Process Safety Specialist / Engineer

Description

DESCRIPTION

Job Summary:

The Process Safety Engineer/Specialist effectively administers Southern Company Gas’ (GAS) Process Safety program, primarily for liquified natural gas, propane and natural gas storage in Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and California. This position is responsible for the development, management, and administration of Process Safety Management (PSM) corporate policies and procedures for applicable business units such as Peaking Operations, Midstream Operations, Gas Supply Operations, etc. This position functions as a program/project manager for PSM activities such as process hazard assessments, change management, and start-up safety reviews to ensure the safety and reliability of Southern Company Gas facilities, equipment, and processes.

An ideal employee works independently on complex assignments that require specialized knowledge in an engineering or process safety discipline as well as leveraging others to ensure project completion. Assigned tasks often involve the development of new or improved products/processes or techniques.

Additionally, this position provides Occupational Safety support to the Storage & Peaking Organization.

Functional Expertise:

•Reviews and internalizes OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) and DOT regulations into corporate PSM programs and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance while mitigating the chance of operational upsets.

•Serves as subject matter expert (SME) to internal GAS business units and departments on matters of PSM and other Safety & Health-related programs and policies.

•Conducts safety learning events and facilitates corrective and preventive actions for process and occupational safety incidents.

•Facilitates Process Hazard Analyses for both existing and new construction facilities and equipment. Facilitates the development of design options/recommendations to improve system optimization. Assesses feasibility of engineering solutions.

•Facilitates Pre-Startup Safety Reviews for new construction projects, equipment replacement projects, and significant changes to existing facilities.

•Facilitates Management of Change within Process Safety.

•Provides content for training of employees pertaining to process safety programs and standards and conducts training in some cases when a subject matter expert is needed.

Business Acumen:

•Assists Operations with maintaining compliance documentation such as process hazard analyses reports, pre-startup safety review checklists, management of change documentation, and other process safety related records.

•Counsels and informs business leaders on new or modified process safety and other Safety & Health regulations and the effects of the regulations on company policies and work practices. Anticipates and identifies obstacles/issues that put projects at risk; develops and obtains buy-in for corrective actions.

•Audits Operations groups against the corporate occupational and process safety policies and guidelines.

•Reviews and presents on safety-related metrics such as process safety, occupational safety, and motor vehicle accidents. Evaluates process safety and occupational safety incidents to recommend corrective and preventive actions.

•Work with internal and external peers to identify best practices to further the company’s safety program.

Engagement:

•Serves as a project manager; assists in determining project objectives on the development of a comprehensive project design, outlines project requirements, assigns tasks, coordinates project activities with other operating units to facilitate participation of appropriate staff on project, supervises progress to ensure objectives are met.

•Collaborates with Operations business units and other support departments such as Engineering to effectively apply process safety guidelines and ensure the safety and reliability of company assets and processes.

•Collaborates with Peaking Operations, Midstream Services, Gas Supply, Damage Prevention and Corrosion teams and other departments to meet the requirements of the DOT Control Room Management guidelines.

•Demonstrates good communication and interpersonal skills at all levels within the Company necessary to guide business units and individuals with respect to process safety and other Safety & Health issues. Develops and conducts presentations for business and safety meetings, safety committee meetings, safety summits, and other presentations on process safety related standards and policies. Partners with other key business units (e.g., Engineering, Regulatory, Technical Services) to ensure all incidents / accidents are logged and recorded appropriately and relevant data is recorded and documented.

•Motivates and encourages development of a safety culture by facilitating focus group exercises (e.g., Hazard Analyses, Safety Culture Assessments, Safety Committee Exercises, Job Hazard Assessments)

•Conducts safety inspections of Company facilities to measure adherence to Company policies. Assist with development of corrective and preventive actions to improve safety performance.

Driving Results:

•Develops, implements, and administers the process safety management programs (e.g., Management of Change, Process Hazard Analyses, Incident Investigations, Mechanical Integrity); Directs process safety programs and projects by developing measurements and qualification processes and maintaining databases that support the programs.

•Conducts safety compliance assessments. Create assessment reports with summaries of observations and corrective actions. Drive the business units to correct deficiencies by conducting follow-up meetings with the business leaders.

•Directs and oversees investigations of Safety & Health incidents, particularly higher severity injuries and process safety incidents. Monitor implementation of corrective and preventive actions to prevent further incidents.

•Ensures Company operations achieve and maintain compliance with applicable safety laws and regulations and existing safety policies and procedures.

•Takes personal responsibility to ensure that compliance is achieved with high quality and efficiency.

•Monitors Process Safety and Occupational Safety & Health compliance, evaluate trends and provide reports to business units and company leaders.

•Provides sound business decisions and recommendations in a timely manner with appropriate sense of urgency. Directs process safety support in a way that adds value; provides customers with options and helps customers understand the benefits of applying PSM guidelines to projects and processes.

•Develops and maintains process safety and other Occupational Safety & Health-related policies and manuals to ensure compliance with regulations and company standards.

Education, Certifications/Licenses:

Required:

•BA/BS degree in Engineering, Process Safety, Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene or other related technical or science degree

Preferred:

•Certification such as CPSA (Certified Process Safety Auditor), PE (Professional Engineer), CSP (Certified Safety Professional), PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent

Or

•Equivalent academic education and experience

Related Work Experience: Required:

•5-7 years of progressive Engineering and Process Safety experience

Preferred:

•Practical experience for field application of safety programs.

•Working knowledge of OSHA & FMSCA regulations and programs.

•Conducting safety-related assessments and inspections.

•Safety-related regulation interpretation and developing appropriate corporate safety policies.

•Use and configuration of compliance software systems and databases.

•Safety-related training and presentations.

OR:

•Equivalent academic education and experience

Specific Skills& Knowledge:

Required:

•Working knowledge of applicable Federal and State regulations (e.g., OSHA, FMSCA)

•Ability to manage multiple projects with limited supervision

•Ability to understand and analyze legislation and regulation and translate into corporate policy

•Strong leadership skills

•Strong verbal and written communication skills Knowledge of safe work practices and procedures Strong presentation and team facilitation skills

•MS Office Suite - intermediate proficiency, ability to learn other databases and technology tools quickly

•Project management skills

•Strong organizational and time management skills

•Competency to work independently, to be a self-starter, and take initiative

•Ability to influence and persuade in decision making

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

•Travel requirements: Regular (20-50% travel) Traveler: The incumbent may be required to travel on a regular basis. Trips will likely require air travel and/or overnight stay away from home for one or more nights.

•On-call duties: Must be able to respond to urgent Safety & Health issues when contacted on mobile communication device as issues arise including after hours.

•Physical demands: Prolonged Standing or Walking – This position frequently requires prolonged standing or walking.

•Work environment: The incumbent works in an office environment and may be exposed to varying outdoor weather conditions when working with field operations, conducting facility inspections, facilitating assessments, etc.

Southern Company Gas provides for the energy needs of millions of U.S. households and businesses. As the largest natural gas-only distribution company in the United States, with more than 150 years of history behind us, we're working to ensure that Americans have access to an abundant, safely delivered supply of natural gas for decades to come. We offer our customers a wide range of energy services under one umbrella: seven regulated utilities as well as non-regulated businesses that offer retail, wholesale and storage services.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy company serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries as of Jan. 1, 2019. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services . Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices below the national average. For more than a century, we have been building the future of energy and developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, advanced carbon capture technologies, natural gas, renewables, energy efficiency and storage technology. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation and a low-carbon future, Southern Company and its subsidiaries develop the customized energy solutions our customers and communities require to drive growth and prosperity. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and govern our business to the benefit of our world. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have been recognized nationally by the U.S. Department of Defense, G.I. Jobs magazine, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, Forbes and the Women's Choice Award. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Type: Standard

Primary Location: Georgia-Metro Atlanta-Atlanta

Operating Company: Southern Company Gas

Job Type: Standard

Travel (Up to...): Yes, 25 % of the Time

Work Location(s):

Southern Company Gas Headquarters (10Atlanta)

10 Peachtree Place

Atlanta, 30309

Req ID: ASC2000154