Senior Pipeline Safety Technical Advisor

Under limited supervision, the Senior Pipeline Safety Technical Advisor provides advanced technical guidance, oversight, and program support to ensure the effective implementation of pipeline safety regulations and inspection activities. Work includes complex analytical tasks, such as developing and delivering internal training, conducting quality assurance and quality control reviews of technical reports, supporting the development of subject matter experts, and participating in inspection activities to ensure compliance with federal and state pipeline safety requirements.

Position Information Classification

Governor Exempt “at will” Salary: $78,000 - $92,000 Pay Band: 26 Position based in Santa Fe; Satellite Albuquerque office and hybrid arrangements available

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Training and Staff Development

• Develop, implement, and maintain standardized internal training programs related to pipeline safety regulations, inspection methodologies, reporting requirements, and technical competencies.
• Evaluate training needs and recommend strategies to improve staff knowledge and performance.
• Mentor and support staff in becoming subject matter experts within key regulatory and technical areas.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

• Conduct QA/QC reviews of technical reports, inspection documentation, enforcement recommendations, and engineering analyses to ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency, and compliance with federal and state requirements.
• Provide feedback and corrective guidance to staff to improve reporting quality and regulatory adherence.
• Assist in updating templates, standards, and SOPs to support quality improvement.

Inspection Participation and Regulatory Oversight

• Participate in and observe pipeline safety inspections, audits, investigations, and related field activities.
• Provide real-time technical assistance and coaching to inspection personnel.
• Interpret and apply state and federal pipeline safety regulations and recommend corrective actions where deficiencies are identified.
• Assist in the development and refinement of inspection tools, processes, and evaluation criteria.

Program Support and Technical Leadership

• Serve as a technical advisor on complex or high-risk pipeline safety issues, engineering evaluations, and regulatory matters.
• Analyze inspection data, program trends, and technical documentation to support program improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with leadership to enhance pipeline safety oversight, operational efficiency, and policy development.
• Represent the agency in meetings, briefings, and stakeholder discussions as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of 8-10 years of professional experience in pipeline safety, pipeline engineering, regulatory compliance, or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal pipeline safety regulations (49 CFR Parts 190–199). • Experience developing and delivering technical training.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and technical writing abilities. • Experience conducting pipeline inspections or audits in a regulatory environment.
• Experience mentoring technical staff or overseeing technical program elements.
• Knowledge of pipeline integrity management, risk assessment, and engineering evaluation methods.

Working Conditions

Duties may require fieldwork, including observation of inspections conducted outdoors or in industrial environments. Travel may be required for inspections, training sessions, or meetings.

Physical Demands

Work may require standing, walking, bending, and climbing during field inspections, sometimes on uneven terrain or in confined spaces. The incumbent may be required to lift and carry equipment or materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Visual and auditory acuity is required to conduct inspections, observe field operations, identify hazards, and review technical documents. Must be able to wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required for field activities. Ability to drive for extended periods when traveling to inspection sites or training locations.

• Technical Expertise: Demonstrates advanced knowledge of pipeline safety regulations, engineering principles, and inspection practices.
• Communication: Communicates complex technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Provides guidance, training, and professional development to staff. Ability to adjust the approach for different learning styles.
• Analytical Thinking: Evaluates complex information, inspection data, and technical documentation to make informed decisions.
• Problem Solving: Identifies issues and develops effective solutions in regulatory and technical contexts.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with internal and external stakeholders, promoting teamwork and knowledge sharing.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and compliance in technical reports and inspection documentation.
• Adaptability: Adjusts to changing regulatory requirements, inspection conditions, and program needs.

This posting will remain open until filled. For best consideration, please apply early.