Corrosion Technician

Kinder Morgan•Las Vegas, NV

About The Position

The Corrosion Technician operates and maintains cathodic protection (CP) facilities and plans and implements corrosion control and pipeline integrity activities for pipelines, terminals, and other facilities. This work includes the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of CP systems. The technician ensures compliance with Company policies and procedures mandated by the Office of Pipeline Safety and other state agencies. The office may be located in Colton, California; Barstow, California; or Las Vegas, Nevada. The position performs CP surveys, adjusts and repairs rectifiers and related equipment, maintains records and databases, supports CP system design and contracting, and assists with pipeline maintenance. It requires technical capability, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in field and remote settings. The role may involve extensive travel, overnight stays, emergency call-outs, and work in varied and sometimes extreme conditions. The position has no supervisory responsibility; other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Specific experience in corrosion and/or pipeline operations, or a technical diploma or degree.
Good electrical and mechanical skills, including a basic understanding of electricity and electrical theory.
Ability to perform basic math and algebra calculations.
Prior experience sketching and developing plot plans, or the ability to do so.
Ability to pass a rectifier class and NACE CP 1 within the first two years of employment.
Current, valid state driver's license and a satisfactory driving record as determined by the Company.
Ability to pass and maintain all applicable Operator Qualification requirements.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Project, Outlook, and CPDM.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including technical writing and preparation of required documentation and reports.
Accountability, ability to take direction from managers, maintain regular and predictable attendance, focus on details, and follow operational procedures and work rules.
Organizational skills and ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and oversee assigned work programs and projects.
Problem-solving ability and a good sense of direction for locating remote pipelines, rectifiers, and test stations.
Ability to work in areas with varying weather conditions.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Physical ability to complete required training.
Ability to work in areas exposed to odors and fumes associated with refined petroleum products and outdoors in varying, sometimes extreme weather.
Ability to walk across work and construction sites, climb in and out of trenches, work around heavy equipment, traverse rough or mountainous terrain and loose rock, and work in confined spaces.
May be required to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
Ability to walk 5–10 miles in a day through brush and rugged terrain, in temperatures ranging from 20 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Availability for 24-hour call-outs, including nights, weekends, and holidays; overtime and extended hours may be required during emergencies.
Ability to work alone and without direct supervision when required.
Ability to drive a four-wheel vehicle for up to eight hours per day and safely drive pipeline right-of-way.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including overnight stays for several days and extended driving on and off road.
Ability to work in remote areas where hazards may include electrical shock, difficult terrain, traffic, snakes, spiders, insects, cuts, and bruises.
Ability to perform extended periods of sitting for administrative activities.
AA or BS in Engineering Technology, or related/equivalent experience, is required for advancement to higher step levels.
Advancement through technician levels requires the applicable minimum time in level or equivalent experience, satisfactory performance, and required certifications. Level-specific expectations range from passing Operator Qualifications and performing basic duties at Level 1 to advanced CP certifications, independent work, leadership, mentoring, and subject-matter expertise at higher levels.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of corrosion instrumentation.
Experience designing, constructing, monitoring, and troubleshooting cathodic protection systems and performing pipeline maintenance.
Knowledge of common practices, procedures, tools, materials, and equipment used in cathodic protection of refined oil pipelines.
Working knowledge of occupational hazards and required safety precautions related to assigned duties.
Understanding of pipeline operations, locating, and right-of-way.
Knowledge of underground utility operations and right-of-way.
Knowledge of protective coatings used on petroleum pipelines.

Responsibilities

Implement CP surveys of pipelines, stations, and terminals and enter survey data into the American Innovation Program database.
Read and adjust rectifiers and other pipeline and station facilities using appropriate instrumentation.
Maintain records and drawings, enter data into computer systems, and provide reports.
Conduct interference tests and perform quality control inspections.
Troubleshoot and repair rectifiers, remote monitoring unit (RMU) equipment, and directional current devices (PCRs).
Assist with the design of CP systems and confer with departments responsible for contracts.
Assist in preparing contract drawings, specifications, and bid invitations.
Establish and maintain professional relationships with local, regional, and national NACE International organizations; may represent the Company at regional inter-company corrosion coordinating committees and audits conducted by state or federal agencies or DOT.
Assist with pipeline maintenance, including repairing CP and pipeline equipment and clearing right-of-way.
Investigate and restore rectifier outages reported by RMUs.
Comply with applicable Operator Qualification requirements and other required certifications or training.
Perform other duties as assigned.