Operations Specialist, Level 1-4

Kinder Morgan•Aurora, CO

About The Position

The Operations Specialist is responsible for installing, operating, and maintaining natural gas pipelines, compression stations, and related field operations. The role includes mechanical maintenance and troubleshooting, equipment operation, pipeline and facility inspections, regulatory compliance activities, contractor oversight, recordkeeping, and participation in planning and budgeting. The position also represents the company in interactions with landowners, public officials, emergency officials, and local meetings, while maintaining a strong focus on safety and environmental compliance. The employee may respond to call-outs and work overtime, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Work may take place indoors or outdoors and in varied weather, temperature, noise, and lighting conditions. Travel may be required depending on location and workload, and the employee must live within a reasonable response time of the reporting location. The job involves physical work including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, working in confined spaces and at elevated locations, and using hand tools and equipment. Personal protective equipment, including full fire-retardant clothing, is required. Kinder Morgan describes itself as a large North American energy infrastructure company committed to providing energy transportation and storage services safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally responsible manner. Job level and pay are commensurate with experience and skill set.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong mechanical skills.
Proficiency using various hand tools.
Familiarity with and experience diagnosing mechanical issues.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, P&IDs, and other diagrams.
Valid driver's license that meets company insurability requirements; must be maintained.
Must achieve and maintain operator qualifications and may need certifications required for specific duties.
Strong focus on completing assigned work safely and without accidents.
Basic computer skills, including knowledge of MS Office and various operating systems, and ability to learn company software.
Basic math skills, including arithmetic, fractions, and decimals.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong customer focus.
Ability to work with a team, take direction, maintain required schedules, attend to details, and follow work rules.
Ability to organize, plan, prioritize, document, and complete work with minimum supervision.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
Ability to demonstrate performance toward operational excellence.
Ability to drive and work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold.
Must live within a reasonable response time from the reporting location, as determined by local management.
Ability to consistently lift at least 20 pounds, sometimes in awkward positions, and potentially lift from floor to waist and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to lift, carry, pull, push, reach, squat, kneel, and climb ladders or stairs.
Physical dexterity, hand and grip strength, depth perception, and other physical attributes necessary to perform the job safely.
Ability to use hand tools and equipment and perform repetitive hand motions involving grasping and twisting.
Ability to frequently enter confined spaces and climb and work from elevated platforms, ladders, and walkways.
Ability to work periodically in low-lit areas, high-noise areas, and extreme temperatures, including inside compressor buildings.
Must follow applicable PPE guidelines, including wearing full fire-retardant clothing.

Nice To Haves

Experience with gas compressor stations and pipeline operations.
Experience troubleshooting equipment and determining process failures.
Experience with maintenance tracking database activities.
Knowledge of safe handling practices for flammable gases, liquids, and high- and low-pressure systems.

Responsibilities

Install, repair, service, and maintain valves, pipe, pipeline appurtenances, generators, air compressors, pumps, gas compressors, and engines as applicable.
Maintain the general upkeep, cleanliness, and condition of company facilities, equipment, and pipeline right-of-way.
Participate in planning for equipment shutdowns, maintenance, and outages.
Oversee third-party construction and maintenance activities, including monitoring 811 one-call tickets.
Inspect work completed by third-party contractors and construction crews.
Conduct pigging activities when necessary.
Perform governmental compliance activities, including line patrols and road, railroad crossing, and valve inspections.
Inspect and perform preventive maintenance on compression station engines and equipment.
Determine root causes of mechanical issues and failures and ensure necessary repairs are completed.
Perform minor electrical maintenance and troubleshooting.
Start and stop operating equipment, including compressor engines and pumps, within defined operating parameters.
Participate in developing project scopes and work plans.
Represent the company in contacts with landowners, tenants, public officials, emergency officials, and at local meetings.
Identify and report unsafe conditions and correct safety and environmental concerns.
Provide information to support operations budget creation, planning, forecasting, and management.
Maintain company expense records to support cash-flow management and cost monitoring and control.
Provide input on O&M procedures, project scopes of work, and work plans.
Complete applicable documentation and recordkeeping.
Perform work in compliance with company standards, procedures, regulatory requirements, and company tariff requirements.
Communicate work activities to appropriate parties.
Participate in safety programs and initiatives and maintain regard for personal, employee, public, and asset safety.
Respond to call-outs and work overtime as necessary, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Operate and maintain equipment such as UTVs, ATVs, forklifts, skid steers, and snow plows.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
Flexible and Health Spending Accounts.
Life and Accidental Death and Disability Insurance.
Supplemental Life and Accidental Death and Disability Insurance for employees and dependents.
401(k) retirement plan with employer and employee contributions.
Company-funded pension plan.
Paid time off.
Paid holidays.
Flexible work schedule.
Voluntary benefit plans.