Technical Specialist I/II/Sr

This is a multi-level posting. Candidates may be considered for any of the levels posted, depending on their level of experience and depth of expertise. This position is also eligible for relcation assistance for qualified candidates.

The purpose of this position is to provide advanced specialized technical assistance and training to field operations, engineering and technical services departments for the evaluation, design, installation and repair of automation, power distribution, communications and fire and gas detection systems; lead project teams in field automation projects and prioritize capital projects for budgeting purposes.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, technology, business administration or related field; or equivalent work experience. (Typically six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree). 
  • Technical Specialist I - Three or more years of related technical controls and electrical experience.
  • Technical Specialist II - Five or more years of related technical controls and electrical experience.
  • Sr Technical Specialist - Eight or more years of related technical controls and electrical experience. 
• Must have high level technical writing skills to prepare reports relative to incident investigations, technical bulletins, project justifications and other reporting requirements. 
• Must be well versed in multiple PLC software and hardware platforms; i.e.: Rockwell Control Logix 5, and Rockwell Factory Talk View.
• Must be able to prepare technical presentations for senior management review. 
• Must have advanced technical skills related to wide area computer networks and server-based control systems and controls related communication protocols including Modbus, Ethernet; ControlNet and DeviceNet.
• Must be able to handle rapidly shifting priorities and multiple projects concurrently and work in a functional team with peers geographically dispersed throughout the pipeline system. 
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills to effectively operate in a team-oriented environment with a willingness to support team objectives. 
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills to work closely with field teams and other customers and coordinate work with other appropriate technical resources. 
• Must have critical thinking and decision-making skills to develop and present technical recommendations; strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; and be able to resolve complex problems under stressful situations. 
• Must have strong project management skills and ability to lead technical project team. 
• Must posses a high level of commitment and personal initiative. 
• Subject to callout 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
• Position may require considerable overnight travel (15-20%). 
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.

• Provide advanced technical guidance to field operations controls, measurement, mechanical and pipeline technicians relative to automation, power distribution, communications and fire and gas detection systems relative to day-to-day operations. 
• Work with engineering and construction, field operations and technical services departments to ensure effective design, installation and operation of automation, power distribution, communications and fire and gas detection systems for new construction projects meet NNG standards and governmental and industry codes. 
• Review and update, if required, Northern operating procedures and engineering standards relative to automation, power distribution, communications and fire and gas detection systems. 
• Review programming changes for programmable logic controllers and human machine interfaces relative to the change control process. 
• Identify and develop process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiencies of system operation relative to automation, power distribution, communications and fire and gas detection systems. 
• Develop scope documents to be used for budgeting purposes for automation, power distribution, communications and fire and gas detection projects. 
• Develop project cost estimates and resource allocation plans for identified reliability projects. 
• Create and maintain audit questions and perform facility audits relative to automation, power distribution, communications and fire and gas detection systems using Northern standards and governmental and industry codes and recommend corrective actions. 
• Work with the Northern training department to develop training, assessment and verification questions and plans. 
• Present classroom training to field technicians and engineering departments for controls related topics. 
• Perform skill training, assessment and verification for field operations technicians. 
• Perform occasional project management responsibilities.  
• Perform any additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. 

Pay Range: $77,200 - $127,500