Pipeline Technician (Line Patroller)

Kinder Morgan is seeking a Pipeline Technician (Line Patroller) to support and protect critical natural gas infrastructure in the Thomasville, Georgia area. This field-based position combines pipeline operations, utility locating, damage prevention, construction inspection, right-of-way monitoring, and public safety responsibilities.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with experience in pipeline operations, utility locating, construction inspection, surveying, right-of-way maintenance, utility construction, natural gas operations, telecommunications infrastructure, or related field work.

This position is primarily Monday through Friday with some on-call responsibilities. Extensive local travel is required within an assigned geographic area. Kinder Morgan offers excellent benefits, retirement plans, paid time off, paid holidays, and opportunities for career advancement within operations and field leadership.

Implement the Company Damage Prevention Program including performing and coordinating workgroup activities including patrolling, locating, construction inspection, and excavation inspection of Company gas/liquids pipelines and appurtenances. Level 1 is an entry-level position with approximately six to twelve months of training/work experience in order to progress to the next level. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Locate and mark facilities per Company Damage Prevention Program and One-Call procedures prior to and during excavation.
• Completely and thoroughly document (in writing) all work activities relative to the current day’s activities and required tasks.
• Work and drive safely.
• Perform record keeping and data entry duties per Company policies.
• Performing pipeline patrols, population density surveys, leak detection surveys and inspections per Company procedures.
• Coordinate local Damage Prevention activities.
• Provide oversight and inspection to ensure asset protection and compliance with Company procedures of excavation activities near pipeline facilities.
• Responsible for inspection of projects primarily relating to excavation near pipeline facilities and repair of pipeline facilities.
• Responsible for inspection duties per Company policies including completion of required documentation, as-built drawings, contractor oversight and supervision, act as Company representative during construction activities, report progress to Operations and Project Manager, and ensure proper reporting and compliance with Safety and Environmental policies.
• Represent the Company during contacts with landowner/tenants, public officials/emergency officials and at local meetings. (One Call, Pipeline Groups, Soil Conservation, USFS, etc.)
• Perform governmental compliance activities (PHMSA, State Agencies, EPA, USFS, etc.)
• Identify, report and correct safety and environmental concerns.
• Actively participate in safety programs and initiatives.
• Participate in the development of O&M Procedures, Site Specific Procedures, project scopes and work plans.
• Complete all applicable documentation and record-keeping.
• Perform all work in compliance with Company standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrate performance toward operational excellence
• Other duties as assigned. 

Education:

• High school diploma or GED 

Experience / Specific Knowledge:

• Experience in pipeline maintenance and or excavation is preferred.
• Extensive experience writing reports, log entries, journaling and record-keeping is extremely beneficial and desired.  Must be able to write a complete and concise record of job activities.
• Knowledge of compressor station and transmission pipeline systems is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in safe handling practices of flammable gases high and low pressure systems.
• Knowledge and experience of valve operating systems.
• The use of company-issued personal computer and electronic devices (camera, phone, GPS, range finder) is required.   

Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations:

• Valid Driver’s license- with long term safe driving record.
• Achieve and maintain all qualifications and progression requirements applicable to the job classification 

 Competencies, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent driving record and record of safe work practices.
• Proficient with computer skills (knowledge of MS Office, various operating systems and other company software).
• Ability to write and document all work activities- technical writing. 
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals.
• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints, P&IDs and other diagrams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to work with a team, must be able to work with very little direct supervision, must be able to develop and adhere to required work schedules.
• Ability to speak and understand English. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills examples are: self confidence, positive attitude, effective listening, collaboration, conflict management, positive attitude, effective communication, receptiveness to feedback, and positive body language.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to withstand extreme weather conditions
• Must be able to frequently:
• Traverse extreme terrain in all weather conditions.
• Walk great distances and transport 20 pounds of work-related equipment.
• Travel in and work in extremely rural and isolated areas.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 20 pounds in awkward positions and 50 pounds from the floor to waist.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions. 

Working Conditions:

• Must respond to, and address, callouts and emergencies after regular business hours
• Will be required to carry a company-provided cell phone/pager, and be available to respond during working and non-working hours.
• Will be required to work after hours as dictated by the current-day work schedule.
• Travel within an assigned geographical region will be required.  Some travel and overnight stay may be required outside of reporting location to support projects.

Preferred Education, Experience, Certifications, Competencies, Skills, and Abilities:

Above the minimum requirements; not required but advantageous in this position:

• Knowledge of company policies, procedures, and practices.
• Basic Pipeline Experience in the operation of transmission lines, valves etc..
• Basic knowledge of Georgia and Florida One Call Law and requirements
• Basic knowledge of locating underground utilities.
• Basic knowledge of safe excavation practices.
• Ability to drive off-road light-duty truck and UTV.
• Utility locating
• USIC or similar locating experience
• Excavation inspection
• Utility construction
• Pipeline operations
• Underground utilities
• Construction management
• Surveying

Job Level Commensurate with skills and experience.  The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  This position may perform other duties as assigned.  The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.