Pipeline Specialist - Robstown

As a Pipeline Specialist, you will coordinate and complete pipeline operations and maintenance tasks and projects in support of plant, pipeline, corrosion, measurement, controls, pipeline maintenance, mechanical maintenance, and project management.  Position Level and compensation will be commensurate with experience and skill set.  The Pipeline Specialist (PPS) reporting location is Kinder Morgan’s Robstown Compressor Station located at 4526 FM 624, Robstown, TX 78380. Kinder Morgan offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, two retirement plans, paid holidays, and paid time off.   

This is a great opportunity if you are an experienced Pipeline Construction, Heavy Equipment Operator, or have operated Heavy Equipment in the Pipeline Construction or Pipeline Services field.

Position Description:

• The incumbent must coordinate and complete pipeline operations and maintenance tasks and projects in support of Natural Gas and Products plant, pipeline, corrosion, measurement, controls, pipeline maintenance, mechanical maintenance, machine shop, and engineering.
•  Job title will be commensurate with experience and skill set.
• Daily responsibilities include but are not limited to performing all phases of mobilizing, operating and maintaining heavy excavation equipment (hydrovac truck, backhoe, excavator, track loader/skid steer, dozer, forklift and maintainers) to include excavation frequently on in-service natural gas and products pipelines.
• Assist with hot tapping and stopple equipment, perform valve maintenance, pigging operations, pipe cleaning (internal and external), hydrostatic testing and leak surveys.
• Incumbent may be required to lead others, train, develop training, ensure compliance, supply financial input, scope projects and oversee the supervision of contractors and contract workers. This position also develops work plans and manages contractor construction crews that perform work on Kinder Morgan company assets and facilities.
• This position reports to a Pipeline Crew Leader to ensure consistency and assurance of work performed in compliance with governmental and company policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate large truck and trailer hauling equipment required to transport heavy work equipment or project materials to job site.
• Perform pipeline hot taps and stopple equipment installation on loaded pipelines.
• Inspect coating removal, surface preparation and the application of coating systems including 2 part epoxies.
• Perform excavation spotter tasks and manage excavation crossings of lines
• Perform trouble-shooting and valve maintenance on DOT mainline isolation valves.
• Launch, monitor and receive pipeline pigs and develop pipeline pigging plans.
• Conduct internal pipeline cleaning or pigging operations utilizing internal pipe cleaning equipment.
• Calibrate and maintain a holiday detector for coating application inspection.
• Perform pressure tests of pipelines and fabrications.
• Design and review pressure test plans per pipe and material specifications.
• Locate and mark pipelines with line detection, pipeline locating equipment or probe rods using drawing and alignment sheets for reference.
• Repair pig launcher and receivers, closures and install pig signals.
• Repair shorted pipeline casings and install CP test points on pipelines.
• Prepare pipelines for full encirclement sleeves for anomaly repairs.
• Coordinate pipeline segment replacements including helping develop the HazOp plan.
• Evacuate, purge and load pipelines; operate pipeline air-movers to evacuate natural gas lines during hot work operations.
• Modify existing and install new natural gas measurement facilities.
• Operate portable gas compressors and air compressors.
• Perform basic acetylene cutting and beveling operations

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience/Specific Knowledge:

• Five or more years of experience in all phases of Pipeline construction, maintenance and repair to include equal experience in operating and maintaining heavy excavation equipment including hydrovac truck, backhoe, excavator, side boom, dozer, and maintainer.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a valid CDL driver license, or have the ability to obtain CDL within 6 months from the date of hire.
• Maintain a valid CDL driver's license, and maintain a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.

Competencies, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must have ability to read and interpret engineering construction blueprints for both pipeline and compressor station projects.
• Individual must follow all safety, environmental and regulatory policies so tasks and assignments are completed in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, ensuring proper handling and disposition of hazardous waste.
• Knowledge of both OSHA safety regulations and DOT pipeline regulations
• Strong mechanical skills and knowledge of heavy equipment maintenance procedures
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain natural gas and products plant equipment, pumps, exchangers, compressors, and related auxiliary equipment.
• Ability to operate heavy pipeline excavation equipment including large trucks
• Ability to read and interpret various company policies and procedures, Operations & Maintenance (O&M) manual and blueprints.
• Ability to respond in a timely manner to any emergency or after-hours calls.
• Good communication skills - must be able to interface effectively with many internal and external customers, regulatory officials, company contacts, co-workers and 3rd party contractors.
• Basic computer skills (knowledge of MS Office, operating systems, company software if applicable), trainable to custom software applications.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals)
• Focused on internal and external customer service
• Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisors and construction inspectors, with focused attention on details, work rules, and adherence to required project work schedules.
• This individual will be responsible for administrative tasks including ordering and receiving required replacement parts, completing personal timesheets and expense accounts, and maintaining a company vehicle.
• This position requires acting as a company representative when interacting with contractors and vendors.
• Typical work schedule is Monday through Thursday, ten hours per day and will likely involve overtime.
• The position requires a significant amount of overnight travel to support operation areas throughout the company, working other than normal hours, overtime, schedule changes, and the ability to respond to call-outs.
• Promote and embody Kinder Morgan Core Values.

Physical Demands:

This position requires manual dexterity and visual acuity, as well as the ability to:

• Lift, pull, push, and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Exert up to 100 lbs. of physical force.
• Stand, walk, kneel, bend, and squat for extended periods of time.
• Twist head and back for extended periods of time.
• Work in areas classified as confined space.
• Climb and work from ladders, catwalks, staging, and platforms.
• Ascend and descend slopes and ditches.
• Work with hands above head, lying on back.
• Work in adverse weather and/or extreme temperature conditions.

Working Conditions:

• The individual will normally be working outdoors, in a pipeline construction type of environment.
• Must be available for callouts 24/7, except during company sponsored paid time off.
• This position requires extensive travel and overnight stays are frequent with work away from the reporting location required up to 75% of the time.
• Work schedule is Monday through Thursday, ten hours per day and will involve overtime.
• Work schedule during construction is Monday through Saturday, ten to twelve hours per day.

The successful candidate will be required to clear a DOT drug screen and a complete background check after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.  The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.