Field Ops Planner

Overview

Oversee operational aspects of the damage prevention program, including planning and managing resources needed to achieve timely mark out requests and to prevent damage to the Company's gas and electric underground facilities. Coordinates the daily assignments and activities of Gas Operations Damage Prevention company and contractor resources, working diligently with the Operating Supervisors to achieve the department and company goals. Ensures that these activities are performed in accordance with applicable safety and environmental instructions and procedures, operating procedures and engineering specifications, in order to affect the safe, timely, efficient and reliable installation, maintenance, repair and inspection of the gas distribution system and associated equipment. Ensures compliance with all laws, regulations, Company policies and appropriate industry standards.

Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

• Oversees Gas Operations programs and activities, ensuring compliance with safety standards, procedures, and system reliability requirements.
• Leads damage prevention efforts, conducts root cause analyses, tracks repeat offenders, and implements corrective actions.
• Promotes a proactive, customer-centric culture to build trust and enhance stakeholder value.
• Meets with excavators on large projects to assess locating needs and educates them on safe digging practices.
• Administers safety and environmental procedures, ensuring adherence to regulations and promoting excellence.
• Plans, schedules, and assigns personnel to optimize productivity and meet operational goals.
• Investigates and recommends new methods and technologies for locating and damage prevention.
• Provides guidance on work rules, safety practices, and conducts training programs for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensures compliance with company policies and governmental regulations and liaises with agency representatives.
• Oversees ticket management systems, analyzes data trends, and produces reports using tools such as Power BI.
• Leads educational outreach efforts, collaborates with communications teams, and represents the company at public events and conferences.
• Assists the Section Manager, participates in emergency management, and handles special projects as needed.

Qualifications

Required Education/Experience

• Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years Related work experience in Damage Prevention, engineering, or the operation and maintenance of a gas distribution system, or equivalent operations experience. or
• Associate's Degree and 4+ years Related work experience in Damage Prevention, engineering, or the operation and maintenance of a gas distribution system, or equivalent operations experience. or
• High School Diploma/GED and 5+ years Related work experience in Damage Prevention, engineering, or the operation and maintenance of a gas distribution system, or equivalent operations experience.

Relevant Work Experience

• Must have a minimum of three years of supervisory experience, required.
• Must demonstrate computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and well as related Company systems. required.
• Must have demonstrated a high work ethic, possess strong decision-making skills, have the ability to work independently, be flexible to handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines, required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including comfortability with public speaking and presentation delivery, required.
• Must have the ability to direct the activities of a large group in an effective and harmonious manner and work with all levels of management and union personnel, vendors and contractors, required.
• Must be able to balance priorities, handle multiple assignments and take decisive action, required.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to foster a team spirited work environment in support of the Company's Corporate Values and Mission, required.
• Must fulfill the requirements of the Operator Qualification for the assigned area of supervision within 1 year of accepting the position, required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and the ability and willingness to work and travel within the Company's service territory, required.
• Working knowledge of gas distribution system, operations, maintenance and/or damage prevention work methods, required.
• Ability to think critically and apply analytical skills including determining root cause analysis following events/damages, required.
• Proficient in the use with Oracle, Ticket Management System, and Web based systems, preferred
• Knowledge of Regulatory gas transmission and distribution codes and requirements, preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Driver's License Required

Additional Physical Demands

• Must be able to respond to Company emergencies by performing a System Emergency Assignment to restore service to our customers.
• Must respond to system emergencies.
• Work is conducted outside, in varied conditions and terrain including adverse weather conditions, working in areas of limited space, and in a shared office environment. Must work at field locations in all weather conditions.
• Must perform extended driving through heavy traffic and severe off-road conditions.
• Must work with and in the vicinity of high voltage and/or other high-energy systems.
• Must be on a rotating weekly standby within Damage Prevention to oversee damage response.
• At times, requires working long hours in response to damage situations.
• Work requires sitting, walking, standing, bending, stair climbing, completion of paperwork, using a telephone and computer and attending meetings.
• Must travel to company locations and within the service territory to work, to training, or for storm restoration and system emergencies.
• Must wear all necessary personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including; fire retardant clothing and safety harness.
• This position is subject to drug and alcohol testing as required by the Department of Transportation.