Operations Specialist (Spofford, TX)

Kinder Morgan, Inc.; Brackettville (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinder Morgan is seeking a field technician in Texas to operate and maintain pipelines, valves and related equipment at compressor stations and facilities. The role includes installing, repairing and servicing equipment, overseeing third-party work, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, basic computer and math skills, a valid driver's license, and the ability to work in varied Texas conditions.

Qualifications

• Basic computer skills (MS Office, operating systems)
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Knowledge of operating costs and best practices for equipment

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, service and maintain valves, pipe, pipeline appurtenances, corrosion control protection systems, measurement equipment and storage well equipment.
• General upkeep and maintenance of facilities and equipment including right-of-way, gather or storage areas; excavating, repairing, coating and backfilling pipelines, concrete work, painting, building erection, weed control.
• Maintain and operate equipment such as industrial wheeled tractors, water pumps, air compressors, expanders, coolers and test equipment.
• Represent the Company with landowners, public officials and at local meetings; coordinate with third parties.
• Oversee construction/maintenance activities by contractors; train company and third-party personnel as required.
• Perform governmental compliance activities (DOT, EPA, USFS, etc.)
• Perform minor electrical maintenance and address safety and environmental concerns.
• Complete documentation and record-keeping; operate within company standards and procedures

Skills

Basic computer skills

Basic math skills

Customer focus

Verbal and written communication

Education

High School degree or equivalent

Driver's license

Job description

What We Are Looking For

Responsible for the operation and maintenance of pipelines, compressors and auxiliary equipment, engines, turbines, motors, cooling equipment, pumps, dehydration equipment, process equipment, valves, seals and other related equipment.

What You Will Do

• Install, repair, service and maintain valves, pipe, pipeline appurtenances, corrosion control protection systems, measurement equipment and storage well equipment.
• Responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of all facilities and equipment, including pipeline right-of-way, and gather or storage areas, including but not limited to excavating, repairing, coating and backfilling pipelines, concrete work, painting, building erection, weed control, etc.
• Maintain, adjust, make minor repairs, and operate equipment (e.g., industrial wheeled tractors, water pumps, air compressors, expanders, coolers, test equipment, vehicles, etc.
• Represent the Company during contacts with landowner/tenants, public officials/emergency officials and at local meetings. (One Call, Pipeline Groups, Soil Conservation, USFS, etc.)
• Oversee construction and/or maintenance activities performed by third parties Train and oversee company and third party personnel as required (e.g., personnel in progression, transport drivers, contractors, visitors)
• Perform governmental compliance activities (DOT, State Agencies, EPA, USFS, etc.)
• Perform minor electrical maintenance.
• ID., 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, regulatory, and Company tariff requirements
• Demonstrate performance toward operational excellence.
• Other duties as assigned
• Start, stop and operate engines/pumps within defined operating parameters.
• Ensure the cost effective and efficient performance of all engines, pumps and associated equipment at compressor stations, pipelines, and process plants.
• Diagnose and repair engines, turbines, pumps, seals, valves and instruments.
• Job level will commensurate with experience.

What You Need

Educational Requirements:

• High School degree or equivalent

Experience / specific knowledge:

• Basic computer skills (knowledge of MS Office, various operating systems, and other company software)
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals)
• Knowledge of operating costs and best practices associated with the equipment in area of responsibility

Certifications, licenses, registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.
• May be required to achieve and maintain certifications as required to perform job duties and applicable to the job classification
• Completion of any site specific technical training may be applicable

Competencies, skills, and abilities:

• Must respond to, and address, callouts and emergencies during and after regular business hours including after dark hours, which require carrying a communication device.
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Customer focus
• Depending upon the location and workload, travel will be required
• Inspect 3rd party construction as directed
• Overtime may be required and is anticipated
• Ability to effectively organize, plan, prioritize, document, and complete work with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to work with customers, suppliers, other operations groups, engineering staff, and management
• Mentor fellow employees when the opportunity presents itself
• Must be able to work with a team, take direction from supervisors, keep required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules
• 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
• Job level commensurate with experience and skill sets

Working conditions / Physical demands:

• Must be able to withstand extreme weather conditions
• Must be able to frequently, enter confined spaces, climb to and work from elevated platforms, excavated areas, ladders, stairwells, walkways, etc
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 20 pounds in awkward positions, and ability to lift 50 pounds from floor to waist (occasional)
• May work in low-lit areas

Preferred Experience, Skills and Knowledge (above the minimum requirements; not required, but advantageous in this position):

• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints, P&IDs, and other diagrams.
• Knowledge and experience in safe handling practices of flammable gases, liquids and high and low pressure systems
• Knowledge in analyzing, adjusting, and making minor repairs on compressor engines, pumps and other associated equipment
• Knowledge of pipeline or compression experience

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.