Controller

Kinder Morgan•Houston, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Controller safely and efficiently operates pipelines, gathering systems, and terminals to deliver crude oil and refined products throughout the United States and Canada from Kinder Morgan’s Houston headquarters using a SCADA system. Candidates must satisfactorily complete entry-level Pipeline Controller training, including classroom instruction, field trips, computer-based pipeline simulations, written examinations, simulation assessments, console-specific on-the-job training, and qualification assessments. The position handles real-time scheduling and delivery activities, safe system operation, abnormal and emergency response, system efficiency, product quality, measurement, inventory management, and customer relations. Controllers use the Batch Management System to forecast product movements and maintain inventory balances, keep documentation compliant with company and regulatory requirements, and work with Scheduling to meet customer needs and use pipeline assets efficiently. The role requires cross-training and qualification on multiple control consoles and may involve project, procedure-development, system-testing, and other departmental assignments. The position is based in an indoor, climate-controlled control center and requires 12-hour rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. Periodic travel and temporary relocation to backup control centers in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Pasadena, Texas, may be required for continuity exercises, operational readiness testing, emergency response, and natural-disaster contingencies. The Controller must also be reasonably available for call-outs and be able to work from alternate centers for extended periods when required. There is no supervisory responsibility.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Maintain a professional and respectful demeanor with co-workers, customers, and vendors.
Take direction from supervisors, prioritize work, maintain attention to detail, and follow established procedures.
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Company’s insurance program.
Successfully complete the Console Operator Basic Requirements Assessment (COBRA).
Perform mathematical calculations, including basic arithmetic and interpretation of charts, scales, and tables.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Communicate clearly and concisely in English, verbally and in writing.
Communicate effectively with field personnel, customers, and other stakeholders during routine and emergency situations.
Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Accept supervision, follow direction, and work cooperatively within a team environment.
Function effectively in high-pressure and rapidly changing situations.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and operational requirements.
Recognize and respond promptly to audible and visual alarms.
Use computer keyboards and control systems for extended periods and sit for prolonged periods.
Hear and verbally respond to communications effectively.
Work independently and as part of a team.
Be willing and able to work 12-hour rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
Be willing and able to travel and temporarily relocate to alternate control centers, including Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Pasadena, Texas, and to work from them for extended periods when required.
Be reasonably available for call-outs, emergency situations, and continuity-of-operations events.
Pass a DOT drug screen and comprehensive background check, including a credit check where applicable, following a conditional offer and before hire.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Experience in liquid pipeline operations, control center operations, or related energy industry experience.

Responsibilities

Handle real-time activities for scheduling and delivering crude and refined products through the pipeline system to satisfy customer needs.
Operate the pipeline system and related facilities safely.
Monitor, recognize, and respond effectively to abnormal and emergency operating conditions.
Maximize system efficiency and optimization.
Monitor product quality control.
Manage product measurement and inventory effectively.
Maintain positive customer relations.
Use the Batch Management System to forecast product movements accurately and maintain inventory balances.
Maintain accurate documentation to comply with company and regulatory requirements.
Monitor operating conditions for inefficiencies in pumping rates, pump configurations, delivery rates, throttling, and other factors affecting costs and performance.
Work with the Scheduling group to meet customer needs and use pipeline assets efficiently.
Cross-train and qualify on multiple pipeline control consoles and provide operational support across systems and operating areas as business needs require.
May assist technical support groups with developing and revising operating procedures, pipeline standards, operations manuals, and related documentation.
May support special projects, operational initiatives, procedure development, system testing, and other departmental activities.
Travel to and temporarily work at designated backup control centers for business continuity exercises, readiness testing, emergency response, and natural-disaster contingencies.
Work from alternate control center locations for extended periods when required by continuity plans and emergency operations.
Respond to call-outs, emergency situations, and continuity-of-operations events as required.