Specialist/Laboratory Services

The Specialist/Laboratory Services develops, manages and executes material investigation analytical activities and new materials testing activities for integrity management programs and technical analytical activities to support Distribution Integrity Management, Construction operations, Customer Service operations, Transmission Integrity Management, Engineering Services, Technical Services and Materials Management. In addition, the incumbent will have responsibility for training and interface activities necessary for completing lab duties and tasks with all five Divisions and Great Basin.

QUALIFICATIONS

There are clear precedents and practices that the incumbent uses as guidelines to determine how this job is performed. The incumbent will have a strong technical background in the areas of construction, corrosion control, or engineering. The position requires five to eight years of relevant work experience in the areas of transmission pipeline construction and field design, general pipeline construction and inspection, construction policy and procedure development, cathodic protection methods, and corrosion surveys and inspections. Thorough knowledge of the tools, equipment and special instrumentation needed for the field/lab activities is required. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Electron Microscope, Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) are some examples of the equipment that this position will need to use in the performance of their work.

The incumbent must be able to communicate clearly in writing and orally. The incumbent's skills will have a strong influence on the accuracy of the field/lab data required for regulatory compliance and impacts the integrity of the pipeline system.

POSITION DIMENSIONS

This position does not have accountability for SWG employees but will have responsibilities for project management activities requiring interface and task requests of both exempt and non-exempt operations personnel including managers, supervisors, engineers, crew leaders and others. Outside the Company, the incumbent will have contact with vendors, contractors, and contractor management but may have oversight of a variety of contract personnel. This position is accountable for his/her budget and has oversight of contracts related to the assigned work. This position has frequent interaction with both exempt and non-exempt operations personnel including managers, supervisors, engineers, crew leaders and others. Outside the Company, the incumbent has frequent contact with vendors, contractors, and contractor management.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Keep current on Company policies and procedures, state and federal regulatory requirements, and safety regulations that are applicable to the work being performed
• Develop and conduct training related to material investigations
• Prepare the necessary training props, visual aids and manuals for effective training sessions
• Organize and prioritize the lab activities in an efficient manner
• Communicate lab material investigations effectively to all Divisions and Great Basin
• Provide input into tool, equipment, and instrument selection and application
• Provide input into policies, procedures and processes related to material investigations
• Interface with Purchasing, Gas Operations Support Staff, and Information Services
• Maintain liaison with suppliers and manufacturers in order to evaluate their gas carrying products
• Assist with providing details and analysis results for lab responses to division inquiries concerning material investigations and materials analysis
• Attend industry and association schools to improve knowledge and skills for materials analysis and testing
• Investigate and analyze pipe and material failures including laboratory testing of failed components
• Test materials and equipment in compliance with DOT rules and regulations
• Test and approve new installation methods and pipe joining procedures
• Prepare material failure trending queries
• Develop lab appliance procedures for analyzing and testing of materials and equipment
• Perform specialized tests and apparatus as required
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned
• Regular and predictable attendance is a condition of employment and is an essential function of the job

SALARY DETAILS

Las Vegas: $82,926 - $120,278

At Southwest Gas, attracting the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company. We use flexibility to develop competitive compensation offers to ensure we are able to hire the best candidates. The quoted salary range represents the minimum and maximum of the pay range for the position. It is provided as a good faith estimate as to what our ideal candidates are likely to expect, as we tailor our offers within the range based on the selected candidate's experience, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills and other factors that may prove relevant during the interview and selection process.