Lead Specialist, Pipeline Safety Management System (Natural Gas)

JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSEThe 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.ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSDevelop and execute a comprehensive plan to implement and mature API RP 1173 across the organization, including policy development, stakeholder engagement, governance structure, and trainingWork with Safety to align efforts for a company overarching plan reflecting similar elements affecting both API 1173 and ISO 45001Ensure alignment between PSMS, existing safety programs, and enterprise risk management frameworksOversee the daily operation and long-term strategy of the PSMS, ensuring alignment with the company's safety goals, operational risk profile, and regulatory requirementsMaintain documented PSMS elements, procedures, and records, consistent with API RP 1173 expectationsEstablish and manage mechanisms for performance monitoring, internal assessments, management review, and lessons learned, to promote continuous improvementFacilitate formal management review processes and document action items and follow-up activitiesFacilitate cross-functional collaboration between operations, engineering, safety, compliance, and executive leadership to embed safety practices into company culturePromote workforce engagement and encourage reporting of hazards, near misses, and safety concerns consistent with PSMS principlesDefine and track leading and lagging safety performance indicators. Report results to leadership and recommend corrective and preventive actions when necessaryAnalyze trends to identify systemic risks and opportunities for risk reductionDevelop and deliver training programs on PSMS elements. Communicate safety objectives and progress throughout all levels of the organizationSupport leadership development related to safety culture and accountabilitySupport risk identification, analysis, and mitigation strategies for pipeline operations in accordance with PSMS principlesCoordinate risk evaluations and ensure risk controls are documented, implemented, and periodically reviewedMonitor applicable federal and state pipeline safety regulations (e.g., PHMSA, state utility commissions) and ensure PSMS practices align accordinglySupport regulatory inspections and audits by preparing documentation and facilitating responses related to PSMS elementsLead internal and external PSMS audits, including preparation, facilitation, and response to findingsAssist in internal audits, continuous improvement, and corrective actions as identified during the department's audit processTrack and verify completion of corrective actions resulting from audits, assessments, and incident investigationsTravel throughout company operating area and industry conferences or training sessions.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSMinimum education required of the positionBachelor's degree in engineering, safety, or related fieldMinimum experience required of the position5+ years of experience in pipeline operations, safety, compliance, or safety management systems within a utility or energy sectorMinimum knowledge, skills, and abilities preferred of the positionIn-depth knowledge of API RP 1173 and pipeline safety regulations (e.g., 49 CFR Parts 191 and 192)Strong project management and organizational skillsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsAbility to lead cross-departmental initiatives and influence without direct authorityPSMS or API RP 1173 implementation experienceAbility to lead root-cause analysisAny certificates, licenses, etc. required for the positionPreferred: Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement certificationsPMP or equivalent certificationPhysical RequirementsAble to operate a personal computer, either desktop or laptop.Able to sit for extended periods of time.Able to operate a copy machine, fax machine, calculator, telephone and other miscellaneous office equipment.Able to exert up to 10 Lbs. of force occasionally, and /or a minimal amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push or otherwise move objects.Able to drive a vehicle for company businessWorking ConditionsThe Physical Demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the Accountabilities and Essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Perform other job-related duties as assigned, within your scope of responsibilities.Job duties are performed in a normal and clean office environment with normal noise levels.Work is predominately done while standing or sitting.The ability to comprehend, document, calculate, visualize and analyze are required.Able to work AM/PM shifts as needed with additional hours as the business demands.About Delta UtilitiesDelta Utilities is a natural gas utility headquartered in New Orleans that provides safe, reliable natural gas services across Louisiana and Mississippi. We understand the value of dependable energy and our important role in building stronger, more resilient communities. Delta Utilities is a $1.7 billion organization that represents 600,000 customers and is among the top 40 natural gas utilities in the United States.Delta Utilities acquired CenterPoint Energy's natural gas utility operations in Louisiana and Mississippi in April 2025 and acquired Entergy's natural gas utilities in Baton Rouge and New Orleans in July 2025.Delta Utilities is regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission, the Mississippi Public Service Commission, and the New Orleans City Council. We work closely with our regulatory agencies to deliver safe and reliable natural gas service and maintain fair rates for our customers.Learn more at .Delta Utilities and associated entities are equal opportunity employers. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis or any protected class under federal, state, or local law.#LI-TM1