routine inspections, and executing maintenance tasks that are critical for the reliable delivery of natural gas to our gas-fired thermal plants.

Cover Letter Requirements:

To be considered for this position, please ensure your cover letter includes responses to the following questions. Failure to submit the required cover letter may preclude you from moving forward in the process:

1. Please list any relevant experience in transmission gas pipeline operations, maintenance, and/or measurement and control systems.

2. Please describe your experience with transmission pipeline monitoring systems and the software tools you have used in gas control operations.

3. Please describe your experience working with leak detection, rupture mitigation, emission reduction, and pipeline integrity management systems. Please provide examples of your involvement.

4. Please list any certifications, operator qualifications, or coursework relevant to transmission gas pipeline operations.

Purpose

Under limited supervision, performs highly skilled installation, maintenance, repair, operation and test work related to construction, modification, maintenance, and operation of natural gas transmission facilities, pipelines, and appurtenances in the most efficient, safe, and cost-effective manner.

Nature and Scope

This is a full working journey level classification and differs from the Power Systems Operator roles in that the latter monitors, controls, and/or operates SMUD's gas pipeline system, from a Gas Control Center.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Installs, troubleshoots, repairs, operates, and maintains all types of natural gas control, measurement and treatment equipment such as regulators, meters, valves, controllers, and chromatographs.

- Installs, operates and maintains corrosion protection equipment such as anodes, insulated fittings, volt-ohm-ammeters, potentiometers, and recorders.

- Installs valves and valve components and performs valve maintenance and vault maintenance per the Gas Pipeline Procedures Manual.

- Performs inspection and maintenance of natural gas odorization facilities and equipment; conducts odorization testing.

- Maintains files and records in order to comply within a highly regulated industry.

- Performs, without direct supervision, highly technical tasks associated with gas instrumentation, including gas supervisory and remote-control equipment.

- Conducts field-locating duties; performs leak surveys and leak investigations.

- Assists others in performing and evaluating field and station tests.

- Assists in transmission line repair work, construction of new pipelines, purging of pipelines, and tapping pipelines under pressure.

Required Education

- High School Diploma or equivalent.

Required Experience Qualifications

- Any combination of education and experience that has provided the necessary knowledge and skills.

Required Licenses/Certificates

- Valid California Driver's License which must meet SMUD's driving standard of not having more than two (2) moving violations within the last two (2) years; and possession of, or the ability to obtain, operator qualifications to perform tasks per CFR 49, Part 192, Subpart N.

Knowledge Of

Safe work practices in a gas environment; functional requirements for effective operation and maintenance of gas control equipment; fundamentals and operation of gas transmission lines, automatic controls, natural gas analyzers, and cathodic protection systems; applicable fundamentals of electricity, electronics, mathematics through trigonometry, mechanics and corrosion protection; physics of thermal, fluid, gas and instrumentation, metering and control systems.

Skills To

Recognize off-normal conditions, assess cause and react effectively; read and interpret electrical and electronic schematics and diagrams; install, repair, troubleshoot, maintain, and operate gas control equipment such as RTU's, Chromatographs, regulators, valves and meters; calibrate, use and maintain test equipment; establish cooperative working relationships with others; communicate effectively orally and in writing; keep accurate and organized documentation.

Desirable Qualifications

- 3+ years' experience using SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems and control technologies - 3+ years' experience applying pipeline safety regulations, industry standards, and best practices (e.g., PHMSA regulations) - 3+ years' experience working with measurement, regulation, and analyzation equipment utilized in the operation of a transmission natural gas pipeline

- Certifications such as Operator Qualification (OQ) or specialized training in transmission gas pipeline operations and maintenance

- 3+ years' experience working on a high-pressure natural gas pipeline

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

On-site Work

This role will be an on-site role that will require being in person at one of SMUD's campuses daily to complete work tasks.