Communications & Controls Supervisor
Non-Union Position
IS Gas Management; Sherwood, Oregon (US-OR)
Hybrid schedule available for Oregon & Washington residents.
Regular FT, Exempt
Posting # 5700
About Us:
At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry.
In addition to environmental stewardship, we’re also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility.
NOTE:
This hybrid position is based at our headquarters in downtown Portland, Oregon. Candidates must reside within commuting distance of the office or be willing to relocate to the Portland metropolitan area. Employees are required to work onsite Tuesdays through Thursdays each week, with remote work flexibility on Mondays and Fridays, subject to business needs. This schedule supports collaboration, connection, and team engagement while providing flexibility for focused remote work.
Position Summary:
Do you have a passion for telecommunications and control automation? Are you looking to leverage your technical and leadership skills in a collaborative environment? Do you have experience supporting the installation, maintenance, and operation of communications, electronic and telemetry systems to ensure safe, reliable, cost-effective, and DOT code compliant operations? If you are action oriented, solution driven and focused on team success this is an amazing opportunity for you!
Accountability & Integrity
We hold ourselves to a high standard and follow through on our commitments. Our transparency, and ability to deliver on our promises make us a trusted and respected business partner.
Customer Focus
We understand our customers’ needs and advocate for them. Our relationship with our customers ensures the technical needs of the business are met.
Growth & Learning
We embrace new technology and skills to better meet the company’s needs. Our passion for new technology keeps us ahead of future opportunities for the business.
Respect
We relate with inclusion, kindness, curiosity, and humility. Respect for differences leads to innovation and collaboration.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Supervises the installation, maintenance and operation of a variety of communications and control systems including: telemetry and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) communication devices and related systems; microwave radio systems; Multiple Address Radio (MAS) SCADA telemetry radio systems; Voice Radio UHF and VHF systems; network and wireless systems supporting field telemetry and voice and data communications; and telephone and data communication systems.
- Coordinates work processes with Engineers, SCADA developers, Gas controllers, and Project Managers.
- Schedules Electronic technician work and PTO; provides consolidated work schedule for requested (scheduled) work.
- Ensures unscheduled work (outages) are prioritized and responded to appropriately and according to SEV level definitions.
- Interprets, updates and works from plans and detailed schematics. Ensures workgroup adheres to documentation standards and wiring diagram as-built update process.
- Maintains SCADA Telemetry asset inventory and records.
- Maintains current training programs and manuals for workgroup.
- Certifies task proficiency of Electronic Technicians on scheduled (preventive maintenance); unscheduled (equipment malfunction/outage) maintenance procedures; and appropriate operator qualifications (OQ) for all assigned equipment.
- Performs on the job training for electronic techs in a lab environment or at Remote SCADA Telemetry Sites
- Performs routine inspection trips to remote SCADA Telemetry Sites to ensure standards are met.
- Assures that telemetry, radio, and communications-electronic systems are installed, maintained and operated in compliance with DOT code and company policy.
- Assures that field personnel and equipment are prepared for cold weather and emergency operations.
- Promotes, implements, and monitors safe work practices and conducts safety meetings for appropriate staff.
- Responds to and evaluates emergency situations, analyzing required action and directing appropriate response; maintains proper emergency response procedure.
- Coordinates work methods in accordance with company and regulatory standards
- Develops staffing needs; participates in employee selection processes.
- Develops and ensures adherence to preventive maintenance schedules for all assigned equipment.
- Supports Company’s commitment to a culture of safe work practices.
- Adheres to and promotes the philosophies and directives of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Develops, trains, and mentors individual and team members with documentation and ongoing performance feedback; recognizes accomplishments and provides cross-training opportunities when applicable.
- Demonstrates appropriate leadership and decision-making behaviors; maintains technical job knowledge and personal skill development. Committed to coaching and developing employees.
- On-call availability for escalated issues.
Qualifications:
- A minimum of 7 years of current combined experience in field SCADA telemetry, network, telecommunications, and microwave communications systems (including 3 years of leadership experience) or equivalent combination of experience and education is required.
- Hold the Oregon Limited/Restricted Energy Technician License, Journeyman Electrician License or Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
- A minimum of 3 years of current telecommunications, control automation or SCADA telemetry experience supporting preferred.
- Knowledge and practical application of gas control systems principles, field telemetry communications systems principles, gas distribution systems, Federal Pipeline Safety Rules, and OSHA Regulations preferred.
- Excellent computer skills, strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation, report writing and group facilitation abilities
- Demonstrated skill and ability in delegating and coordinating employee activities.
- Proven ability to facilitate and coordinate projects; skill in organizing and managing time effectively to meet deadlines and balance priorities.
- Availability to respond immediately to emergency situations and staffing requirements.
- Ability to physically climb up to 150 feet on various types of radio towers.
- Possess/maintain a valid Oregon/Washington driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
- Subject to random drug testing.
What we offer:
Health & Wellness –
- Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
- Free access to an online wellness resources platform
Work Life Balance -
- Up to 23 Vacation Days
- 80 Hours of Sick Time
- 10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
- 3 weeks paid parental leave
- Be part of a workplace where your voice matters. Engage with our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, and a variety of Employee Resource Groups that support community and growth.
- 1500 sq foot exercise facility and secure bike room
Financial -
- Meaningful annual incentive bonus opportunity in addition to base salary
- Competitive 401K company contribution and match
- 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
- Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
- Wellness incentive program
Discounts -
- 20% off natural gas service
- Up to 30% discount at NW Natural Appliance Center
- TriMet Pass for all HQ employees
- Generous discounts with Verizon & AT&T Wireless
Base salary range:$110,250.00 - $157,100.00 per year, depending on qualifications
Annual Target Incentive: Grade 22, 12.0% target
Targets are calculated using eligible earnings during plan year participation. Payout, if earned, is based on company and individual performance for each plan year and may range from 0% – 200% of target. Targets are subject to change in subsequent plan years. Must be employed by September 30 in order to receive any prorated payout.
Application Process: To be considered for this position, submit a complete electronic application including cover letter and resume via our website.
https://www.nwnatural.com/about-us/the-company/careers
Deadline: 9/15/26
Disclosure: We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations. NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
E-Verify Information
NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
All applications must be submitted through NW Natural’s Electronic Application System. Resumes submitted via email, fax or mail will not be accepted in lieu of an electronic application.
NW Natural is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and embrace our candidates’ diversity and take affirmative action to employ and advance individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, marital status, genetic information, and all other legally protected characteristics. We forbid discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on any protected status or characteristic. A criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment with NW Natural. Instead, we make individualized assessments regarding qualifications and backgrounds. NW Natural is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact us at employment@nwnatural.com or (971) 979-6341.
NW Natural does not accept unsolicited submissions or assistance from search firms for posted positions. Resumes submitted by search firms working under a valid and current written contract with NW Natural valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from NW Natural HR/Employment will be deemed the sole property of NW Natural. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by NW Natural as a result of the referral or through other means.
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