Operations Manager, Permitting & Protection

Position Overview

Reporting to the Chief Engineer - Transmission, this position is accountable for overseeing all activities related to permitting, compliance, and enforcement for works occurring near high-pressure natural gas pipelines within or outside of designated rights-of-way.

This role ensures regulatory adherence, operational safety, and protection of pipeline integrity by managing permitting processes, supervising inspection teams, and addressing unauthorized activities and encroachments.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage a team responsible for receiving, reviewing, evaluating, approving and issuing permits for activities conducted near high-pressure natural gas pipelines, both within and outside dedicated rights-of-way
• Ensure all permits comply with regulatory requirements, safety standards, and internal policies and procedures
• Continuously improve permitting processes and maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation
• Lead a team of supervisors responsible for inspections across the province that are tasked with monitoring permitted activities to ensure compliance with permit conditions
• Establish and implement inspection protocols and reporting systems to track compliance and identify risks
• Manage personnel tasked with identifying and addressing unauthorized activities near pipelines
• Manage resolution of encroachments built within rights-of-way without authorization, including enforcement actions and remediation plans
• Coordinate with legal, regulatory and land management teams to ensure timely and effective resolution to un-authorized activities and encroachments
• Serve as the primary liaison with third-party contractors, property owners, municipalities and regulatory agencies (such as WorkSafe BC, Technical Safety BC, BC Energy Regulator) regarding permitting and compliance matters
• Monitor and report on compliance trends, unauthorized activity trends, and encroachment cases
• Liaise with internal stakeholders such as Engineering Services, Lands, Legal, Energy Solutions etc. for matters related to permitting, inspections and encroachments
• Establish a relationship with peers in the industry to stay up to date on latest trends and learnings related to permitting and compliance
• Assist with vegetation management program, as required

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma of Technology in a related discipline from a recognized institution
• Certified Member of the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC or an equivalent professional designation considered an asset
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in a leadership capacity, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, de-escalation and problem-solving skills
• Skilled in making sound decisions under pressure and within tight timelines, while safeguarding the company’s operational, regulatory, and financial interests
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including property owners, contractors, municipalities, crown corporations, and regulatory agencies
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Ability to travel throughout the province as required by operational needs
• Valid Class 5 BC driver’s license is required
• Knowledge of high-pressure natural gas pipeline systems considered an asset
• May be required to participate in on-call program

What it takes:

Knowledge of the following:

1. Budget concept and principles
2. Regulatory framework, requirements, codes and business model
3. Safety management, processes and procedures
4. Project management procedures and practices
5. Human resource policies and procedures including matters related to labor relations, recruitment and performance management
   
   

And, demonstrated ability to:

1. Provide effective leadership and guidance to staff
2. Respond to emergencies and co-ordinate activities under stressful situations
3. Effectively manage projects/programs and related costs
4. Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external stakeholders
5. Manage competing priorities and demanding work schedules
6. Apply conflict resolution skills

You will be accountable for:

• Justification and development of operating budgets
• Tracking and reporting costs against planned expenditures
• Tracking and reporting on activities against plans
• Ensuring team performance in the execution of assigned activities