Gas OQ Coordinator

Description

Overview:

Kent Power is seeking a safety-minded gas operations professional to oversee and manage the Operator Qualification (OQ) process for our gas operations teams across Michigan. This role is critical to ensuring that our field employees are properly trained, qualified, and compliant with all regulatory and company standards. The Gas OQ Coordinator will facilitate training, administer evaluations, and maintain OQ compliance to support our commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Operator Qualification Program Management

• Administer and maintain Kent Power’s Operator Qualification (OQ) program to comply with 49 CFR Part 192 (Subpart N) and client-specific requirements.
• Conduct and evaluate OQ assessments, including written and practical, hands-on evaluations for gas construction employees.
• Proctor computer-based training sessions and conduct subsequent knowledge assessments
• Track, document, and manage recordkeeping of employee qualifications, ensuring all required certifications remain current with no lapses.
• Partner with project teams to ensure employees assigned to covered tasks meet OQ requirements prior to deployment.

Training and Employee Development

• Develop and deliver OQ training programs that align with company standards, client requirements, and industry regulations.
• Provide ongoing refresher training to ensure compliance with regulatory changes and reinforce employee knowledge.
• Coach field employees on best practices and address gaps in skills or understanding through personalized training plans.

Compliance and Field Oversight

• Conduct field audits and evaluations to verify adherence to OQ standards and identify areas for improvement.
• Support Kent Power field teams by serving as a technical resource for OQ-related tasks and processes.
• Collaborate with leadership and client representatives during OQ audits, assessments, and regulatory inspections.

Safety and Continuous Improvement

• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and accountability across all gas operations.
• Identify and address abnormal operating conditions (AOCs) and recommend corrective actions.
• Continuously review OQ processes and procedures to ensure alignment with industry standards, client expectations, and company goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of construction experience on gas distribution systems, with field expertise that includes, but is not limited to: Polyethylene pipeline construction and installation, excavation and backfill operations, application and repair of pipeline coatings, cathodic protection testing and maintenance, proof-pressure testing of gas systems, purging pipeline systems, pipe locating and marking.
• Proficient in the construction and maintenance of gas distribution systems and able to identify and appropriately respond to Abnormal Operating Conditions (AOCs) in the field.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Operator Qualification (OQ) program requirements for Gas Operators within the Kent Power service area.
• Must earn and maintain certification as an OQ Evaluator through approved programs (e.g., Energy Worldnet/EWN) as required by Gas Operators.
• Familiarity with federal regulations under Title 49, CFR Part 192, with specific emphasis on Subpart N – the Operator Qualification Rule.
• Proven communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage and educate field teams effectively.
• Ability to identify and correct improper practices or behaviors both in the field and within a classroom training environment.
• High school diploma required.