Operations Specialist-CO2

Tallgrass; Fairmont (NE); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and sick leave

Annual discretionary bonus

Job summary

A leading energy company in Fairmont, Nebraska is seeking an entry-level position responsible for the installation and maintenance of gas and liquid pipelines. The role requires operating various equipment, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and performing inspections. Candidates need a high school diploma, must be willing to achieve operator qualifications, and should possess strong communication and mechanical skills. Benefits include competitive pay, health insurance options, and a 401(k) plan with company matching.

Qualifications

• Willingness to achieve and maintain all Operator Qualifications (OQ).
• Intermediate proficiency in MS Office applications.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain pipelines and equipment.
• Diagnose and repair engines and pumps.
• Perform pipeline patrols and inspections.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Communication skills

Customer focus

Detail orientation

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Job description

Job Description

Responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of Company gas/liquid pipelines, compressor stations, pump stations, terminals, process plants and other related facilities. Implementation of the Company Damage Prevention Program including performing and coordinating work group activities such as patrolling, locating, construction and inspection, and excavation inspection of Company gas/liquids pipelines. Level 1 is an entry‑level position with approximately six to twelve months of training/work experience needed to progress to the next level.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain pipelines, compressors and auxiliary equipment, engines, turbines, motors, cooling equipment, pump stations, pumps, dehydration equipment, valves, seals and other related equipment.
• Ensure the cost‑effective and efficient performance of all engines, pumps and associated equipment at compressor stations, pump stations, pipelines and process plants. Start, stop and operate engines/pumps within defined operating parameters.
• Diagnose and repair engines, turbines, pumps, seals, valves and instruments.
• Install, repair, service and maintain valves, pipe and pipeline appurtenances.
• Operate, maintain, adjust and make minor repairs on equipment such as industrial wheeled tractors, water pumps, air compressors, expanders, coolers, test equipment and vehicles.
• Locate and mark facilities per Company Damage Prevention Program and One‑Call procedures before and during excavation.
• Provide oversight and inspection to ensure asset protection and compliance with Company procedures for excavation activities near pipeline facilities.
• Perform pipeline patrols, population density surveys, leak‑detection surveys and inspections per Company procedures.
• Act as the Company liaison during contacts with landowners/tenants, public/emergency officials and local meetings (One Call, Pipeline Groups, Soil Conservation, USFS, etc.).
• Oversee and train Company and third‑party personnel as required (visitors, personnel in progression, transport drivers, contractors and construction/maintenance activities).
• Inspect third‑party construction as directed.
• Identify, report and correct safety and environmental concerns.
• Actively participate in safety programs/initiatives; development of O&M procedures, site‑specific procedures, project scopes and work plans.
• Perform all upkeep and maintenance of all facilities and equipment (pipeline right‑of‑way, gathering/storage areas, excavate/repair/coat/backfill pipelines, building construction, concrete work, paint, weed control, etc.).
• Comply with Company standards, procedures, regulatory and tariff requirements and governmental activities (PHMSA, EPA, USFS, state agencies, etc.).
• Complete all applicable documentation and record keeping.
• Demonstrate performance toward operational excellence.
• Deal with a wide variety of people with tact, courtesy and professionalism.
• Speak clearly, both in person and by telephone, using a high level of verbal skills and listen carefully.
• Maintain a regular, dependable attendance and a consistently high level of performance.
• Work non‑traditional hours as needed.
• Maintain a high regard for personal safety, the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.
• Maintain Operator Qualification on all assigned covered tasks as determined by direct Supervisor.
• Other daily, weekly, monthly or special project duties as identified and defined.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.

Experience & Knowledge

• Willingness to achieve and maintain all Operator Qualifications (OQ) and progression requirements applicable to the job classification. OQ includes but is not limited to: Gas Detection/Alarm System Maintenance/Performance Tests; Inspect/Isolate/Operate/Shut Down/Start Compressor Units (manual and remote); Corrosion Monitoring; Cathodic Protection system Maintenance; Locate/Install/Protect Customer Meters; Locating Pipelines; Damage Prevention; Leakage Survey and Investigation; Install Steel and Plastic Pipe, Valve Maintenance and Welding Process.
• Intermediate proficiency level in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.

Competencies & Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude on related equipment.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals).
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer focus and attention to detail.
• Ability to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.
• Ability to work with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, focus attention on details and follow work rules.
• Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines.
• Ability to organize and prioritize daily work.
• Job level commensurate with experience and skill sets; position will be filled depending on qualifications, experience and skill sets of the successful candidate.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry up to 67 pounds repeatedly, including lifting from floor to waist and from waist to shoulder, and 37 pounds overhead to waist.
• Capable of pushing and pulling objects with up to 133 pounds of force over distances of at least 2 feet to operate equipment or move materials.
• Must be able to climb ladders and stairs, including working at heights with fall protection equipment.
• Ability to perform a variety of motions while holding up to 60 pounds including bending, twisting, pivoting and lateral flexion of the lumbar and cervical spine.
• Dexterity to operate hand tools such as crescent wrenches, grasp, pinch, and use vibratory tools and testing equipment safely.
• Physical endurance to stand, walk and work in outdoor environments with exposure to wet, hot, cold and windy conditions for extended periods.
• Flexibility to work overhead, at knee, waist and floor levels, often requiring sustained physical effort and balance.
• Ability to work in confined or uneven spaces, often involving heavy lifting, sustained exertion and precise tool handling.

Working Conditions

• Must respond to, and address, callouts and emergencies after regular business hours.
• Varying working conditions from office settings to outdoor work in inclement weather conditions.
• Working with and around industrial hazards.
• Frequent travel, sometimes overnight, may be required.
• Occasional overtime may be required.
• Living environs will be relative to work location to address call outs and emergency response.
• May be required to carry a cell phone and be available to respond during working and non‑working hours.
• The selected candidate must successfully pass a drug screening, background check, and fit‑for‑duty examination, including credit reports for specific positions—after receiving a job offer and before commencing employment.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Preferred Qualifications

• Detailed knowledge of compressor or pump station, gas treatment, storage facility, gathering and transmission pipeline system operation.
• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints, P&IDs and other diagrams.
• Knowledge of rubber tire backhoe operations and servicing.
• Associate Degree in a related field.
• Knowledge of company policies, procedures and practices, regulatory and tariff requirements.
• Knowledge and experience in safe handling practices of flammable gases, liquids and high and low pressure systems.
• Knowledge of compressor or pump station, terminal, process plant, gas treatment, storage facilities, gathering and transmission pipeline systems operations.
• Knowledge of operating costs and best practices associated with the equipment in the area of responsibility.
• Current Commercial Driver’s License.
• Tanker endorsement.
• HAZMAT endorsement.

Benefits

• Industry competitive pay.
• Health insurance package options that include Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts.
• Infertility coverage.
• Parental leave.
• 401(k) with up to a 6% match that vests immediately plus an employer discretionary contribution of up to 4%.
• Wellness programs and mental health resources.
• Employer‑paid life insurance, short‑term disability and long‑term disability coverage.
• Critical illness & accident insurance.
• Vacation, sick days, paid caregiver leave, volunteer and bereavement paid time off.
• Identity theft protection.
• Annual discretionary bonus.
• Generous tuition reimbursement program.
• Company‑paid holidays and floating holidays.
• Company vehicle (if applicable).
• Employee discounts for vehicles, tires, cellular plans and more.
• Networking and employee engagement events.
• Personal development to grow your career with us based on your strengths and interests.

EEO Statement

Tallgrass complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) affirmative action laws and regulations. Tallgrass does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, or other status protected by law.