Lead Specialist, Pipeline Safety Management System; Natural Gas

JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE

The Lead Specialist, Pipeline Safety Management System (PSMS) is responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company’s Pipeline Safety Management System in alignment with API Recommended Practice 1173 (API RP 1173). This role will champion a safety culture, drive organizational change, and support compliance with applicable regulations and industry best practices in natural gas distribution.

The Lead Specialist, PSMS serves as the program owner and central point of coordination for PSMS elements, ensuring integration with operational practices, risk management processes, and regulatory compliance requirements under 49 CFR Parts 191 and 192.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive plan to implement and mature API RP 1173 across the organization, including policy development, stakeholder engagement, governance structure, and training
• Work with Safety to align efforts for a company overarching plan reflecting similar elements affecting both API 1173 and ISO 45001
• Ensure alignment between PSMS, existing safety programs, and enterprise risk management frameworks
• Oversee the daily operation and long-term strategy of the PSMS, ensuring alignment with the company's safety goals, operational risk profile, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain documented PSMS elements, procedures, and records, consistent with API RP 1173 expectations
• Establish and manage mechanisms for performance monitoring, internal assessments, management review, and lessons learned, to promote continuous improvement
• Facilitate formal management review processes and document action items and follow-up activities
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between operations, engineering, safety, compliance, and executive leadership to embed safety practices into company culture
• Promote workforce engagement and encourage reporting of hazards, near misses, and safety concerns consistent with PSMS principles
• Define and track leading and lagging safety performance indicators. Report results to leadership and recommend corrective and preventive actions when necessary
• Analyze trends to identify systemic risks and opportunities for risk reduction
• Develop and deliver training programs on PSMS elements. Communicate safety objectives and progress throughout all levels of the organization
• Support leadership development related to safety culture and accountability
• Support risk identification, analysis, and mitigation strategies for pipeline operations in accordance with PSMS principles
• Coordinate risk evaluations and ensure risk controls are documented, implemented, and periodically reviewed
• Monitor applicable federal and state pipeline safety regulations (e.g., PHMSA, state utility commissions) and ensure PSMS practices align accordingly
• Support regulatory inspections and audits by preparing documentation and facilitating responses related to PSMS elements
• Lead internal and external PSMS audits, including preparation, facilitation, and response to findings
• Assist in internal audits, continuous improvement, and corrective actions as identified during the department’s audit process
• Track and verify completion of corrective actions resulting from audits, assessments, and incident investigations
• Travel throughout company operating area and industry conferences or training sessions.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, safety, or related field

• 5+ years of experience in pipeline operations, safety, compliance, or safety management systems within a utility or energy sector

• In-depth knowledge of API RP 1173 and pipeline safety regulations (e.g., 49 CFR Parts 191 and 192)
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to lead cross-departmental initiatives and influence without direct authority
• PSMS or API RP 1173 implementation experience
• Ability to lead root-cause analysis

• Preferred:
  • Lean, Six Sigma, or…