OQ Training Specialist & Evaluator

Build Competency. Strengthen Compliance. Drive Operational Excellence.

Our client, a premier infrastructure construction organization serving the natural gas utility industry, is seeking an experienced OQ Training Specialist & Evaluator to play a pivotal role in developing a highly qualified, compliant, and safety-focused workforce.

This position is responsible for leading Operator Qualification (OQ) training and evaluations, facilitating new hire onboarding, conducting field quality assessments, and ensuring workforce competency in accordance with federal regulations, client specifications, and company standards. As a trusted partner to Operations and HSE leadership, you will help cultivate a culture of accountability, continuous learning, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance across natural gas infrastructure projects.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a training professional who enjoys mentoring field employees, improving workforce performance, and making a measurable impact on organizational success.

What You'll Do

Lead Workforce Development

• Facilitate engaging new hire orientation programs that prepare employees for safe, productive field operations.
• Deliver classroom and field-based training that reinforces company policies, safety expectations, operational procedures, and quality standards.
• Coach, mentor, and develop field personnel to build technical competency and promote professional growth.

Administer Operator Qualification (OQ) Programs

• Lead Operator Qualification (OQ) training and practical evaluations in accordance with DOT regulations, client requirements, and company policies.
• Monitor employee qualifications, certifications, and requalification schedules to ensure ongoing workforce compliance.
• Maintain accurate training records and certification data utilizing EWN, ITS, MEA, and Veriforce platforms.

Drive Quality & Operational Excellence

• Conduct field quality audits, competency evaluations, and operational assessments to verify compliance with company standards, construction specifications, and customer expectations.
• Identify performance gaps and collaborate with Operations and HSE leadership to implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide coaching and field observations that strengthen workforce performance and quality outcomes.

Promote Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with DOT, PHMSA, OSHA, Operator Qualification (OQ) requirements, 811 utility locate regulations, excavation damage prevention laws, and client-specific standards.
• Partner with leadership to proactively identify risks, improve compliance, and support operational excellence.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate documentation of employee qualifications, training records, certifications, field evaluations, and audit findings.
• Prepare compliance reports, monitor key performance metrics, and communicate recommendations that support informed business decisions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, HSE, Quality, and leadership teams to align workforce development initiatives with organizational goals.
• Champion a culture built on safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and exceptional quality.

Education & Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Occupational Safety, Engineering, Technical Studies, or a related discipline preferred.
• 3–7 years of progressive experience in utility construction, workforce training, quality assurance, Operator Qualification (OQ), or related field operations.
• Experience supporting natural gas distribution and/or natural gas pipeline construction is strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience utilizing EWN, ITS, MEA, and Veriforce platforms is required.
• ITS Platform Certification is required.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

The successful candidate will possess:

• Comprehensive knowledge of Operator Qualification (OQ) programs, competency evaluations, and workforce compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of DOT, PHMSA, OSHA regulations, 811 utility locate requirements, excavation damage prevention laws, and underground utility construction practices.
• Experience conducting OQ evaluations, field audits, quality inspections, and workforce competency assessments.
• Exceptional facilitation, presentation, coaching, and mentoring skills with the ability to engage and influence employees at every level of the organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills coupled with outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• The ability to interpret regulatory requirements, identify compliance risks, and implement practical, sustainable corrective actions.
• Proven leadership capabilities with a passion for developing people, improving quality, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with the ability to recommend process improvements that enhance operational performance.
• The ability to work independently while balancing office responsibilities with frequent field engagement.
• The adaptability and professionalism to thrive in a fast-paced, field-driven construction environment while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and customer service.

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on workforce development, operational quality, and regulatory compliance while supporting critical natural gas infrastructure projects. You'll join an organization that values leadership, continuous improvement, employee development, and a strong culture of safety.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Relocation Assistance
• Weekly Pay
• Bonus incentive
• Company Vehicle
• Day One Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Professional development and ongoing training
• Career advancement opportunities
• Collaborative leadership team committed to safety, quality, and operational excellence

If you're passionate about developing people, strengthening compliance, and helping build a best-in-class workforce, we encourage you to apply today.