Director, Emergency Preparedness and Gas Field Training

02/28/2023

Locations: Berlin, Connecticut; Westborough, Massachusetts

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Role and Scope of Position:
Emergency Preparedness
Responsible for the development, maintenance and implementation of comprehensive emergency preparedness and restoration plans to optimize Eversource’s Gas Business preparedness and restoration efforts up to and following minor/major events. Specifically, responsible for implementing the plan for the Gas Business, and for full integration of the plan with all affected departments, groups, procedures, and processes. Included in the scope of responsibility are continuous, proactive updates to the emergency plan; monitoring weather conditions and predictions, and, in conjunction with Operations, selecting an appropriate preparedness strategy. Leads development of After Action Reviews, develops periodic drills, and serves as the Company’s representative in external drill planning. Must be influential in order to implement change management regarding emergency preparedness.

Field Training
This position is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the on-the-job training and apprenticeship program for field operations employees. Works with Executives, Directors, Managers and Supervisors to ensure new and progressing craft employees are assigned to work and projects that will reinforce their classroom training, as well as strengthen and broaden their knowledge and skills regarding work methods, tools and safety practices. Oversees development of processes that ensure the work performed by craft employees is monitored, supported and assessed and that continual feedback is provided. Partners with others to coordinate the implementation of learning and development activities to support progression, new tools, equipment, compliance training and recordkeeping needs. This position is also responsible for the management and professional development of the assigned training Field training professionals.

Essential Functions:

Emergency Preparedness

• Implements, maintains, and designs an effective, comprehensive emergency preparedness and restoration plan to optimize the Gas Business preparedness and restoration efforts up to and following any event, and ensures full utilization and integration of the plan throughout the Gas Business as events require.
• Effectively handles and facilitates emergency plan development and emergency preparedness with Eversource’s Emergency Preparedness Group and responsible for filing plans and reports with state regulators as required.
• Responsible for all contingency planning including supply curtailment, labor conflict, pandemic flu, etc.
• Cyber and physical security subject matter expert for the gas business.
• Responsible for public awareness and public safety official management for the gas business
• Plans for humanitarian and public contingencies in the event of a major emergency
• Responsible for proactive preparedness planning which includes monitoring weather forecasts; monitoring preparedness information and advising Operations leadership during emergency events of plan requirements and protocols.
• Responsible for After Action Reviews to ensure candid, unbiased assessment of operational events in accordance with emergency preparedness and restoration policies and procedures
• Works with Operations to recommend improvements to restoration strategies, planning, and budgets
• Works with Engineering to identify system hardening opportunities.
• Works with System Operations to ensure compliance with cybersecurity and critical infrastructure standards.
• Coordinates and provides training, “tabletop exercises”, for individuals with emergency assignments

• Communicates in writing and verbally in a clear, effective, and timely manner, under both routine and emergency conditions, with all involved in emergency restoration efforts.
• Assist with the development and implementation of emergency plans for other regulated businesses.

Field Training

• Ensures the implementation of on-the-job training programs and schedules that mutually support the education and training of craft employees and supervisor technical training and refresher training.
• Ensures craft and compliance field training is consistent with, and supports, work standards and procedures, the proper use of tools, materials and equipment and other work practices for new and progressing employees in Gas Operations.
• Collaborates with training supervisors and Operations managers on the creation of training performance assessment tools and materials and apprenticeship programs that will be used by trainers in the field to evaluate employee performance in all crafts.
• Partners with Operations managers to create a work plan (and budget) that aligns with classroom training and fosters the application of skills and knowledge to progressing employees in all Gas related crafts.
• Implements criteria and evaluation tools necessary to accurately assess and measure the work performed and progress made by craft employees in various stages of their apprenticeship.
• Ensures development and implementation of new equipment training.
• Ensures development of processes to address observed and documented gaps between craft employee performance and Company policies and procedures.  Defines the necessity for, and means by which, immediate and continual feedback regarding job performance is delivered.
• Documents and summarizes performance results that are used to evaluate craft employee proficiency levels and adherence to work standards and safety procedures.  Documents and ensures operations certification and qualifications.
• Ensures assessments are used for developing written progress reports and on-the-job training summaries to provide written feedback and creation of development plans.
• Partners with training supervisors and Operations managers to ensure technical training programs are designed to close performance gaps and are connected to measurable performance improvements.
• Oversees the management and development of Field Training staff.  Manages, selects, coaches, and develops Feld Training staff.  Communicates key corporate messages and performance measures to assigned staff.
• Ensures the maintenance of training and compliance records; creates and manages field training apprenticeship program budget.

Technical Knowledge/Skill/Education/Licenses/Certifications:

Technical Knowledge/Skills:                                                                                                        

• Knowledge of natural gas distribution system operation. 
• Thorough knowledge of applicable work practices, procedures, and safety requirements. 
• Working knowledge of information technology and the use of Eversource’s Gas Business office automation and information systems.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related experience       

Experience:

• Minimum of twelve (12) years of related experience      
• Experience in emergency management activities and/or distribution operations required

Licenses & Certification:

• N/A

Working Conditions:

• Must be available to work emergency storm assignment as required.
• Must be available to travel between MA/CT/NH as necessary.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. 
• Pipeline Safety position subject to Eversource’s Drug and Alcohol Policy
• The employee must occasionally lift and or move up to 15 pounds. 

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Worker Type:

Regular

Number of Openings:

1

EEO Statement

Eversource Energy is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.

VEVRRA Federal Contractor

Vaccination Information:

Eversource requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by their first day of employment. If you have any concerns regarding compliance with this requirement, you will need to discuss your concerns with Eversource’s HR department after you have been made a conditional offer of employment. Eversource does not require applicants to discuss vaccination status prior to receipt of a conditional offer of employment and complies with all applicable laws.

Emergency Response:

Responding to emergency situations to meet customers’ needs is part of every employee’s role. If employed, you will be given an Emergency Restoration assignment.  This means you may be called to assist during an emergency outside of your normal responsibilities, work hours and location.