Work assignments are varied and require both field and office technical review and inspection work to determine that pipeline systems and operators are in conformance with the law. Employees in this class series conduct detailed review and inspections of the design, construction, modification, operation, and maintenance of hazardous liquid pipeline systems and operators; investigate pipeline accidents; provide technical advice for the development, implementation and revision, as needed, of State and local emergency response plans as related to hazardous liquid pipelines and train first-in response personnel; and do other related work.

This is the entry, training, and full journey level in the series. Under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform the more routine and less complex technical review and inspection work. Under general supervision, as a full journey level, incumbents independently perform the more difficult and complex field and office technical review and inspection work for ensuring the compliance with pipeline safety laws and regulations.

This is the supervisory level of the series. Incumbent(s) have supervisory responsibility for staff within an assigned geographic area of the State or have supervisory  responsibility for difficult, sensitive, or statewide pipeline safety projects.

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a major in civil, chemical, mechanical, or petroleum engineering. (Registration as a senior in a recognized institution will admit applicants to the examination but they must produce evidence of graduation or its equivalent before they can be considered eligible for appointment.) Work experience performing responsible engineering duties in hazardous liquid, petroleum, or natural gas pipeline safety may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

One year of experience in California state service performing the duties of a Pipeline Safety Engineer, Range C.

Experience: Four years of experience performing responsible engineering duties in hazardous liquid, petroleum, or natural gas pipeline safety. and Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a major in civil, chemical, mechanical, or petroleum engineering. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Knowledge of: Engineering terminology, materials, and methods of pipeline construction; engineering mathematics; fire protection principles and practices; safety precautions involved in hazardous liquid pipeline activities; principles of combustion and causes of fire; basic electrical principles for cathodic protection; State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations relating to pipeline safety; fundamentals of engineering as applied to fire protection and pipeline safety work; hydrostatic testing.

 

Ability to: Make engineering computations, analyze data, prepare charts and graphs; establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the work; speak effectively and prepare clear, concise, and well-documented reports; analyze situations accurately; identify problems and recommend effective course of action; accurately read and interpret laws, codes, and regulations; identify pipeline hazards and code violations; evaluate new technological advances within the pipeline industry; evaluate justification for waivers; train and provide guidance to less experienced staff; evaluate qualifications of higher risk pipelines; assist the Division in appeals proceedings; inspect hazardous liquid pipelines to ensure compliance with all Federal and State laws; handle difficult inspections/ accident investigations; evaluate hydrostatic testing procedures and testing results for compliance.

Knowledge of: All of the above, and principles and techniques of personnel management and supervision, including employer-employee relations; potential work hazards encountered during the performance of field duties; State Pipeline Mapping System; specialized industry equipment; the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; a supervisor's role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program and the processes available to meet equal employment opportunity objectives.

 

Ability to: All of the above, and effectively plan and organize work assignments; review and evaluate the work of subordinates and give guidance in work methods and procedures; counsel subordinates regarding disciplinary problems; respond as first line supervisor to employee grievances; effectively contribute to the Department's equal employment opportunity objectives.

Willingness to work throughout the State and at unusual hours, evenings, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; may be on 24-hour call; alertness and keenness of observation; wear job-required attire and personal protection equipment; possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles and good driving record. Applicants who do not possess the license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment.