Job Summary (Overall Purpose of the Position)

The purpose of the Gas Operations Supervisor position is to ensure service reliability for Midwest Energy, Inc. customers through the supervision of personnel, staking, planning and coordination of construction, maintenance and operations of natural gas facilities.

Job Duties - Responsibilities – Tasks

Planning and Controls

1. Schedules all construction and maintenance in his designated area.

2. Develops and provides the Gas Operations Manager with annual budget requirements for consideration as needed. Also monitors current expenditures related to the approved budget.

3. Evaluate and make recommendations for future gas system improvements. Maintains Pipeline Distribution Integrity Management Plan.

4. Approves invoices and purchases

Employee Development

1. Supports the interview, selection and termination process for reporting personnel but does not have the authority to hire or terminate without approval of the Gas Operations Manager.

2. Periodically reviews performance of employees and recommends changes to the Gas Operations Manager in salary and/or status in accordance with the union contract.

3. Counsels and advises subordinates. Assists in training sessions pertaining to safety and proper work procedures, and schedules meetings as needed.

4. Approve time sheets, vacation schedules and sick leave for all reporting personnel.

Operations

1. Directs personnel, advises with respect to work schedules, area activities, equipment, materials and procedures.

2. Supports the Gas Operations Manager in establishing procedures for personnel in handling of outages and emergencies. Provide after-hour call-out information in their area for the Dispatcher and ensures that appropriate personnel are assigned to on-call duty to provide for emergency conditions.

3. Maintains contact with material and equipment suppliers to gain familiarity with new products. Supports placement of new products on approved list.

4. Coordinates and organizes work assignments of area crews in order to accomplish the goals and objectives established.

5. Advises warehouse personnel in advance of construction schedules, assists in the receiving and handling of heavy materials and maintaining proper and adequate inventory level.

6. Inspects work in progress and observes job site work practices, making corrections as necessary.

7. Studies construction and maintenance reports, noting trends and analyzing operational costs.

8. Determines disposition of obsolete materials and advises warehouse supervisor.

9. Coordinates operations activities with other departments/areas that will maximize the efficient utilization of manpower, materials and equipment.

10. Assists Gas Compliance Coordinator in the development of Midwest Energy Codes and Standards as well as operating procedures.

11. Maintains KCC and DOT regulatory reports. Supports Public Official, KPA and Kansas One Call Meetings.

12. Respond to, manage, and oversee emergency response situations.

Staking, Engineering and Planning

1. Determines routing of gas distribution lines out to customers in conformance with guidelines established, and review with Gas Operations Manager.

2. Prepares gas staking sheets for construction and retirement work orders.

3. Tabulates construction units to determine bills for labor, equipment and materials used in construction work orders, third party damages and work on customer facilities.

4. Prepares applications to State Corporation Commission for Certificates of Convenience and Necessity, and Cease Operating Certificates.

5. Prepares applications to State Corporation Commission for construction, system improvements, and retirement of gas facilities. This includes construction notices to the State Corporation Commission Office of Pipeline Safety.

6. Assists in preparation of plans and specifications for gas distribution and transmission facilities, surveys building sites, prepares cost estimates and makes inspections during and after construction.

7. Obtains right-of-way easements for all required services.

8. Performs and/or directs the preparation of charts, graphs, sketches, and system maps.

9. Negotiates settlements for damages resulting from construction, retirement, or operation of facilities.

10. Negotiates the lease and/or purchase of land and prepares the necessary agreements for approval of the Gas Operations Manager, and records documents with the Register of Deeds.

11. Interviews persons requesting gas service and prepares appropriate contracts and/or applications for services, when necessary.

12. Assists in updating company standards. Ensures companywide standards are maintained through construction audits.

Customer Service

1. Assists office operations with the collection of bills and customer account adjustments.

2. Promptly investigates and resolves complaints as expeditiously as possible.

Marketing

1. Forwards inquiries regarding provided services and programs to Regional Key Account Manager.

2. Maintains an up-to-date customer information program.

1. Promotes commercial and industrial growth by participating in local organizations for economic development.

Community and Governmental Relations

1. Develops working relationships with other utilities, elected officials, city and county entities, civic and community organizations.

2. Keeps management informed on current issues that might impact utility operations.

Safety

1. Promotes safe working habits and enforces all safety rules and regulations adopted by the Company, including the wearing and use of protective equipment by assigned personnel.

2. Investigates accidents, leads root cause investigations and develops and implements action plan to mitigate further occurrences. Communicates root cause findings.

3. Keeps informed of changes concerning federal, state and local laws and takes appropriate action to stay in compliance with said rules and regulations.

4. Ensures that directed employees receive required training in safety aspects of their jobs.

5. Operates vehicles and/or equipment in a safe manner and within the regulations of federal, state, and local laws.

6. In association with the Fleet Manager, takes corrective action on defective transportation and/or working equipment, tools, materials and supplies.

7. Qualifies himself/herself in first aid and CPR.

General

1. Reviews current literature in his/her field and keeps informed on the trends in the industry.

2. Collects and assembles statistical data for reports.

3. Keeps informed regarding new developments, trends, and best practices in relevant field. Recommend changes, initiatives, etc. to management for effective processes and procedures within the company.

4. Keeps apprised of changes and developments in pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules, and take appropriate action to stay in compliance with said rules, regulations, etc.

5. Develops and maintains internal and external working relationships for maximum effectiveness in serving Midwest Energy customers and communities. Ensure communication and exchange of information so as to present a positive corporate image, both internally and externally. Keep Midwest Energy leadership and management informed of issues that might impact the work environment.

Education and Experience

1. High school graduate or equivalent plus advanced trade knowledge equivalent to three years of apprenticeship. An applicable bachelor’s degree is desirable. A post-secondary degree is preferred.

2. A minimum of five to seven years of increasingly responsible experience in construction and maintenance of a gas utility or related industry.

3. Management, supervisory and human relations experience is desired.

Key Competencies

1. Knowledge of DOT Pipeline Safety Regulations, NFPA 54, EPA, and OSHA Rules and Regulations a must.

2. Familiarity with construction practices utilized in distribution and transmission work is required.

3. Demonstrated understanding of budgeting methods.

4. Must be able to acquire a knowledge of Corporation Commission Regulations and Midwest's construction specifications within six months of employment.

5. Skilled in the areas of organizing, planning, directing and controlling in the operation and supervision of the area.

6. Capable of meeting Midwest's goals through the implementation of work plans, etc.

7. Customer service skills and possess excellent writing, verbal and interpersonal skills.

8. Skilled in motivating, training and evaluating subordinates in order to obtain the highest degree of productivity, and be responsible for the development of individual capabilities.

9. The ability to effectively deal with consultants, vendors, subcontractors and other utility companies.

10. Strong analytical skills and must be proficient in the use of a personal computer (Microsoft Office Suite).

11. A valid Kansas driver’s license is required.

About Midwest Energy, Inc.

Midwest Energy, Inc is Kansas' largest energy cooperative, serving approximately 50,000 electric meters and 43,000 natural gas meters in 40 central and western Kansas counties. Headquartered in Hays, KS Midwest Energy is proud of its growth-oriented and entrepreneurial history. Midwest has 270 employees.

Connections working at Midwest Energy, Inc.