Department Summary
This position is within the Gas System Planning team that works with other groups to design Consumers Energy's gas distribution system. This group is responsible for the analysis of the gas distribution facilities using computer modeling. This position includes operations and engineering support to maintain and increase the reliability of the gas distribution system. This encompasses analysis of the gas distribution system to provide recommendations and options for replacements, retirements, augments, and new construction. The System Planning group determines how the gas distribution system is operated and improved
Job Description/Responsibilities
The person in this position will perform work that is complex and of a technical and scientific nature. This work will often be done without direct supervision, and require responding to complex customer inquiries (in person, through e-mail, via phone, etc.). The individual will provide analysis of the gas distribution system in order to provide recommendations and options for replacements, retirements, augments, and new construction. As part of the professional development in their role they will gain expertise concerning regulation facilities and proper over pressure protection.
The selected candidate will distill multiple sources of technical and policy information and make decisions affecting complex designs, capital spending, and system performance problems. The employee in this position anticipates the impact of actions and/or decisions on multiple systems and customers at large. The selected candidate generally follows standardized practices and procedures without guidance from higher-level employees. However, this position is expected to adapt and resolve issues utilizing creative thinking, as well as investigation and ingenuity beyond the normal practices and procedures.
Tasks
- Develop studies using the SynerGEE model and appropriate field validation data to determine cost effective solutions for the gas distribution system
- Prioritize System Planning work and interface with internal customers to resolve scheduling and system issues
- Contribute to improvements in the process to enhance and maintain the model
- Share on call duties to support after hours operations
- Utilize the Regulator Station Analysis program to document over pressure protection, regulation settings, and capacity for over 800 regulator stations and city gates as well as over 1200 regulator stands
- Coordinate with Geographic Information Management and related groups to ensure accurate data is used in the model
- Contribute to the System Planning model verification
- Continue to automate processes to increase efficiencies
- Be part of the team responsible for issuing the operating schedules and making sure they are accurate. This is the document that provides the pressures at which the system will operate.
- Respond to daily requests from groups that are planning work in the future that affect the distribution system, such as CAP and EIRP
Requirements/Qualification
- Possession of a two-year associates degree in a scientific or technical field is required.
- Strong background in GIS
- Must indicate an interest in and a demonstrated ability to deal with people on a regular basis, demonstrate strong communication skills, and have the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Employee must participate in the on call rotation for activities across the state.
- The candidate must also have a strong background in the Microsoft applications.
Preferred for selection:
- SynerGEE (Synergi) program knowledge
- Access background
- Oracle background
- Knowledge of the gas distribution system and its operation
- Regulation operations knowledge
This position will be located in Jackson, Michigan.
Position will be filled at the appropriate salary grade based upon skills, knowledge and experience of the selected candidate.
Essential Functions
Helps resolve system modeling issues and verification of data. Receives reports, natural gas facility diagrams, and correspondence; reviews, processes or; maintains documentation for reference. Performs other related duties as required. Review, edit, develop, manage, and interpret documents and drawings utilized for the purposes of maintaining, constructing, and removing equipment and facilities for gas distribution. Make design suggestions and provides options with regard to equipment and facilities utilized for gas distribution. Consults with supervisors, operators, technicians, subject matter experts and engineers to review gas distribution system needs, discuss problems, prioritize work, and provide technical expertise.
Hours and Travel
Meet travel requirements of the position. Work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings, weekends, holidays and overtime.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, or crouch. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Duties involve moving materials weighing up to 10 pounds on a regular basis such as pumps, valves, motors, gauges, other operating or lab equipment, books, paper, laptop computer, etc., and may infrequently require moving materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
