Asset Protection Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The purpose of this position is to protect company assets from damages, encumbrances and encroachments on all distribution and transmission pipelines, their associated abutments, land rights-of-way and easement rights. This is an operational role that requires ensuring compliance is maintained with state, federal and corporate pipeline safety regulations and standards for AGL Resources (AGLR) and subsidiaries.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES BY COMPETENCY

Functional Expertise:

• Serves as company Asset Protection liaison between excavators, municipalities, builders, developers, landowners, logging operators, AGL Contractors and/or their agents / contractors, etc. by responding to any issues or concerns.     
• Conduct quality audits on locate contractors and right-of-way contractors to ensure compliance and quality is maintained while updating the required electronic system.           
• Conducts all 2nd and 3rd party damage investigations and provides thorough and accurate damage reports to be submitted to the Virginia State Corporation Committee.  Determines root cause of damages and address issues with locate contractor or excavator on site and provides training as necessary.
• Serve as liaison to the excavating community, internal stakeholders and locators by resolving Difficult to Locate Issues to ensure a proper locate is completed and no down time claim occurs.
• Conducts education sessions with locate contractors, excavators, landowners and homeowners regarding protecting assets.   
• Monitor and coordinate compliance and safety issues for locating, right-of –way maintenance and submerged crossings. Stand by when any work is being performed on or near AGLs High Profile facilities by 2nd or 3rd party excavators.
• Conduct inspections of the right-of-way per Federal Code192 requirements, installing pipeline markers as required and documenting issues in the required electronic system where the incumbent follows up on the issues until resolved.
• Coordinate submerged crossing inspections, blasting and excavation activities on and off our Right-of-Ways to protect AGL assets.
• Respond to Asset Protection High Profile facilities, incidents and emergencies on and off our Right-of-Ways.
• Monitor monthly compliance reports to ensure resolution, i.e., aerial patrol, etc.
• Locates gas mains on the Right-of-ways per AGLs construction policy for AGL Contractors.
• Meet with excavators to resolve field conflicts           
• Follow Company Standard ROW procedures ensuring proper forms are utilized and records remain up-to-date, i.e., encroachment agreements, right-of-way patrols and maps, etc.
• Monitor and work with the Locate contractor to correct performance.

Business Acumen:

• Attend large project pre-con meetings and monitor progress to protect assets.      
• Monitor and follow-up on daily ticket load to prevent future damages.         
• Assist with damage investigations at time of damage or during research.   
• Conducts research on easement and encroachment issues.           

Engagement: 

• Represent company at Local Damage Prevention meetings.
• Oversee and inspect all right-of-way maintenance, remediation, mowing and side trimming in assigned area to ensure it has been completed to AGL specifications.
• Support Trade Show, Industry Committees and One Call events regarding Asset Protection.

Driving Results:

• Ensure compliance and requirements are met relating to contracts, patrols, inspections and audits.
• Ensure required Asset Protection documentation through Compliance Tracking Systems and SharePoint Sites or other electronic means remain up-to-date.
• Review quality issues with management and implement improvements to protect assets.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Certifications/Licenses: 

Required:

• High school diploma or GED with a State driver's license.

Preferred: 

• Associates /BA/BS degree with a Real Estate Appraisal License or equivalent academic education and field operations experience.

Related Work Experience:

Required: 

• Minimum of 3 years utility field operations experience or related work experience 

Preferred: 

• 2 years’ experience in Locating Natural Gas. 

Specific Skills & Knowledge: 

Required:

• Knowledge of quality assurance concepts, Computer literacy - basic proficiency
• Well-developed interpersonal skills including influencing and/or negotiation, Operator Qualified in accordance with Company Plan: the ability to obtain within required timeline.

Preferred: 

• Knowledge of easement rights, engineering, locating and surveying principles, knowledge and 
• experience with AGL pipeline system, knowledge of real estate terminology; knowledge of terms used by developers and Bilingual skills.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: 

• Stooping, kneeling, reaching above and below shoulders; frequent bending
• Climbing in and out of manholes
• Extensive digging
• Carrying equipment up to 30 lbs.
• Walking long distances to inspect facilitates
• Walk up to 5 miles per day
• Exposure to outdoor elements (rain, sun, heat, cold)
• 95% of time is spent in the field
• Subject to after-hours callouts to respond to damages or high-profile emergency situations