The Asset Protection Specialist position (APS) educates and interacts with field constructions crews on damage prevention best practices per the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act, promotes public awareness and safe digging outreach efforts, and performs QA/QC functions on contract and internal facility locators.  The successful candidate will have an emphasis in protecting company assets from third party damages or encroachments for all distribution and transmission facilities along with conducting locator quality audits to assist with the development of the in-house locating personnel. This is an operational role that oversees compliance to state and federal safety regulations and standards for Southern Company Gas and its subsidiaries.

Functional Expertise:

Serves as company Asset Protection liaison between excavators, municipalities, builders, developers, landowners, Regulatory Agencies, Contractors and/or their agents / contractors, etc. by responding to any issues or concerns.  Conduct quality audits in the field on completed locates and determine accuracy and timeliness of the services provided. Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures.  Coach and mentor locating and Right-of-Way contractors on Nicor Gas’ expectations to ensure compliance and quality is maintained while updating the required electronic systems.  Investigate 2nd and 3rd party excavation damages in the field and review the circumstances to determine the apparent cause, make liability assessments for the cost of the repair. (occasionally after hours) Conduct “Damage Prevention Presentations” in front of large audiences regarding damage prevention and safe digging around Nicor Gas facilities. Work with peer organizations to coordinate efforts and gain efficiencies. Conducts education sessions with locate contractors, excavators, landowners and homeowners regarding safe excavation practices.  Assess whether third party main damages are suspected violations of the Illinois Underground Utilities Facility Damage Prevention Act and prepare presentations that identify the apparent cause of a suspected violation of the law.  Review damage data, identify trends, and develop damage prevention action plans to enhance program performance.  Work with internal departments to improve the service provided by the Asset Protection team; (i.e., Resource Management, DIMP, Watch and Protect, Billing, etc.)  Conduct quality assessments on contract and internal locate technicians.  Evaluate field performance and conduct training assessments of the locate vendor’s program to address areas in need of change, ensure compliance to Nicor Gas’ company procedures.  Ensure Operator Re-Qualification documents are completed and updated daily. Audit contractor records and back-office processes to ensure compliance with Nicor standards for damage prevention. Administer Contractor Operator Qualification (training, testing and certification.)

Engagement:

Facilitate meetings related to Asset Protection contracts and projects.  Represent company at Local Damage Prevention meetings (occasionally after hours.). Evaluate and adjust to changing priorities on short notice and continue to meet stated deadlines.  Oversee and inspect right-of-way maintenance, remediation, mowing, and side trimming in assigned areas to ensure completion per Nicor Gas specifications.  Attend trade shows, industry committees and One-Call events as assigned (occasionally after hours.)

Driving Results:

Assist Management in the administration of Asset Protection contracts.  Monitor OQ and training documentation for contractors and Asset Protection employees.  Review quality issues with management and implement improvements to protect assets.  Possess the ability to act quickly and to prioritize the workload.  Take an objective view of the issues to identify the best approach when finding a resolution.  Represent Nicor Gas in a professional manner while exhibiting Southern Company Gas shared values. 

Business Acumen:

Engage with large project excavation contractors, audit safe digging practices, and monitor progress to protect assets.  Monitor and follow-up with locate contractor on daily ticket loads to prevent future damages.  Perform damage investigations on all gas main facilities where there is a release of gas.  Ensure the locate contractor performs quality damage investigations for all facility damages in a timely manner.

Education, Certifications/Licenses:

Required:

High School Diploma or GED  Valid Driver’s license

Preferred:

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent academic education and field experience

Related Work Experience:

Required:

3+ years of utility field operations experience within Gas Distribution and/or Transmission operations. Experience locating underground natural gas facilities Knowledge of IL State One-call Laws 

Preferred:

Experience with natural gas damage prevention Knowledge and experience with locating of natural gas facilities Experience performing damage investigations and determining at-fault causes Experience with locator testing and certification

Specific Skills & Knowledge:

Required:

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to multi-task, experience using Microsoft Office suite, leadership skills                                                  

Preferred:

Technical field knowledge of the gas distribution and/or transmission operating systems Knowledge and experience in handling natural gas emergencies   

 Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: 

A combination of physical and office work is required. Excessive driving up to four (4) hours at a time Overnight travel (10%-20%) Exposure to outdoor elements (rain, sun, heat, cold) Ability to lift up to 50 pounds