Manager, Technical Field Operations

*** Can be filled at any Delta Utilities office throughout Louisiana and Mississippi***

Provides direction and leadership in the development and implementation of plans and policies to efficiently manage activities related to technical field operations. Specifically manages corrosion control, leakage detection, valve inspection, pressure regulation, odorization, and measurement activities for gas operations. Actively works with regulatory agencies, engineers, customers, and technical specialists to maintain the existing system infrastructure and ensure accurate measurement, odorization, and pressure regulation of gas.

• Oversee all aspects of technical field operations (TFO) in the areas of leak survey, cathodic protection, valve inspection, leak survey and investigation, field SCADA, pressure regulation, odorization, and high‑pressure metering activities in a gas region to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Responsible for leading and fostering safe work practices for assigned work group, including being a champion for safety to others.
• Oversee the development of a staff of technical supervisors and craft workers to ensure annual performance reviews are completed, implement and assure completion of all required training for department personnel, and support development of employees for future job growth.
• Manage all regulatory reviews/audits of system records and respond to all regulatory data requests. Ensure that all maintenance plans are created and implemented in compliance with regulatory or code requirements.
• Develop, implement, and modify as necessary annual and long‑range TFO plans that ensure all required programs are completed, efficiencies are gained, new technology is deployed, and costs are managed in order to maximize corporate earnings.
• Review staffing requirements on a regular basis to ensure that all mandated and maintenance work is completed in a timely manner, which includes procuring and managing contract resources as needed.
• Create scopes of work for the use of contractors to supplement work activities as needed. Monitor the performance and general use of contractors ensuring they meet all company operator qualifications and safety requirements.
• For leak surveys, ensure all main and service surveys are completed according to schedule, evaluate new technology and process improvements, and ensure audit issues are addressed as necessary.
• For cathodic protection, review major project needs (i.e., ground beds), review all steel jobs for cathodic protection design, evaluate new technology and process improvements, and ensure audit issues are addressed as necessary.
• For measurement, oversee the installation and troubleshooting of all large meter stations, odorization equipment, field SCADA equipment, and associated electronics; ensure that lost and unaccounted‑for gas issues are addressed; investigate and support resolution of large volume billing errors and equipment issues.
• Develop a productive working relationship with the local union where necessary and negotiate changes to processes and procedures as needed.
• Work with operations and engineering departments to resolve issues, address regulatory needs, and provide technical expertise in the TFO area.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field of study from an accredited college or university or a combination of education and related experience totaling at least 8 years

• Minimum of 7 years of gas distribution industry experience, with a background in engineering, operations, cathodic protection, measurement, or leak survey.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a leadership capacity, experience can run concurrently.

• Able to demonstrate and apply strong analytical skills
• Able to research, evaluate, solve problems with logical solutions, and make sound decisions
• Able to demonstrate and apply strong organizational skills with the ability to handle a heavy work volume within time…