Operations Specialist, Level 1-4 (Rotating Shift) - Richfield, KS

Kinder Morgan, Inc.; Richfield (KS); On-site; USD 44,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinder Morgan is seeking a field technician to install, maintain, and repair pipelines, valves, and related equipment in Kansas. The role involves operating compressors and engines, supervising third-party work, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance on a 12-hour rotating shift.

The ideal candidate has strong mechanical skills, reads blueprints and diagrams, and possesses a valid driver's license. Travel and overtime may be required, with a focus on safety and efficient operation.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical skills and tool proficiency.
• Experience diagnosing mechanical issues.
• Ability to read blueprints, P&IDs and diagrams.
• Must have a valid driver's license and insurability.
• Commitment to safety practices and PPE.
• Basic computer literacy and math skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work in a team and follow supervision.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, service, and maintain valves, pipes, appurtenances, generators, compressors, pumps, engines.
• Maintain cleanliness and upkeep of facilities and right-of-way.
• Plan equipment shutdowns, maintenance and outages.
• Oversee third-party construction/maintenance; monitor 811 tickets.
• Inspect work by contractors and crews; supervise as needed.
• Conduct pigging activities when required; perform compressor and engine maintenance.
• Ensure regulatory compliance; perform inspections (line crossings, valve inspection).
• Identify root causes of issues; perform repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Perform minor electrical maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Operate equipment (compressors, pumps) within safe parameters.
• Contribute to scope and work plan development; document activities.
• Represent company with landowners and officials; attend meetings.
• Identify unsafe conditions and address safety/environment concerns.
• Assist budgeting, cost tracking, and expense records.

Skills

Mechanical skills

Hand tools

Diagnostics

Blueprints & P&IDs

Driver's license

Safety focus

MS Office / computers

Math skills

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

What We Are Looking For

Responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of natural gas pipelines, compression stations and related field operations.

What You Will Do

• Install, repair, service and maintain valves, pipe, and pipeline appurtenances, generators, air compressors, pumps, gas compressors and engines (recip and turbine) as applicable.
• Responsible for the general upkeep, cleanliness and maintenance of all company facilities and equipment including the pipeline right-of-way.
• Participate in planning for equipment shutdowns, maintenance and outages.
• Oversee construction and/or maintenance activities performed by third parties, including monitoring of 811 one-call tickets.
• Inspect work completed by company third party contractors and construction crews.
• Conduct pigging activities when necessary.
• Perform governmental compliance activities including but not limited to: line patrol, road and railroad crossing inspections and valve inspections.
• Perform inspections and preventative maintenance on compression station engines and equipment.
• Determine root cause of mechanical issues and failures and ensure completion of necessary repairs.
• Perform minor electrical maintenance/troubleshooting.
• Start/stop operating equipment such as compressor engines and pumps within defined operating parameters.
• Participate in the development of project scopes and work plans.
• Represent the Company during contacts with landowner/tenants, public officials/emergency officials and at local meetings.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions and correct safety and environmental concerns.
• Provide detailed information to assist with the creation, planning, forecasting and managing of the operations budgets.
• Maintain records of company expenses to assist with cash flow management, cost monitoring and control.
• Provide input for the development of O&M procedures, project scope of work and work plans.
• Complete all applicable documentation and record keeping.
• Perform all work in compliance with company standards, procedures, regulatory, and company tariff requirements.
• Communicate work activities to appropriate parties.
• Actively participate in safety programs and initiatives.
• Maintain a high regard for personal safety, the safety of employees, general public and company assets.
• Respond to call-outs and work overtime as necessary including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Operate and maintain various equipment (such as UTV, ATV, Forklift, skid steer, snow plow, etc.)
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

What You Need

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Required Qualifications

• Strong mechanical skills.
• Proficient in the use of various hand tools.
• Familiarity and experience of diagnosing mechanical issues.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, P&IDs and other diagrams.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license that meets company insurability requirements.
• Will be required to achieve and maintain operator qualifications and may be required to obtain certifications as required to perform specific job duties.
• Must have a strong focus on job to complete all assigned work tasks in a safe and accident free manner.
• Basic computer skills (knowledge of MS Office, various operating systems, and ability to learn company software).
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer focus.
• Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisors, keep required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
• Ability to organize, plan, prioritize, document and complete work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to gain and maintain effective working relationships with both internal and external customers.
• Demonstrate performance toward operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Gas compressor stations and pipeline operations experience.
• Experience troubleshooting equipment and determining process failures.
• Maintenance tracking database activities.
• Knowledge of safe handling practices of flammable gases, liquids and high/low pressure systems.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to drive and work in all weather conditions including extreme hot or cold.
• Depending upon the location and workload, travel may be required.
• Must live within reasonable response time from the reporting location (determined by local management - usually 30 miles).
• May be required to carry a company-provided communication device to respond both during working and non-working hours.
• This position will be working a 12 hour rotating shift
• Position requires standing, walking and sitting while working either indoors or outdoors.
• Must be able to consistently lift a minimum of 20 lbs., at time in awkward positions.
• May have to lift (from floor to waist) and carry up to 50 lbs.
• While performing the job you will be required to lift and carry, pull or push, reach, squat, kneel, and/or climb ladders or stairs.
• Physical dexterity, hand/grip strength, depth perception, and any other physical attributes that enable the employee to perform the job safely.
• Ability to use hand tools and equipment, repetitive hand use requiring grasp and twisting motions.
• Must be able to frequently enter confined spaces, climb and work from elevated platforms, ladders and walkways.
• May periodically work in low-lit areas.
• Will periodically work in areas of high noise levels (engines).
• Will work in extreme temperatures including inside compressor building(s).
• Must follow and adhere to all applicable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines including wearing full Fire-Retardant Clothing (FRC).

Pay Range

USD $32.00 - USD $45.00 /Hr.

Application Closing Date

11/2/2026

Why Join Kinder Morgan

Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.

Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.

Kinder Morgan offers employees a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits offered for this position may include the following: health care benefits including 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 employee and dependents; retirement benefits including a 401(k) with employer and employee contributions and a company-funded pension plan; paid time off; paid holidays; a flexible work schedule and many voluntary benefit plans.

Job level and pay commensurate with experience and skill set.

For more information about Kinder Morgan, our culture, opportunities available, and to join our Talent Community, please visit our careers site at www.kindermorgan.com.