Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Gas Dispatcher

🎯 Role Definition

As a Gas Dispatcher, you are the nerve center of our natural gas transmission and distribution network. Seated in a state-of-the-art control center, you will be entrusted with the real-time monitoring and management of our pipeline infrastructure. This mission-critical role involves using sophisticated SCADA systems to ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient transportation of natural gas to customers, power plants, and interconnecting pipelines. You will be the primary point of contact for all operational activities, making critical decisions under pressure to maintain system integrity, manage emergencies, and optimize performance. This position operates on a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to guarantee continuous oversight of our vital energy assets.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Pipeline Field Technician or Operator
Gas Scheduler or Analyst
Industrial Process Control Technician

Advancement To:

Senior Gas Dispatcher / Lead Controller
Control Center Supervisor or Manager
Gas Scheduling or Capacity Planning Manager

Lateral Moves:

Power Dispatcher / System Operator
Energy Trader or Analyst
Pipeline Compliance Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Continuously monitor and control pipeline pressures, temperatures, and flow rates using the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Remotely operate valves, regulators, and compressors to manage gas flow and maintain designated system pressures and line pack according to operational targets.
Proactively identify, analyze, and respond to abnormal operating conditions, alarms, and potential system upsets to prevent service interruptions and ensure public safety.
Execute the company's Emergency Response Plan by taking immediate and decisive action during pipeline incidents, including isolating affected segments and coordinating with field personnel and emergency services.
Manage and coordinate daily gas nominations and confirmations, ensuring the scheduled flow of gas aligns with customer demand and transportation contracts.
Serve as the primary communication hub, liaising with field personnel, technicians, gas schedulers, and third-party pipeline operators to coordinate operational activities and maintenance.
Maintain a highly detailed and accurate electronic log of all control room activities, including system adjustments, alarm responses, and communications, for regulatory and operational review.
Ensure all control room actions and pipeline operations strictly adhere to federal regulations (PHMSA, DOT), state laws, and internal company policies and procedures.
Analyze and balance the pipeline system daily by monitoring receipts and deliveries to manage and prevent imbalances.
Authorize and direct planned maintenance activities that may impact gas flow, such as pigging runs, equipment shutdowns, and system tie-ins, ensuring minimal disruption.
Evaluate and manage gas quality by monitoring chromatograph data and taking appropriate action if specifications are not met.
Implement gas curtailment plans during capacity constraints or supply shortages, communicating effectively with all affected parties.
Utilize system modeling software to simulate potential operating scenarios and predict the impact of system changes or outages.
Monitor and react to weather forecasts and other external factors that could impact system demand or operational integrity.
Review and approve one-call tickets (e.g., 811 "Call Before You Dig") to prevent third-party damage to pipeline assets.

Secondary Functions

Participate in the development and review of control room operating procedures, emergency plans, and best practices.
Assist in the training and qualification of new and junior gas dispatchers, providing mentorship and performance feedback.
Generate and analyze daily, weekly, and monthly operational performance reports for management review.
Collaborate with the commercial and engineering teams to support system expansions, optimization projects, and long-term planning.
Participate actively in safety meetings, incident reviews, and emergency response drills to foster a strong safety culture.
Provide technical support and operational insight during regulatory audits and compliance reviews.
Troubleshoot issues with SCADA and communication systems, coordinating with IT and telecom support for resolution.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

SCADA Systems Proficiency: Extensive experience operating and interpreting data from SCADA systems (e.g., OASyS, Wonderware, CygNet).
Gas Flow & Hydraulics: Solid understanding of natural gas thermodynamics, pipeline hydraulics, and the physical principles of gas measurement.
Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with federal pipeline safety regulations, including 49 CFR Parts 192 (PHMSA) and Control Room Management (CRM) rules.
Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook for logging, reporting, and communication.
Emergency Response: Knowledge of incident command structures and emergency protocols specific to the pipeline industry.
System Modeling: Experience with gas pipeline simulation and modeling software is a strong asset.

Soft Skills

High-Stress Tolerance: Proven ability to remain calm, focused, and make sound decisions in high-pressure, fast-paced emergency situations.
Analytical & Problem-Solving: Superior ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and quickly resolve operational issues.
Critical Decision Making: Confidence in making timely and effective decisions with significant operational and safety impacts.
Clear Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for concisely conveying critical information to diverse audiences.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in monitoring systems and maintaining accurate operational logs.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within the control room team and coordinate with external departments and stakeholders.
Adaptability: Must be willing and able to work rotating 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and adapt to changing system conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Process Technology
Engineering Technology
Business Administration
Or a related technical field.

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of relevant experience in the natural gas industry, with a strong preference for roles in gas control, pipeline operations, or process control.

Preferred:

Direct experience as a Gas Controller/Dispatcher in a 24/7 pipeline control room environment is highly preferred.
Completion of industry-recognized operator qualification (OQ) tasks is a significant plus.