Contractor Compliance Spec 2 or 3
Contractor Compliance Spec 2 or 3
Non-Union Position
Contractor Management 2; Portland, Oregon (US-OR)
Hybrid schedule available for Oregon & Washington residents.
Regular FT, Exempt
Posting # 5689
About Us:
At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry.
In addition to environmental stewardship, we’re also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility.
NOTE:
This hybrid position is based at our headquarters in downtown Portland, Oregon. Candidates must reside within commuting distance of the office or be willing to relocate to the Portland metropolitan area. Employees are required to work onsite Tuesdays through Thursdays each week, with remote work flexibility on Mondays and Fridays, subject to business needs. This schedule supports collaboration, connection, and team engagement while providing flexibility for focused remote work.
Position Summary:
The Leakage Program Manager is responsible for strategic oversight, regulatory compliance, contractor management, scheduling, quality assurance, and performance execution of NW Natural's Leakage Survey Program throughout Oregon and Washington. This role ensures leakage survey, atmospheric corrosion inspection, transmission survey, marker post, valves, customer access, and related compliance activities are completed safely, accurately, and within required timeframes. The position serves as the primary liaison between NW Natural and contracted leakage service providers and is accountable for program planning, contractor performance, data integrity, budget management, reporting, and continuous improvement.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Manage NW Natural's leakage survey, atmospheric corrosion, pipeline patrol, marker post inspection, and related compliance programs across the service territory.
- Develop annual and multi-year compliance strategies, work plans, and survey schedules to ensure regulatory requirements are completed within required timeframes.
- Oversee distribution, transmission, high-pressure pipeline leakage surveys, and contractor valve programs to ensure timely and compliant completion.
- Coordinate annual planning, quarterly work releases, resource allocation, and completion tracking while identifying and mitigating schedule, staffing, and operational risks.
- Manage contractor performance, including staffing levels, productivity, work quality, safety compliance, field accountability, and adherence to NW Natural standards and procedures.
- Validate contractor qualifications, Operator Qualification (OQ) records, training documentation, ISNetworld requirements, and regulatory compliance obligations.
- Conduct field audits, quality inspections, safety observations, and corrective action follow-up to ensure program integrity and continuous improvement.
- Monitor program completion, documentation quality, data accuracy, and compliance status; maintain records and performance reporting to support regulatory audits and leadership reporting.
- Coordinate resolution of field issues affecting customer access, safety, compliance, schedule performance, or data integrity.
- Promote a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with company safety requirements, PPE standards, traffic control practices, equipment use expectations, and public safety responsibilities.
- Oversee deployment, maintenance, calibration, and replacement of leak detection technology, field equipment, marker posts, decals, and related assets while supporting technology and workflow improvements.
- Audit contractor invoicing and perform invoice receiving.
- Performs other work assigned by management.
- Level 2 independently performs contractor inspection and compliance activities within an assigned area. Applies established policies, standards, and contract requirements to monitor contractor performance, ensure compliance, and resolve routine issues. Exercises judgment within established guidelines and escalates complex contractor or contract administration matters.
- Level 3 serves as a senior contractor compliance professional responsible for the most complex contractor oversight and contract administration activities. Exercises significant independent judgment in interpreting contracts, resolving contractor performance issues, authorizing non-routine work, and balancing operational, safety, regulatory, and financial considerations. Frequently serves as a subject matter expert and resource to others
Qualifications:
- Level 2 requires 5+ years of utility operations, gas operations, pipeline integrity, compliance, contractor management, or field operations experience. Including, 2+ years of field leadership or lead-level responsibility.
- Level 3 requires 7+ years of utility operations, gas operations, pipeline integrity, compliance, contractor management, or field operations experience. Including, 2+ years of leadership experience and demonstrated expertise in contractor management and contract administration.
- Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, construction management, utility operations, environmental science, or a related field preferred. Equivalent utility industry experience may be considered.
- Knowledge of natural gas leakage survey requirements, pipeline safety expectations, atmospheric corrosion inspections, field safety practices, contractor qualification requirements, and compliance documentation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, mobile field applications, GIS or mapping data, work management systems, dashboards, and performance reporting. Strong communication, analytical, vendor management, and problem-solving skills required.
- Ability to be agile to adjust priorities in an ever-changing environment.
- Thorough knowledge of company standards and safety requirements.
- Knowledge and ability to interpret contracts and proper charges for work completed.
- Ability to communicate with outside construction crews and government representatives to gain cooperation.
- Ability to physically access construction and other work site locations as required.
- Ability to work across departments and companies to gain consensus.
- Possess/maintain a valid Oregon/Washington driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
- Subject to random drug testing.
What we offer:
Health & Wellness –
- Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
- Free access to an online wellness resources platform
Work Life Balance -
- Up to 23 Vacation Days
- 80 Hours of Sick Time
- 10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
- Flexible work arrangements
- 3 weeks paid parental leave
- Be part of a workplace where your voice matters. Engage with our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, and a variety of Employee Resource Groups that support community and growth.
- 1500 sq foot exercise facility and secure bike room
Financial -
- Meaningful annual incentive bonus opportunity in addition to base salary
- Competitive 401K company contribution and match
- 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
- Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
- Wellness incentive program
Discounts -
- 20% off natural gas service
- Up to 30% discount at NW Natural Appliance Center
- TriMet Pass for all HQ employees
- Generous discounts with Verizon & AT&T Wireless
Base salary range: $88,700.00 - $126,350.00 (Level 2) or $98,450.00 - $140,300.00 (Level 3) per year, depending on qualifications
Annual Target Incentive: Level 2, 9.5% target
Level 3, 9.5% target
Targets are calculated using eligible earnings during plan year participation. Payout, if earned, is based on company and individual performance for each plan year and may range from 0% – 200% of target. Targets are subject to change in subsequent plan years. Must be employed by September 30 in order to receive any prorated payout.
Application Process: To be considered for this position, submit a complete electronic application including cover letter and resume via our website.
https://www.nwnatural.com/about-us/the-company/careers
Deadline: 9/1/26
Disclosure: We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations. NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
E-Verify Information
NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
All applications must be submitted through NW Natural’s Electronic Application System. Resumes submitted via email, fax or mail will not be accepted in lieu of an electronic application.
NW Natural is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and embrace our candidates’ diversity and take affirmative action to employ and advance individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, marital status, genetic information, and all other legally protected characteristics. We forbid discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on any protected status or characteristic. A criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment with NW Natural. Instead, we make individualized assessments regarding qualifications and backgrounds. NW Natural is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact us at [email protected] or (971) 979-6341.
NW Natural does not accept unsolicited submissions or assistance from search firms for posted positions. Resumes submitted by search firms working under a valid and current written contract with NW Natural valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from NW Natural HR/Employment will be deemed the sole property of NW Natural. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by NW Natural as a result of the referral or through other means.
