Utility Operator Entry

Kinder Morgan•LAS VEGAS, NV

19h

About The Position

The Utility Operator safely and effectively performs duties associated with offloading railcars and tanker trucks and assists Operations personnel with station and pipeline operations. This entry-level field position works under close supervision initially. Advancement through Utility Operator levels depends on meeting minimum time requirements and maintaining satisfactory job performance standards. The role may involve work with minimal supervision at higher levels and may include training or mentoring less experienced operators. The position involves operating station vehicles, including trucks and forklifts; inspecting tanks and equipment; monitoring safety and environmental compliance; responding to emergencies; measuring and sampling petroleum products; conducting laboratory tests; and performing basic equipment maintenance and clerical documentation. The employee may assist maintenance technicians and participate in special projects and training. Work is primarily outdoors in varying and sometimes extreme weather, with exposure to petroleum-product smells and fumes. The role involves physical labor, extensive walking, climbing tanks, lifting, and manually operating valves. The schedule is traditionally an eight-hour day shift but may include regular nights or weekends as needed. The position is subject to 24-hour call-out, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and overtime and extended hours may be required during emergencies. The employee may be required to work alone. No supervisory responsibility is assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver's license and insurability under the applicable policy; must maintain both.
May be required to pass and maintain applicable Operator Qualification requirements.
Must comply with applicable license, certification, and training requirements imposed by local, state, or federal agencies or the company.
Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and well-balanced interpersonal skills.
Accountability, attention to detail, ability to take direction, maintain required schedules and attendance, and follow work rules.
Organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
Problem-solving ability.
Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision and/or direction.
Flexibility and ability to work effectively in a team while maintaining a professional and respectful demeanor.
Ability to read, comprehend, and respond to simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to meet required training requirements and perform the physical demands of the job.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted; assistance must be obtained for heavier weights.
Ability to gauge and routinely climb tanks with 50 to 80 steps.
Ability to manually operate a block valve up to 24 inches in diameter.
Ability to perform physical labor including walking, bending, stooping, climbing, digging, lifting, and repetitive physical actions.
Ability to use sight, hearing, and smell, with or without accommodation, to observe and detect irregularities.
Ability to work outdoors in a range of weather conditions and temperatures, described as approximately 20 to 120°F, with exposure to refined petroleum product smells and fumes.
Entry-level new hires must learn basic procedures and pass required loading and offloading procedures for tank cars and trucks.
Progression to Level 2 requires at least one year of satisfactory Level 1 performance or equivalent experience, consistent performance of job duties, adherence to standard procedures, and assigned Operator Qualifications.
Progression to Level 3 requires at least one year of satisfactory Level 2 performance or equivalent experience, sound judgment, knowledge of facility pumps and valves, and the ability to analyze problems and recommend resolutions.
Progression to Level 4 requires at least two years of satisfactory Level 3 performance or equivalent experience, self-direction, troubleshooting ability, leadership and teamwork, and contributions to improvements in ideas, procedures, or processes; may serve as a trainer or mentor.
Progression to Level 5 requires at least three years of satisfactory Level 4 performance, consistently meeting or exceeding performance standards, subject-matter expertise, independent judgment, teamwork, and professional conduct.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience requiring mechanical aptitude and skill.
Experience with light mechanical, electrical, or electronic maintenance.
Technical training and/or college classes.
Basic knowledge of cathodic protection.
Knowledge of piping, valves, and pressures.
Knowledge of pipeline operations.
Experience with storage tank operations, including inspections, alarms, and sampling.

Responsibilities

Offload railcars and tanker trucks.
Participate in terminal operations, pipeline operations, and right-of-way protection with appropriate training, qualification, and/or oversight.
Perform periodic inspections of tanks and equipment as directed.
Monitor the station for safety and environmental compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and company regulations, policies, and guidelines.
Respond to operating emergencies as necessary.
Measure petroleum product in tanks, including gauging product height, obtaining samples and temperature, measuring API gravity, and completing required calculations.
Operate station vehicles, including trucks and forklifts.
Manually obtain product samples from tanker trucks and railcars.
Perform laboratory testing of petroleum products.
Perform minor station equipment maintenance, such as adjusting valve packing, oiling machinery, greasing valves, cleaning, and painting.
Complete clerical documentation of station operations and provide inventory and billing information to other departments.
Maintain assigned equipment and facility housekeeping as required.
Assist maintenance technicians with equipment repairs as directed.
Participate in special projects and perform other duties assigned by management.
Maintain a high regard for personal safety and the safety of company assets, employees, and the general public.
Participate in and successfully complete required training and related testing.

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.
Retirement benefits including a 401(k) with employer and employee contributions and a company-funded pension plan.
Paid time off.
Paid parental bonding leave.
Paid holidays.
Flexible work schedule.
Voluntary benefit plans.
Discretionary annual incentive plan.