Pipeline Operator - Intermediate

ONEOK•Monahans, TX

8d•$74,000 - $110,000

About The Position

Perform intermediate-level work associated with the safe, reliable, and compliant operation and maintenance of natural gas pipeline and compression assets within the assigned operating area. The position supports three compressor station sites—two with three reciprocating compressor units each and one using turbine compression—and approximately 250 miles of associated pipeline, rights-of-way, valves, measurement facilities, and related equipment. Operators perform day-to-day operation and monitoring of assigned pipeline and compressor facilities. Work includes pipeline and compressor operations, routine maintenance, inspections, pigging, valve operations, pipeline patrols, line locating and marking, One-Call response, excavation oversight and dig watch, damage prevention, construction activities, and emergency response. Operators independently prioritize routine operating, maintenance, compliance, and damage-prevention responsibilities while responding to changing field conditions, abnormal operating conditions, equipment issues, construction activity, and emergencies. The position participates in an after-hours callout rotation, normally one week on call followed by three weeks off call when fully staffed. On-call operators must be available to respond to pipeline and facility emergencies, equipment issues, One-Call and damage-prevention requirements, and other operational needs outside normal working hours. Coverage may include nights, weekends, and holidays, and the rotation may change based on staffing, operational requirements, vacation coverage, training, emergencies, and other business needs. Responsibilities may include DOT-covered operations, maintenance, and emergency-response functions; employees must maintain applicable qualifications for assigned assets and tasks.

Requirements

Experience operating and maintaining pipeline systems and related equipment used in natural gas and liquids gathering and transmission systems.
Experience in field functions including measurement, cathodic protection, and compressor or pump station operations.
Experience maintaining and repairing equipment.
Experience, training, or knowledge of company and governmental operating and safety procedures and environmental regulations.
Experience, training, or knowledge of natural gas and gas liquids characteristics; pipeline pigging; blowing drips; tank gauging; and liquid collection.
Experience, training, or knowledge of construction methods.
Experience patrolling pipelines, performing leakage surveys, and locating and marking lines.
Experience working with valves, dehydration equipment, scrubbers, and separators.
Experience using applications such as Microsoft Excel, Project, Access, and Word.
Experience interacting, negotiating, advising, communicating effectively, and exchanging written and verbal information and instructions.
Knowledge of cathodic protection and corrosion-control activities.
Ability to use tools and equipment, including computers and related software.
Ability to establish and prioritize assignments and complete them in a timely manner with limited supervision.
Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify alternative solutions or approaches to problems.
Ability to communicate thoughts, ideas, information, messages, and technical written material in a logical, organized, and coherent manner.
Ability to use formulas to estimate or calculate flow rates and volumes.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Ability to respond immediately to hazardous conditions and follow safety precautions.
Heavy-work physical demands: exerting 50–100 pounds of force occasionally, 25–50 pounds frequently, and/or 10–20 pounds constantly.
Travel to other locations up to 30% within assigned geographic regions is required.
An applicable driver's license may be required if assigned a company vehicle.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain pipeline systems and related facilities, including compressor stations, gas storage, dehydration, pumping, measurement, and associated equipment.
Perform startup and shutdown activities, pigging, liquid collection, chart changes, tank gauging, line locating and marking, cathodic-protection and basic coating monitoring, pipeline leakage surveys and patrols, and blowing drips.
Perform or dispatch line locates and provide construction watch or oversight.
Monitor usage and replace lubricants, fluids, inhibitors, chemicals, and other materials as needed for safe and efficient equipment operation.
Exchange pipeline operations, maintenance, measurement, and other activity information with public and governmental officials, employees, contractors, customers, producers, and landowners.
Calculate, compile, and prepare information and reports concerning gas or liquid flow and quality, maintenance and repair logs, samples, pipeline and corrosion activities, construction inspection, and regulatory requirements.
Drive assigned company vehicles and ensure their maintenance is completed.
Respond immediately to emergency situations and dangerous or hazardous conditions to prevent injury to self and others.
Participate in the after-hours callout rotation and respond to operational needs, including emergencies, equipment issues, One-Call, and damage-prevention requirements.
Maintain applicable qualifications for assigned DOT-covered operations, maintenance, and emergency-response tasks.