Operations Controller

About the role

The Pipeline Controller is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the safe and efficient movement of crude oil through pipeline, gathering, storage, transmission, and processing systems. Using SCADA systems and other control technologies, this role analyzes real-time operating conditions, monitors pressures and flow rates, forecasts system demand, coordinates product receipts and deliveries, and responds to changing operational needs to ensure reliable pipeline performance.

Job Profile Summary: Monitors, adjusts and/or controls flow of Crude Oil through the pipeline system in a safe, reliable, compliant and efficient manner. This includes distribution, transmission, gathering, storage and processing systems.

Working Conditions/Environment: Employee is subject to inside environmental conditions; well lighted, climate controlled areas (constantly); frequent repetitive motion (constantly); CRT (Computer Monitor(s)) (constantly); travel none required, driving based on assigned tasks, employee may be assigned a company vehicle requiring the applicable driver's license.

Physical Demands/Requirements: Sedentary work - exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met. Specific demands: Standing (occasionally), Walking (frequently), Sitting (constantly), Lifting (occasionally), Carrying (occasionally), Pushing (occasionally), Pulling (occasionally), Climbing: Ladders, Stairs (occasionally), Balancing (occasionally), Stooping (occasionally), Kneeling (occasionally), Crouching (occasionally), Crawling (occasionally), Reaching (constantly), Handling (manual dexterity) (constantly), Fingering (finger dexterity) (constantly), Feeling (constantly), Talking (frequently), Hearing (frequently), Tasting/Smelling (occasionally), Near Vision (clarity of vision at 20 inches or less) (constantly), Far Vision (clarity of vision at 20 feet or more) (frequently), Depth Perception (frequently), Vision: Color (ability to identify and distinguish colors) (constantly).

Responsibilities

• Utilize computers and SCADA digital displays to determine sufficient operating pressures and to monitor and direct flow of Crude Oil though pipeline system
• Determine load requirements using company approved forecasting model. Compare this forecast to forecasts based on analysis of current and predicted weather conditions, current system conditions, and operating objectives
• Analyze and assist in identification and resolution of communication problems. Take appropriate action to minimize drastic reductions in pressure caused by line breaks or other unusual occurrences
• Monitor system gas or liquid quality and take appropriate action in response to changes
• Calculate and/or verify the following, including but not limited to: Receipts, Deliveries, Storage injections and withdrawals, Pipeline system load requirements, Transportation imbalances
• Compile, prepare, and/or post information including but not limited to: Start/stop of receipt/delivery flows and compressors or pumps, Storage injection and withdrawal requests, Field personnel call-outs, Nomination confirmations and changes, Gas quality issues, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) communication problems
• Communicate information and/or instructions related to system operations and contractual obligations to company field personnel, schedulers, and pipeline controllers from other companies