JOB SUMMARY

The purpose of this position is to protect company assets from damages, encumbrances and encroachments on all distribution and transmission pipelines, their associated abutments, land right-of-ways and easement rights.  Serves as field SME in organizing and structuring the activities of Asset Protection Specialist. This is an operational role that requires ensuring compliance is maintained with state, federal and corporate pipeline safety regulations and standards for AGL Resources (AGLR) and subsidiaries.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES BY COMPETENCY

Functional Expertise:

Serves as company Asset Protection liaison between excavators, municipalities, builders, developers, land owners, logging operators, AGL Contractors and/or their agents / contractors, etc by responding to any issues or concerns. Oversees, monitors and assists on all Asset Protection responsibilities, to include but not limited to: right-of-way patrols, right-of-way quality audits and locator quality audits, etc. to ensure they are performed with quality, within compliance and that records are accurate. Performs procedural field observations of Asset Protection staff as instructed by Manager. Assist in the development and improvement of MSA’s and SOW’s for contractors working with the Asset Protection department.  Respond to inquiries from all stakeholders including; state regulators, excavators and/or home owners on damage prevention topics. Negotiate and propose alternatives to field conflicts. Conduct quality audits on locate contractors and right-of-way contractors to ensure compliance and quality is maintained while updating the required electronic system. Conducts all 2nd and 3rd party damage investigations and provides thorough and accurate damage reports to be submitted to the Virginia State Corporation Committee.  Determines root cause of damages and address issues with locate contractor or excavator on site and provides training as necessary. Serve as liaison to the excavating community, internal stakeholders and locators by resolving Difficult to Locate Issues to ensure a proper locate is completed and no down time claim occurs. Conducts education sessions with locate contractors, excavators, land owners and homeowners regarding protecting assets. Monitor and coordinate compliance and safety issues for locating, right-of –way maintenance and submerged crossings. Stand by when any work is being performed on or near AGLs High Profile facilities by 2nd or 3rd party excavators. Conduct inspections of the right-of-way per Federal Code192 requirements, installing pipeline markers as required and documenting issues in the required electronic system where the incumbent follows up on the issues until resolved. Coordinate submerged crossing inspections, blasting and excavation activities on and off our Right-of-Ways to protect AGL assets. Respond to Asset Protection High Profile facilities, incidents and emergencies on and off our Right-of-Ways. Locates gas mains on the Right-of-ways per AGLs construction policy for AGL Contractors. Follow Company Standard ROW procedures ensuring proper forms are utilized and records remain up-to-date; i.e, encroachment agreements, right-of-way patrols and maps, etc. Monitor and work with the Locate contractor to correct performance. Administer Contractor Operator Qualification (training, testing and certify). Perform quarterly vehicle safety inspections for department employees. Perform quarterly locate equipment inspections and calibrations.

Business Acumen:

Attend large project pre-con meetings and monitor progress to protect assets. Assist the Manager, Asset Protection in the administration of Asset Protection contracts; including but not limited to: aerial patrol, locating, mowing, side trimming and remediation contracts; ensuring quality and resolution of customer complaints. Performs complex or highly technical field work. Conducts research on easement and encroachment issues. Meet with asset protection supervisors from other jurisdictions regularly to discuss and develop department best practices and make recommendations to managers for implementation.

Engagement:

Facilitate meetings related to Asset Protection contracts and projects prior to projects beginning. Ensures that the Compliance Tracking System, SharePoint Site, Patrol Reports and all other required documentation is maintained within compliance and up to date at all times. Ensures procedures relating to the team in the Operation Procedure Manual and in step procedures are reviewed and remain up to date. Represent company at Local Damage Prevention meetings. Provide oversight of processes, provide coaching, establish goals and objectives, training and support to the Asset Protection department employees. Monitor monthly compliance and statistical reports to ensure adherence to performance measurements (i.e. aerial patrol, on-time performance and damage ratios, etc.) Improves and recommends techniques and processes for Asset Protection Specialists and Right-of-Way agents, trains new processes. Conducts damage prevention education sessions with locate contractors, excavators, land owners and homeowners regarding damage prevention and protecting assets. Follow-up on potential grid issues with the One Call Center. Oversee and inspect all right-of-way maintenance, remediation, mowing and side trimming in assigned area to ensure it has been completed to AGL specifications. Support Trade Show, Industry Committees and One Call events regarding Asset Protection.

Driving Results:

Drives damage prevention and right-of-way improvements including but not limited to potential damages and erosion issues. Conducts meetings and training presentations with excavation contractors, realtors, land owners and company personnel to build awareness concerning pipeline safety rules, regulations and best practices with regards to protecting Company assets. Audit and improve damage reporting for accuracy and timeliness of reporting. Ensure compliance and requirements are met relating to contracts, patrols, inspections and audits. Assist Management in the administration of Asset Protection contracts. Ensure required Asset Protection documentation through Compliance Tracking Systems and SharePoint Sites or other electronic means remain up-to-date. Assist with compliance training of field employees as field observer and on-the-job trainer – OQ and Company Policy.  Monitor OQ and training documentation for contractors and Asset Protection employees. Assists Connected Conversations process by providing input to Asset Protection Manager regarding field observations of employees, limited to compliance, OQ, and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Certifications/Licenses: 

Required: 

High school diploma or GED with a State driver's license.

Preferred: 

Associates or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent academic education and field operations experience.

Related Work Experience:

Required: 

Minimum of 4 years utility field operations experience or related work experience 

Preferred: 

3 years experience in locating gas

Specific Skills & Knowledge: 

Required: 

Knowledge of quality assurance concepts, Computer literacy - basic proficiency. Well developed interpersonal skills including influencing and/or negotiation, Operator Qualified in accordance with Company Plan, leadership skills.

Preferred: 

Knowledge of easement rights, engineering, locating and surveying principles, knowledge and experience with AGL pipeline system, knowledge of real estate terminology; knowledge of terms used by developers. 

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: 

Stooping, kneeling, reaching above and below shoulders; frequent bending Climbing in and out of manholes Extensive digging Carrying equipment up to 30 lbs. Walking long distances to inspect facilitates Exposure to outdoor elements (rain, sun, heat, cold) 95% of time is spent in the field Subject to after hours call-outs to respond to damages or high profile emergency situations