Job Description
About Us
At SoCalGas, we believe that every Californian deserves a resilient energy future. We are working to achieve that future by empowering California to reach its sustainability goals through innovation, collaboration, and decarbonization. As our states energy needs change, we will be there providing reliable energy that is clean, safe, and affordable to our 22 million customers.
In addition to helping shape the future of hydrogen technology and clean energy, as an employee of SoCalGas youll also enjoy an aggressive total compensation plan, multiple upward mobility opportunities and the ability to find a true work life balance. We also strive to reflect the communities we serve by attracting top talent and maintaining a diverse workforce. To discover more about how rewarding it is to work here, we invite you to visit these pages on our website: Our Mission; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Sustainability, In the Community, and Employee Benefits. Join SoCalGas today to share in our mission to build the cleanest, safest, and most innovative energy company in America!
Primary Purpose
System Gas Controller has the responsibility to control and maintain the integrity of the Gas Transmission, Storage and Distribution system. They forecast intraday system load demands on a continual basis and determine the necessary gas supply requirements utilizing storage fields and daily throughput. The System Gas Controller works closely with the Lead Gas Controller to ensure that the Transmission Pipeline System and Distribution System operations are consistent during outages, planned shutdowns, pigging operations, and conform with established procedures so that customer needs are satisfied. The System Gas Controller monitors, analyzes, and controls the Gas Transmission Pipeline System and the Distribution System with the use of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. They are responsible for monitoring and remotely operating unmanned compressor booster stations, pressure limiting stations and distribution valves. They direct operating orders to plant operators at all manned compressor stations, storage fields, and Transmission and Distribution sites ensuring that out of state deliveries meet scheduled rates and gas supplies provide uninterrupted service to core and non-core customers.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Monitors, analyzes and controls the SoCalGas and SDG&E Transmission Pipeline and Distribution System with the use of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Directs and issues orders to operators at all manned compressor stations, storage fields and Transmission and Distribution sites. Operates/monitors/controls telemetrically controlled valves, unmanned compressor stations, interstate tie-ins and distribution valves to ensure scheduled out-of-state deliveries are met, customer gas supply needs are satisfied, and pipeline pressure parameters are maintained within established limits. Maintains an auditable J5 electronic log of Transmission and Distribution system operations.
- Adheres to the principles of control room management, including but not limited to; including alarm management, response to a changed condition with an appropriate action, notification of other personnel of the status of operation, maintenance of accurate and thorough documentation, recognizing incidents of distractions and fatigue and notifying the Lead Gas Controller and Shift Supervisor as required.
- Verifies that data in SCADA system is continuously updating and is accurate by monitoring thousands of analog, rate, and status data points through historical comparisons and statistical analysis. In the event of lost communications, coordinates with Technology Team, Network Operations, and field personnel to aid in troubleshooting and resolving radio, satellite, and telecom outages.
- Forecasts intraday system load. Uses a forecasting tool to balance total system inventory with system demand profiles. Strategizes operations using system demand profiles, storage field injection / withdrawal capacities, pipeline capacities and out-of-state scheduled rates.
- Coordinates with and directs field personnel during routine maintenance and unplanned outages. Prevent, detect, and initiate response to any abnormal operating conditions.
- Prepares to control the Transmission Pipeline System and Distribution System from emergency back-up locations according to the Gas Control Emergency Manual in the event of the loss of primary facility and/or SCADA system. Tests and verifies that emergency backup facilities are operational in the event of an emergency that could render the primary control facility inoperable.
- Monitors gas quality at supply receipt points and critical points in the pipeline system and takes appropriate steps to ensure gas supplies remain within specifications.
- Participates in a formal training program annually with computer or table top simulations to prove their competency reacting and responding to abnormal and emergency operating conditions.
- Provides continual training, coaching and guidance for other System Gas Controllers who are non-Op qualified.
- Performs other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).
$84000 – $126000 / year
Education
- H.S. Diploma/GED required.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Math, or Physical Science (e.g. Chemistry, Physics, Geology, etc.) preferred.
Experience
- Requires 4 years of experience in related areas such as meter and regulation, compressor station, storage field, pipeline work, Gas Distribution, Customer Services field work, experience in a trade, or military experience.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Math, or Physical Science can substitute for the 4 years experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and general mechanical knowledge.
- Analytical and conceptual ability while working under stressful conditions for extended periods.
- Precise phone communication ability and computer use a necessity.
- Must be able to work closely and cohesively with Lead Gas Controller and Shift Supervisor.
- Constant vigilance must be maintained while working 12 hour rotating shifts.
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Solves problems within established policies and procedures
- Regulatory compliance oversight
Licenses
- A Department of Transportation Operator Qualification Certificate will be awarded after comprehensive training and demonstrated competency.
Other Qualifications
- This position is subject to 49 CFR 192.631 Control room management regulations. As such employees are required to have shift lengths and schedule rotations that provide controllers off-duty time sufficient to achieve eight (8) hours of continuous sleep. Control room employees need to take into account their commute time when in a control room position due to the SoCalGas Gas Control control room fatigue mitigation requirements. Candidates must acknowledge that they can meet the requirement of having off-duty time sufficient to achieve eight (8) hours of continuous sleep between shifts and that failure to meet this requirement will result in their disqualification from being considered for this position.
- Must possess a valid California drivers license
- Required to be on call according to schedule
- The position requires working 12 hour rotating shifts
Benefits
SoCalGas offers a comprehensive benefits program to help support employees both personally and professionally. These benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Competitive pay & Annual Bonus program
- Medical, dental, and vision packages (plus free Mental Health resources/sessions)
- 401K company match & Company provided Pension Plan
- Work/Life Balance including generous PTO
- Wellness Programs/Classes
- Tuition/Education Reimbursement
- Career Development Tools & Resources through SoCalGas University
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Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled