Damage Prevention Specialist I

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Under the general direction of the Supervisor - Damage Prevention, assists in the administration of all efforts directly related to City Utilities' damage prevention program, including locating and marking services of underground utility facilities, notification services provided by Missouri-811, excavator education and awareness, assuring that underground facilities are locatable, and assisting CU construction crews in any manner that will help efficiency and safety of employees. Assures the protection of the Utility and its Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Telecommunications, and Transit operations. Ensures accuracy of locates performed on High Profile gas facilities. Coordinates activities between contractors and various departments within CU to ensure Utility Standards and state and federal statutes are followed. Responsible for Public Safety relating to excavation practices by CU or contract crews and by the general public when excavating around CU facilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Ensures compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations that relate to underground facility safety and damage prevention.

2. Performs audits of location services performed by contractors, including High Profile locates, as described in City Utilities' Damage Prevention Program.

3. Documents improper excavation activities and reviews recommended action with management.

4. Develops and recommends processes and procedures to improve communications with and oversight of, excavation contractors working near CU facilities

5. Collects GPS pinpoint data to map underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric, gas, and water.

6. Coordinates with Engineering and Construction departments to properly identify placement of new underground utilities.

7. Assists with the coordination of the annual Missouri Common Ground Safety Summit.

8. Attends internal and external safety informational events.

9. Assists with the excavator education and awareness program, including curriculum development, workshop and seminar planning, and public speaking.

10. Audits newly installed underground facilities to ensure they are locatable and map records are accurate.

11. Works closely with contractors and utility locate companies to coordinate necessary resources to avoid buried infrastructure and ensure community safety.

12. Utilizing electronic detection equipment, locates and marks electric, natural gas, water, communication, traffic signal, and sanitary sewer facilities for excavators within CU service territory.

13. Assists with the Company training and applicable operator/locator qualification program and requirements.

14. Interfaces with emergency responders (police, fire, and Office of Emergency Management) during Base 5 events. Subsequently is responsible for reporting emergency and high-profile locates.

15. Assists with emergency scenarios, often first on scene.

16. Assists with field investigation of legal claims.

17. Uses various computer programs, including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, JOTS, CU Maps, and others.

18. Performs other related duties as required or assigned by management.

19. Actively supports all CU goals, processes, and standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

High school graduate or equivalent is required. Associates degree from an accredited college or university, including a vocational trade school, with at least 12 semester hours in Computer Information System, Construction, or related areas is preferred. A minimum of four years of locating and marking experience, including electric, natural gas, water, communication, traffic signal, and sanitary sewer is required. A minimum of four years of utility experience to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations is required.

Licensing/Certification:

A valid driver's license (minimum Class F) is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Proficient knowledge of:
o Underground facility locating by means of conductive locating equipment.
o Inductive locating equipment and map records.
o Utility-related construction skills.
o Educating/training program development skills; interpersonal skills, and effective communication (oral and written) skills.
o Missouri Statute 319 and Common Ground Alliance best practices.
* Ability to:
o Make reasoned, mature decisions without direct supervision.
o Meet deadlines and schedule work in a timely manner.
o Successfully navigate various electronic programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suites, other applicable information technology applications, and self-service platforms.
* Advanced problem-solving skills.
* Handle interaction with outside vendors and contractors in a professional manner.
* Work courteously with customers, co-workers, and individuals in other departments.
* Maintain adherence to all company policies.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and receive detailed information through oral communication. Substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, and close visual acuity to operate a computer. Bending and stooping may be required for filing and file retrieval. Position may require bending, stooping, pushing, and pulling. May require lifting to 50 pounds, on occasion. Must be able to remain calm, confident, and knowledgeable in a crisis situation.

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment. Field work in all weather conditions is frequently required.

Miscellaneous Requirements:

* May be required to work varying schedules during restoration efforts or other emergencies.
* Required to wear uniform clothing provided by City Utilities, including flame retardant/arc rated clothing. Management retains the right to require replacement due to wear or staining.
* Must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
* Employee must remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times and maintain the ability to respond to changing circumstances in a timely manner.
* Must be able to work successfully with diverse groups of people.

TESTING:
Testing may be required.