Pipeline Specialist

The Pipeline Specialist is based out of our Southern National Gas (SNG) Birmingham Warehouse located at 1501 Meadowcraft Road Birmingham, Alabama 35215. Kinder Morgan offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, two retirement plans, paid holidays, and paid time off. Kinder Morgan is one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America.

To be considered for our Birmingham, AL Pipeline Specialist job click on Apply Now to sign in or create an account to upload your resume. This is a great opportunity if you are an experienced Pipeline Construction, Heavy Equipment Operator, or have operated Heavy Equipment in the Pipeline Construction or Pipeline Services field.

Position Description

• Perform all phases of mobilizing, operating, and maintaining heavy excavation equipment (hydrovac truck, backhoe, track hoe, side boom, dozer, and skid steer) to include excavation frequently on loaded natural gas pipelines.
• Operate large truck and trailer hauling equipment required to transport heavy work equipment or project materials to job site.
• Daily responsibilities include but are not limited to operating heavy equipment, excavating loaded natural gas pipelines, assisting with pipe replacements, hot tapping and stopple equipment, pigging operations, pipe cleaning (internal and external), pipe fabrication, pipe recoating, and hydrostatic testing. Incumbent may be required to lead others, train, develop training, ensure compliance, supply financial input, scope projects and oversee the supervision of contractors and contract workers.
• This position also develops work plans and manages contractor construction crews that perform work on Kinder Morgan company assets and facilities.
• This position reports to a Pipeline Support Crew Lead to ensure consistency and assurance of work performed in compliance with governmental and company policies and procedures.
• Perform coating removal, surface preparation, and the application of coating systems including 3M Scotch-Cote 323.
• Installation of “Clock-Spring / Armor-Wrap” for repair on loaded pipelines.
• Perform excavation observer and spotter tasks.
• Perform troubleshooting and valve maintenance on DOT mainline isolation valves.
• Launch, monitor, and receive pipeline pigs and develop pipeline pigging plans.
• Conduct internal pipeline cleaning or pigging operations utilizing internal pipe cleaning equipment.
• Disassemble meter tubes and perform internal meter tube cleaning.
• Calibrate and maintain a holiday detector for coating application inspection.
• Perform pressure tests of pipelines and fabrications.
• Design and review pressure test plans per pipe and material specifications.
• Locate and mark pipelines with pipeline locating equipment, probe rods, or by hand digging with a shovel using drawings and alignment sheets for reference.
• Repair pig launchers and receivers, closures and install pig signals.
• Repair shorted pipeline casings and install CP test points on pipelines.
• Prepare pipelines for full encirclement sleeves for anomaly repairs.
• Coordinate pipeline segment replacements including helping develop the HazOp plan.
• Evacuate, purge and load pipelines; operate pipeline air movers to evacuate gas lines during hot work operations.
• Operate portable gas compressors and air compressors.
• Perform basic acetylene cutting and beveling operations.
• Perform duties of a welder helper as needed.

Industry-related experience is preferred.

Experience / Specific Knowledge:

• Operate a hydrovac truck.
• Excavate in-service high-pressure pipelines with a track hoe.
• Operate heavy equipment on difficult and steep terrain
• Ability to obtain CDL within 6 months from the date of hire. Maintain a valid CDL driver's license, and maintain a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers
• Operate large truck and trailer hauling equipment required to transport heavy work equipment such as tracked excavators and dozers or project materials to the job site.

Competencies, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must have the ability to read and interpret engineering construction blueprints for both pipeline and compressor station projects.
• Individual must follow all safety, environmental and regulatory policies so tasks and assignments are completed in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, ensuring proper handling and disposition of hazardous waste.
• Knowledge of both OSHA safety regulations and DOT pipeline regulations. -Strong mechanical skills and knowledge of heavy equipment maintenance procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret various company policies and procedures, Operations & Maintenance (O&M) manual and blueprints.
• Ability to respond in a timely manner to any emergency or after-hours calls.
• Good communication skills - must be able to interface effectively with many internal and external customers, regulatory officials, company contacts, co-workers and 3rd party contractors.
• Basic computer skills (knowledge of MS Office, operating systems, company software if applicable), trainable in custom software applications.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals)
• Focused on internal and external customer service.
• Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisors with focused attention on details, work rules, and adherence to required project work schedules.
• This individual will be responsible for administrative tasks including ordering and receiving required replacement parts, completing personal timesheets and expense accounts, completing and maintaining CMV documentation, and maintaining a company vehicle.
• This position requires acting as a company representative when interacting with contractors and vendors.

Physical Demands:

• Lift, pull, push, and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Exert up to 100 lbs. of physical force.
• Stand, walk, kneel, bend, and squat for extended periods of time.
• Twist head and back for extended periods of time.
• Work in areas classified as confined space.
• Climb and work from ladders, catwalks, staging, and platforms.
• Ascend and descend slopes and ditches.
• Work with hands above head, lying on back.
• Work in adverse weather and/or extreme temperature conditions.
• The individual will be working outdoors, in a pipeline construction type of environment.

Working Conditions:

• Work schedule is Monday through Thursday, ten hours per day and will involve overtime.
• Work schedule during construction is Monday through Saturday, ten to twelve hours per day.
• This position requires extensive travel and overnight stays are frequent with work away from the reporting location required up to 80% of the time and the ability to respond to call-outs 24/7.

The successful candidate will be required to clear a DOT drug screen and a complete background check after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed. Job level commensurate with experience and skill set.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.