Director, Pipeline Safety

Full Job Description

Respect. Professionalism. Integrity. Accountability.

Help protect the consumers of Washington state!

Director of Pipeline Safety

Compensation: The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidate’s qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $124,766 - $137,916 annually within Washington Management Services (WMS) Band 3.

However, there is room for recognition for growth and development increases, within the approved budgeted resources.

This recruitment is open until January 26, 2026, at 11:59pm.

UTC reserves the right to render a hiring decision and/or choose to close or extend this recruitment at any given time.

The Opportunity:

The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is seeking a Director of Pipeline Safety to lead the Commission’s interstate and intrastate pipeline safety program for natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines.

The role oversees compliance inspections, technical assistance, public education, and enforcement to protect public safety.

Responsibilities include managing staff, advising Commissioners and senior leadership on pipeline safety policy, representing the Commission and the State of Washington at the national level, providing testimony, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing Pipeline Safety Division aligned with the Commission’s vision and regulatory standards.

Hybrid:

Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within Washington state and is expected to report to the Lacey, Washington headquarters building on a regular basis.

Travel:

Travel may be required throughout the state for recruitment or training activities or business needs.

May travel to other states for participation in national professional organizations, meetings, or other necessary training.

Frequent travel within Thurston County is required to attend training and meetings.

Who We Are:
Our Mission is to protect the people of Washington by ensuring that investor-owned utility and transportation services are safe, equitable, available, reliable, and fairly priced.

Our Vision is to strive to achieve equitable and fair outcomes as a regulator of utility and transportation services and prioritize inclusion and belonging in the workplace.

The UTC is continually recognized for its excellence and integrity as a regulatory agency, as we challenge the status quo and ourselves to ensure equitable outcomes for our customers and the people of Washington State.

We recognize that our employees are the key to the agency’s success. We are committed to our work but value balance with our personal lives.

We demonstrate our commitment to employees by providing an environment that stimulates professional growth, and offers continuing learning opportunities, meaningful work, and a comprehensive benefits package.

For more information about our benefits or working at UTC, please visit our website.

What We Offer Our Employees:

Our Values:

How to Apply:

Interested in joining the UTC team? Click the Apply button at the top to begin! In order to be considered for further consideration, ensure you attach the following documents to your completed application:

3. References: At least three (3) professional references with current telephone numbers and email addresses. One (1) contact MUST be your current or most recent supervisor.

The initial screening of candidates will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the application, including answers provided to the Supplemental Questionnaire, along with the required attachments - letter of interest, resume, and references submitted as part of the application process.

Please note, see resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application or supplemental questionnaire.

Requirements

Reporting to the Commission’s Executive Director/Secretary, the Pipeline Safety Director leads and manages the Commission’s natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline safety program.

This role oversees staff to ensure pipeline operators comply with federal and state laws and rules, Commission orders, and recognized industry practices.

The Director advises Commissioners and senior management on pipeline safety issues and policies to protect public safety and provides expert testimony in formal proceedings as needed.

The Pipeline Safety Director represents the Commission externally on pipeline safety matters and maintains active relationships with key individuals.

Responsibilities include providing leadership and expertise to the Washington Citizens’ Committee on Pipeline Safety; representing the Commission at meetings, conferences, workshops, and hearings; and participating in national organizations such as the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives and National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners subcommittee on Pipeline Safety.

The Director fosters effective working relationships with internal colleagues, regulated companies, and external partners to support collaboration and information sharing.

Additional responsibilities include planning, organizing, and directing the Pipeline Safety program; supervising senior leadership; overseeing investigation and enforcement activities under Washington’s dig law (RCW 19.122); and ensuring the development and execution of risk-based annual safety inspection plans.

The Director ensures compliance with Commission, Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), and industry safety and health requirements; manages the Commission’s relationship with PHMSA; identifies emerging pipeline safety trends; and coordinates staff efforts in Commission proceedings involving pipeline safety issues.

The position upholds the Commission’s values, leadership competencies, and commitment to ethical conduct, employee development, workplace safety, and a diverse workforce.

Qualifications

Required Education, Experience, and Competencies.

UTC Leadership Principles (expected of allL EADERSHIP employees):

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)Competencies (expected of all employees):

UTC Core Competencies (expected of all employees):

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies:

One or a combination of the following:

Additional Information

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY:

All information may be verified; additional documentation may be required. Candidates may be disqualified if the education and/or work experience does not include information used to meet the minimum qualifications of the job.

The UTC is an equal opportunity employer. We want to make sure you have an equal opportunity to join our team.

Our commitment is making sure current and future employees are treated fairly and equally without regard to age, sex (including gender identity), race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or religious or political affiliation.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact humanresources@utc.wa.gov. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

For more information about the UTC, please visit:

www.utc.wa.gov, www.twitter.com/wautc and www.facebook.com/wautc