Line Rider

About the role

The primary function of the Line Rider is to perform daily surveillance of the area pipeline system in order to protect and ensure the integrity of the pipeline system by avoiding third party damage.

Responsibilities

• Inspect the assigned area of the pipeline, either by vehicle or by foot, for leaks and other irregularities.
• Check and record equipment and rectifier readings as per a predetermined schedule.
• Act as liaison on behalf of the Company with public utility personnel, property owners and general contractors regarding construction projects within pipeline easement and Right-of-Way.
• Recognize the scope of work performed by third parties and the limits of what third parties may and may not do on Company property or Right-of-Way in order to protect the pipeline; may stay and observe activity or be dispatched to another area as required.
• Check area for Underground Service Alerts (USA) and arrange meetings as necessary with contractors and others regarding digging procedures.
• Receive and physically check out Line Flier reports in order to confirm irregularities and initiate requests for repair.
• Complete all related paperwork and forms required in a timely manner.
• Perform pipeline identification based on requests, including locating and marking lines; may use electronic locating equipment and/or a probe in conjunction with drawings to confirm pipeline location; may direct backhoe operator in location identification when same is used.
• Install permanent, metal post markers, or use temporary marking methods such as paint marking and pin flagging pipeline; replace damaged or missing markers.
• Determine when to pothole or expose pipeline for future work; also determine whether to permit a third party to continue a project on Company property or Right-of-Way or to stop such activities in order to protect the pipeline.
• Prepare “as-built” drawings of crossings and other construction; assist in transferring crossing data onto Company drawings.
• Complete required reports and notes activity by handwritten entry into a daily log.
• Review pre-job conferences, meetings with outside agents, underground service contractors, utility personnel, etc.
• Periodically clean, buff and recoat pipe.
• Repair equipment such as electrical test stations (ETS) if needed at booster stations and various pipeline locations.
• Upon hiring, obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential issued by Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
• Consistently maintain and demonstrate a high regard for personal safety, for the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.
• Perform other field operational duties as assigned.
• Assist in training additional employees as directed or necessary.
• Perform housekeeping as requested by management, participate in special projects and other assignments.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; technical training and/or college a plus.
• One to three years experience in pipeline construction, maintenance, or operations environment is desirable.
• Must pass and maintain all applicable Operator Qualification requirements.
• For railcar off-loading responsibilities, must become knowledgeable of Federal Railway Administration (FRA) regulations and procedures and ensure compliance in all off-loading activities.
• A satisfactory driving record as determined by the Company and a current, valid State driver’s license are mandatory; the ability to pass the Commercial Motor Vehicle physical is a requirement.
• If applicable to the work location, satisfactorily obtaining or already possessing a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card is a condition of employment; the TWIC card is obtained by submitting an application, background check, and having fingerprints taken.
• If the employee is subject to license or certification requirements or training as stipulated by local, state or federal agencies or the Company, now or in the future, compliance is required under this job description.

Skills and abilities

• Strong verbal and written communications skills; must be able to read and comprehend written documents, instructions and directions, and accurately pass on information and instructions to co-workers.
• Requires tact and diplomacy in dealing with outside parties, balanced by standing firm when company personnel, property or equipment needs to be protected.
• Must be accountable and take direction from Managers; keep required work schedules, which include regular and predictable job attendance; focus attention on details; follow work rules.
• Must be able to pass Operator Qualification requirements (OQ).
• Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is necessary to interface with company communication systems.
• Must be self-motivated and capable of working with minimal supervision and/or direction.
• Well-balanced interpersonal skills; must be flexible and able to work effectively in a team environment and consistently maintain a professional and respectful demeanor/attitude with co-workers, clients, consultants, and representatives of various local, state and federal agencies.
• A mechanical aptitude is necessary to meet the various maintenance and general operational requirements.

Physical demands

• Must be physically capable of completing and satisfying all training requirements as stipulated by local, state or federal agencies and/or Company Policy.
• Rail car off-loading is demanding physical work that requires working outdoors in extreme weather conditions for long hours.
• Work is performed outside in varying and sometimes extreme weather situations.
• Inspection of pipeline may involve a variety of terrain, including open trenches of varying depths; walking the line may entail working around moderate to heavy traffic conditions when pipelines are located within public through streets.
• Must be able to walk up to 5 miles a day, including to remote areas where footing may be unsteady.
• Work is labor intensive at times and involves repetitive actions such as stooping, bending, squatting, walking, digging and lifting weights up to 80 pounds unassisted; help should be secured for weight in excess of that amount.
• Must be able to dig with a hand shovel to a depth of three feet; some areas may require a great deal of manual probing to locate pipe which requires good physical strength, constant hand, arm and leg movements, often for extended periods.
• Uses all senses especially sight, hearing, and smell in observation and detection of irregularities.
• Field activities may include walking to and amidst work and/or construction sites, climbing in and out of trenches, working around heavy equipment, negotiating rough terrain, areas of loose rock and working in confined spaces.
• Must be capable of manually operating a block valve up to 24” in diameter.
• Some locations may entail driving a vehicle for a substantial number of hours per day; good driving skills required for both freeway and off-road conditions.
• Extended periods of sitting may be required for administrative activities.

Working conditions

• Job entails call-outs on a 24-hour emergency basis and an ability to work long hours, weekends, nights and holidays, when required.
• May be required to carry a cell phone and/or pager and respond to calls/pages in a timely manner 24/7.
• Occasional overnight travel required.
• Position subject to 24-hour call-out, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Overtime required and extended work hours in cases of emergencies.
• Typically will be required to work alone (unsupervised).
• May be exposed to some refined oil products containing chemicals which may be related to certain types of illnesses or reproductive toxicity; some emit vapors under certain conditions, are flammable and may be explosive under certain circumstances.
• Exposure to smells and vapor associated with refined petroleum products.
• Climatic conditions are determined by location assignment and may include severe seasonal changes including both winter conditions with frequent snow or extreme summer heat and sun, depending upon geographic location.

Pay

Pay range is $44.00 to $53.00 per hour. This position includes a discretionary annual incentive plan. Job level and pay commensurate with experience and skill set.

Benefits

• Health care benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible and Health Spending Accounts.
• Life and Accidental Death and Disability insurance; Supplemental Life and Accidental Death and Disability insurance for employee and dependents.
• Retirement benefits including a 401(k) with employer and employee contributions and a company-funded pension plan.
• Paid time off; paid parental bonding leave; paid holidays.
• A flexible work schedule and many voluntary benefit plans.