Gas Controller I

Job Summary

The Gas Controller 1 learns and performs the duties of a Gas Controller 2, in accordance with the requirements detailed in Central Gas Control’s Gas Controller training program while under the direction of qualified control room personnel.  A Gas Controller 1 learns to monitor and control facilities on the UGI and UGIES facilities including gas and liquids lines using the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and the liquids system Ignition system on a 24 hour basis.

The Gas Controller 1 learns the alarm response protocols require to effectively dispatch resources to resolve routine and emergency system alarms on the system.  

Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive training on each of the sections detailed in the Gas Controller training OQ program and focus on the key elements and required training sections detailed in the training program.  Work on shift for 9 months with a qualified controller to gain operational knowledge and system operations experience.
• Under the direction of a qualified controller learn to use the tools available and the SCADA System to operate the facilities on each of the UGI and UGIES systems managed by the control room.  Operate the controls on each system in SCADA and make control setpoint adjustments as needed in order to maintain system integrity and to meet system balancing supply goals.
• Learn to monitor and respond to safety and non-safety alarms on of each of the UGI and UGIES  systems monitored by the control room in accordance with the documented alarm response protocols for each facility.  Learn to use the tools and procedures available and in SCADA to diagnose alarms for pressures, temperatures and communications and other alarms that may indicate leaks on system lines, failure of control, instrumentation, or delivery systems and affect system integrity.  Evaluate all alarms and respond as required by communicating issues with the appropriate resource in order to resolve the issue.  Learning to effectively communicate issues clearly to dispatch, M&R, Telemetry, LNG, Compressor or pipeline company personnel ensures that issues are resolved in a timely manner.
• Learn to use the Operator message log to document system related field and pipeline resource activities and all alarm response activity.  The controller 1 is trained on Gas Control’s Operator message log procedure detailing the information and logging requirements.  Maintain and update each systems hourly and daily logs detailing system activities, flow data and gas supply plans and system operations in a conscientious manner with attention to detail.     
• Learn to navigate each pipeline suppliers electronic bulletin board to review and confirm each pipelines scheduled delivery volume (Total Daily Entitlements TDE).  Learn to use the tools available in SCADA and the weather and send out forecasts information from Gasday to prepare detailed system load estimates and how to adjust flow or pressure control setpoints at any remotely controlled stations to affect a shift in distribution system loads that may be required to maintain system integrity and to facilitate the balancing of gas day activities.  
• Complete training on Gas Control’s policies and procedures for system operations, alarm response protocols along with completing fatigue management training and tasks outlined in Gas Control’s Controller training program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work a 24 hour by 7 day rotating shift schedule, manage stressful situations and respond under pressure and manage fatigue by applying fatigue management principles to both on-duty and off-duty habits and behaviors. 
• Understanding of standard PC applications, Word, Excel, SharePoint and ability to navigate Internet sites.
• Ability to participate in a 9 to 13 month training program required to become a fully qualified controller.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills.  Ability to accurately record and share information received into Gas Control’s Operator Message log and with internal and external resources.
• Requires strong problem-solving skills and possess the ability to adjust plans to meet changing system and operational conditions. 
• Ability to complete Operator Qualification in Remote Pressure and Flow Control, and SCADA Alarm Response and system operation.
• Possess a general knowledge and understanding of the UGI and UGIES systems, area geography, Company call-out procedures, emergency response procedures for both Gas Supply and Operations.
• Must live within 1 hour of the primary and backup control centers.

Education and Experience

• Associate Degree or equivalent technical training and/or experience.
• At least 2-6 years of utility operations experience.