Pipeline Specialist - Alice TX

About the Role

Kinder Morgan is seeking an experienced Pipeline Specialist to join our Alice Pipeline Support Office in Alice, Texas. This role coordinates and completes pipeline operations and maintenance tasks 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.

What You Will Do

• Perform all phases of mobilizing, operating and maintaining heavy excavation equipment (hydrovac truck, backhoe, excavator, track loader/skid steer, dozer, forklift and maintainers) including 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
• Lead others, train, develop training, ensure compliance, supply financial input, scope projects and oversee the supervision of contractors and contract workers
• Develop work plans and manage contractor construction crews performing work on Kinder Morgan company assets and facilities
• Operate large truck and trailer hauling equipment 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 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

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Five or more years of experience in all phases of pipeline construction, maintenance and repair including operating and maintaining heavy excavation equipment (hydrovac truck, backhoe, excavator, side boom, dozer, and maintainer)
• 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 driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers

Skills & Competencies

• Ability to read and interpret engineering construction blueprints for both pipeline and compressor station projects
• Knowledge of 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 company policies, procedures, O&M manual and blueprints
• Ability to respond in a timely manner to emergencies or after-hours calls
• Good communication skills for interfacing with internal and external customers, regulatory officials, co-workers and contractors
• Basic computer skills (MS Office, company software, trainable to custom 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, and follow work rules with attention to detail
• Ability to perform administrative tasks including ordering and receiving replacement parts, completing timesheets and expense accounts, and maintaining a company vehicle
• Act as company representative when interacting with contractors and vendors
• Promote and embody Kinder Morgan Core Values

Work Schedule & Travel

• Typical work schedule is Monday through Thursday, ten hours per day with likely overtime
• Work schedule during construction is Monday through Saturday, ten to twelve hours per day
• Significant amount of overnight travel to support operation areas throughout the company, up to 75% of the time
• Must be available for callouts 24/7, except during company sponsored paid time off
• Must be able to work other than normal hours, respond to schedule changes, and respond to call-outs

Physical Demands

• 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
• Twist head and back for extended periods
• Work in confined spaces
• 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

• Normally working outdoors in a pipeline construction environment
• Work away from reporting location required up to 75% of the time
• Will be required to clear a DOT drug screen and complete background check after offer extension and prior to employment

Benefits

Kinder Morgan offers competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package.