Description
The Role:
NW Natural is committed to a low-carbon energy future and our role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of our Vision 2050: Destination Zero, which supports greenhouse gas rules in Oregon and Washington. This position will drive that vision by overseeing design engineering, planning and delivering Renewables projects, including Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) projects that require a higher level of project management skills and technical knowledge. This position provides design and project management expertise to support individual RNG projects including both receipt point and production facilities. This position will work with renewable resource providers, such as wastewater and landfill facilities, to develop technical solutions to connect RNG sources to NW Natural customers. Additionally, this position will support an RNG processing plant that NW Natural owns and operates.
The successful candidate will frequently coordinate with internal and external customers to ensure service continuity and meet project cost and schedule objectives, while meeting customer needs, governmental requirements, safety, and engineering standards. Successful candidates will become a subject matter expert for NW Natural’s existing RNG facilities and the equipment, policies and procedures necessary to safely and reliably operate these facilities.
Day to Day:
Provides design and project management expertise for NW Natural’s Renewable Natural Gas projects, commercial or industrial customer meter sets, regulating stations, telemetry sites and special projects.
Assumes ownership of all technical aspects of NW Natural RNG production facilities, including standard operating procedures, inspections, maintenance, repair and upgrades of equipment. Responsible for day-to-day technical aspects as well as long-term planning in partnership with site technicians and Commercial Manager. May include direct design activities and contractor management as required.
Provides field construction expertise, including managing NW Natural construction crews, contractors, and others as appropriate. Manages contractor scope by providing and responding to Requests for Information and Field Directives. Requires on-site construction management for construction activities, startup, tie-in and other procedures as necessary.
Oversees design engineering, planning, coordination, and monitoring of projects related to large commercial or industrial customers, district regulators and regional stations, typically involving renewables or special projects. Reviews and approves construction drawings to ensure engineering standards are met. Provides cost analysis of alternatives to determine cost effective installation practices. Coordinates with office and field personnel to optimize the use of resources.
Develops technical expertise in natural gas sampling technologies. Provides ongoing operations assistance to crews in supporting, troubleshooting, and maintaining equipment.
Provides day-to-day engineering support to field operations while maintaining project workload.
Responsible for special projects and technical studies from planning to final completion.
Maintains proactive communication with local and state permit and regulatory agencies and contractors to protect the Company’s interest and coordinate construction activities. Responds to inquiries/concerns from customer, Company personnel or the public, and resolves by coordinating necessary resources.
Participates in ongoing Company efforts to promote standardization, including technical writing, research and drafting of standards, specifications, and procedures.
Assists in preparing budget, analyzing costs/benefits, and continuously evaluates cost reduction and revenue enhancement opportunities.
This position will require travel to job sites as necessary, and for continuing education.
Supports Company’s commitment to a culture of safe work practices.
Requirements
Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably mechanical, process, or civil engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Engineering (Level 2) requires 3+ years of experience. Engineering (Level 3) requires 5+ years of experience and demonstrated ability to apply advanced technical knowledge to solve complex problems, exercise sound engineering judgment with a high degree of independence, influence technical decisions, and provide guidance and support to others.
Ability to register as a Professional Engineer (PE) is highly desired, and NW Natural supports a culture promoting licensing.
A minimum of 3 years of experience in construction-related work required or utility construction/installation.
Demonstrated experience overseeing and coordinating complex planning and project implementation programs.
Ability to plan and effectively manage a wide variety of construction projects.
Demonstrated skill in organizing multiple tasks and managing time effectively to meet deadlines and balance priorities consistent with Company strategies and goals.
Knowledge and experience in the application of the following: federal pipeline safety rules, American Public Works Association, construction standards, and OSHA regulations.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with employees, government representatives and contractor personnel on technical matters governing construction projects.
Ability and desire to become subject matter expert for renewable systems as gas quality technologies.
Ability to analyze budget reports and construction summaries.
Ability to develop new construction approaches and procedures.
Ability to utilize and understand 2D CAD software, including AutoCAD.
Proven writing skills including the following: technical documentation; startup, shutdown and tie-in procedures; and report preparation.
Provide leadership for field procedures, directing field crews and contractors through safe and successful commissioning and troubleshooting efforts.
Ability to visit and access construction and other work site locations as required.
Valid driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days if out-of-state), required certifications/endorsements, and satisfactory driving record.
Participates in after-hours emergency response program in conjunction with other operations personnel as needed (Level 3)
RNG production facility operation and design experience desired
