Pipeline Operator

Danos, LLC•Carlsbad, NM

About The Position

The Pipeline Operator is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of liquid and gas pipeline systems and associated facilities. This position requires a fully qualified operator with deep knowledge of DOT PHMSA regulations (49 CFR 192 & 195), strict adherence to Operator Qualification (OQ) requirements, and precise documentation practices. The ideal candidate understands flow dynamics, commissioning and decommissioning processes, and pigging operations, demonstrates above-average proficiency in Microsoft Office, and is skilled in reading pipeline maps and following buried lines.

Requirements

2+ yrs. of Pipeline Operator experience required.
High School Diploma or GED required.
Must meet all conditional job offer requirements including background, drug (UA), MVR, agility, and fit for duty.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of corrosion control basics, measurement/LACT operations, or station equipment (pumps, compressors) preferred.
Utilize SCADA interfaces, instrumentation, and analyzers to evaluate performance using trend analysis, set point awareness, respond to alarms, and basic troubleshooting.
Prepare clear reports, spreadsheets, and presentations using Microsoft Office: Advanced Excel (tables, lookups, charts), Word (templates/styles), PowerPoint (clear visuals), Outlook & Teams (professional communication).
Some college or technical training preferred.

Responsibilities

Operate, monitor, and maintain pipelines, stations, and related equipment to ensure safe, reliable transportation of liquids and gas.
Perform start-up, shutdown, commissioning, decommissioning, isolation, purging, and line fill/pack/unpack activities.
Execute pigging operations (utility, batching, cleaning, and ILI) including pre/post-run checks, pressure control, and documentation.
Monitor flows, pressures, volumes, and quality via SCADA and field instrumentation; identify abnormal conditions and optimize operations.
Comply with DOT PHMSA pipeline regulations for gas (49 CFR 192) and liquids (49 CFR 195).
Complete timely, accurate DOT-required records (inspections, maintenance, patrols, audits, incidents/near-misses).
Perform only tasks for which active OQ is held; maintain current qualifications.
Support audits/inspections with organized, complete documentation.
Follow company safety policies, Life-Saving Rules, and safe work practices; participate in JSAs, pre-task briefings, drills, and safety meetings.
Conduct leak surveys, ROW patrols, facility inspections, equipment checks, and support integrity management activities.
Identify and mitigate hazards, use Stop Work Authority and escalate issues per protocol.
Fully capable of reading and interpreting alignment sheets, P&IDs, stationing, contours, and one-lines to accurately locate, trace, and follow buried pipelines.
Identifies pipeline routing, depth indications, fittings, valves, ROW boundaries, and crossings from maps/alignment sheets.
Use approved line-locating equipment and GPS to witness precise line locates for 811/One-Call, maintenance, and construction support.
Report mapping discrepancies and support updates to GIS/as-built records. Collaborates with Foreman and GIS team for updates.
The operator must understand hazards associated with high-pressure gas and liquid hydrocarbon systems—including stored energy, rapid pressure release, jetting, ignition potential, chemical exposure, and environmental risks—and implement engineered and administrative safeguards to eliminate or mitigate those hazards
Pressure Hazard Recognition: Understands stored energy, overpressure, and jetting risks; verify isolation points and pressure decay before opening systems.
Product Hazard Knowledge: Applies correct precautions based on product properties (flammability, toxicity, vapor density) for gas, condensate, crude oil, NGL, and vapor-rich liquids.
Safe Isolation & Verification: Uses LOTO, double block and bleed, blinds, and pressure verification with zero errors.
Release Prevention: Prevents unintended releases during pigging, valve operation, commissioning, decommissioning, and maintenance with correct pressure control and venting.
Emergency Response Awareness: Recognizes line strikes, overpressure, vapor cloud formation, and leaks early and acts immediately.
Detection & Monitoring: Uses gas detectors, pressure gauges, and SCADA alarms correctly to identify hazardous conditions.
Hazard Communication: Clearly communicates hazards and safeguards to team members, contractors, and leadership.