Pipeline Specialist

About the role

You will coordinate and complete pipeline operations and maintenance tasks and projects in support of plant, pipeline, corrosion, measurement, controls, mechanical maintenance, machine shop, and project management. The position reports to a Pipeline Crew Leader and ensures work is performed in compliance with governmental and company policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist with hot tapping and stopple equipment, perform valve maintenance, pigging operations, pipe cleaning (internal and external), hydrostatic testing, and leak surveys using flame ionization equipment.
• Lead, train, and develop personnel; ensure compliance; provide financial input; scope projects; and oversee contractors and contract workers.
• Mobilize, operate, and maintain heavy excavation equipment (hydrovac truck, backhoe, track hoe, side boom, dozer, maintainer) for excavation on loaded natural gas pipelines.
• Perform excavation spotter tasks and manage excavation crossings of lines.
• Troubleshoot and maintain DOT mainline isolation valves.
• Launch, monitor, receive, and develop plans for pipeline pigging operations.
• Disassemble meter tubes and perform internal cleaning.
• Operate large truck and trailer hauling equipment to transport heavy work equipment or project materials to job sites.
• Calibrate and maintain a holiday detector for coating‑application inspection.
• Perform pressure tests of pipelines and fabrications.
• Locate and mark pipelines using line‑detection equipment, probe rods, and drawing/alignment sheets.
• Repair shorted pipeline casings and install CP test points.
• Prepare pipelines for full‑encirclement sleeves for anomaly repairs.
• Evacuate, purge, and load pipelines; operate pipeline air‑movers during hot‑work operations.
• Perform basic acetylene cutting and beveling operations.
• Handle administrative tasks: order and receive replacement parts, complete personal time sheets and expense accounts, and maintain a company vehicle.
• Act as a company representative when interacting with contractors and vendors.
• Promote and embody Kinder Morgan Core Values.
• Identify, report, and correct safety and environmental concerns.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Follow all safety, environmental, and regulatory policies; handle hazardous waste responsibly.
• Strong mechanical skills and knowledge of heavy‑equipment maintenance procedures.
• Ability to operate heavy pipeline excavation equipment, including large trucks.
• Ability to read and interpret company policies, O&M manuals, and blueprints.
• Timely response to emergency or after‑hours calls.
• Good communication skills and ability to interface effectively with others.
• Basic computer skills (MS Office, operating systems, company software) and trainability in custom applications.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals).
• Focus on internal and external customer service.
• Team orientation, ability to take direction, attention to detail, and adherence to project schedules.
• Valid CDL driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record; must obtain or maintain as required.
• Pre‑employment and post‑employment DOT and PHMSA drug testing and motor‑vehicle record checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience in all phases of pipeline construction, maintenance, and repair.
• Experience operating and maintaining heavy excavation equipment (hydrovac truck, backhoe, track hoe, side boom, dozer, maintainer).
• Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations and DOT pipeline regulations.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent.

Working Conditions

• Primarily outdoors in a pipeline construction environment, often on uneven or loose ground.
• Required use of all PPE, including flame‑resistant clothing.
• On‑call availability 24/7, except during company‑sponsored paid time off.
• Typical schedule: Monday‑Thursday, 10 hours per day, with overtime as needed.
• Construction periods may require 10‑12 hour days, 6‑7 days per week.
• Significant overnight travel (≈70 % or more).
• Must reside or relocate within 60 miles of the reporting location by the start date.
• Physical demands include lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying up to 50 lb; exerting up to 100 lb of force; standing, walking, kneeling, bending, squatting, twisting the head and back for extended periods; working in confined spaces, on ladders, catwalks, platforms, slopes, and ditches; and operating in adverse weather or extreme temperatures.
• Requires acute sight, hearing, and sense of smell (corrected or uncorrected).

Schedule

• Monday – Thursday, 10 hours per day (standard); overtime may be required.
• During construction, shifts can extend to 10‑12 hours per day, 6‑7 days per week.
• Significant overnight travel (≈70 % of time).
• On‑call 24/7, except during company‑sponsored paid time off.

Why Join Kinder Morgan

Kinder Morgan is a large North American energy‑infrastructure company dedicated to providing reliable, affordable energy while operating safely, efficiently, and responsibly. The company offers a culture focused on safety, environmental stewardship, and community impact, and encourages employees to embody its Core Values.