Longmont, Colorado | Full-Time | $38.00 - $42.00 per hour
OQ LEAD EVALUATORThe OQ Lead Evaluator leads the field team that qualifies pipeline workers under the company's Operator Qualification (OQ) program, per 49 CFR Part 192 Subpart N (gas) and Part 195 Subpart G (hazardous liquids). The role administers and oversees written and performance evaluations of covered tasks, keeps evaluation records audit-ready, and coaches other evaluators so every worker is qualified before performing covered work. This role reports to the Safety Director, works with evaluators as assigned, is based in Longmont, Colorado, and requires regular travel to project sites.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:- Plan, schedule and conduct written, oral and hands-on performance evaluations of covered tasks for employees and contractors
- Observe and verify that candidates perform each task to the procedure and the operator's acceptance criteria; record pass or fail with objective evidence
- Recognize and respond to abnormal operating conditions (AOCs) as part of task evaluation
- Maintain complete, accurate qualification records, including evaluator, evaluation method, date, task and expiration, and upload them to the OQ database or tracking system (such as ISNetworld, Avetta or the client system)
- Track requalification intervals and notify supervisors before qualifications lapse
- Train, mentor and observe other evaluators; ensure they follow the OQ plan and evaluation standards
- Verify that evaluation materials, task lists and procedures match the current OQ plan and client requirements, and flag gaps
- Support client, PHMSA and state audits by providing records and explaining the evaluation process
- Investigate qualification-related incidents and recommend corrective action, including disqualification and re-evaluation
- Coordinate with project managers, crew supervisors and safety staff so no one performs a covered task without current qualification
- Promote safe work practices and report unsafe conditions or stop-work events
- All other duties as assigned
KEY QUALIFICATIONS: - High school diploma or GED
- Five or more years of pipeline construction, operations or maintenance experience, including at least two years in a field evaluator or OQ role
- Current qualification in the covered tasks being evaluated, or evaluator credentials recognized by the operator's OQ plan
- Completion of an OQ evaluator training course and any client-required evaluator qualification
- Experience with EWN is required; experience with Veriforce, NCCER, ITS, and others is preferred
- Working knowledge of OQ regulations, covered task identification and the five-year (or operator-set) requalification cycle
- Strong technical grasp of pipeline transmission and distribution tasks such as welding inspection, coating, excavation and locating, valve operation, fusion, and leak survey
- Sound judgment and integrity when passing or failing candidates, with the willingness to hold a standard under schedule pressure
- Clear verbal and written communication, including documenting evaluations precisely; coaching and feedback skills for evaluators and candidates
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, mobile data collection and OQ database tools
- Ability to manage multiple sites, schedules and crews with limited supervision
- Preferred: Associate or bachelor's degree in a technical field, or equivalent experience
- Preferred: Experience with multiple operators' OQ programs (for example, API RP 1161 based plans) and with OQ tracking systems and records audits
- Preferred: Familiarity with 49 CFR Parts 192 and 195, ASME B31.8 and B31.4
- Preferred: OSHA 10 or 30, first aid/CPR and Defensive Driving certificates
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
- Willing and able to travel regularly to project sites (often 50% or more)
- Pass pre-employment drug screen and background check; ability to remain in a DOT-regulated testing program\
BENEFITS & COMPENSATION: Despite our size, Mears remains a family company. Our suite of benefits reflects our commitment to our employees.
- Pay range: $38.00 - $42.00 per hour (Longmont, Colorado)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Job type: full time
- Paid on-the-job technical and professional growth opportunities
- Established career path for future advancement
- 401k and Roth 401(k) retirement savings plans
- Health, prescription, dental, vision plans
- Life & Disability Insurance plans
- Financial wellness program
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount programs
- This position may be eligible for per diem and a vehicle benefit
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS- Work is performed outdoors on pipeline right-of-way, in yards and in classrooms, in all weather, with some extended hours
- Walk over uneven terrain, stand for long periods, climb and kneel
- Lift and carry equipment up to 50 lbs regularly and occasionally heavier
- Wear required PPE, including hard hat, FR clothing, safety glasses, gloves and steel-toe boots
- Work around heavy equipment and in confined or elevated areas as tasks require
This role is accepting applications until filled.
This position is subject to the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) drug & alcohol testing regulations as outlined in 49 CFR Part 382 and/or 49 CFR Part 199.
