Pipeline Controller

Socket.dev; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev in Houston is seeking a Pipeline Control Center Operator to ensure safe, reliable product flow in our ET pipeline systems. You will monitor pressures, coordinate with field personnel and plant teams, and respond to emergencies to protect people and assets.

The role requires a 12‑hour shift, including day and night rotations, overtime as needed, and travel to remote sites. Strong analytical, communication, and computer skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Pass pre-employment drug/alcohol screening and PHMSA-related testing.
• Proficient with MS Office and process simulation tools.
• Strong multitasking, analytical, and detail-oriented skills.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Willingness to travel and work overtime as required.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Capable of emergency response coordination and decision making.

Responsibilities

• Monitor pipeline pressures within design criteria and monitor gas/liquids quality.
• Collaborate with ET departments to implement scheduled changes.
• Serve as first responder in emergencies, notifying services and management.
• Maximize throughput in Gas Control and coordinate outages with operations.
• Direct liquids control: adjust pump/delivery schedules and inventories.
• Troubleshoot communications, SCADA, and control valves with field personnel.
• Prepare and submit daily throughput reports.
• Maintain emergency notification and call-out lists.
• Assess operational problems and propose corrective actions.

Skills

Drug screening

MS Office

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Verbal communication

Travel required

Shift work

Overtime

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Flow simulation

Pressure simulation

Job description

Summary:

Position provides for the safe, reliable product flow operation of the ET pipeline systems. Controls and optimizes the use of compressors/pumps and pipeline equipment with field personnel to facilitate gas deliveries and liquids commodities (Refined Products, NGL’s and Crude Oil). Ensures proper reporting of data to the Partnership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The essential job duties for this position are listed below:

• Monitor and maintain pipeline pressures within design criteria and monitor gas/liquids quality at various points
• Work closely with the various departments within ET to execute all changes as they are scheduled
• First contact in an emergency response situation which includes notification of emergency services and ET management
• Gas Control - Work with the pipeline operations group and plants to maximize pipeline throughput which includes coordination between the groups during equipment or pipeline outages
• Liquids Control - Initiates pump and delivery schedule changes, monitors tank inventories, meter counts, line pressures and temperatures. Directs, controls and monitors the delivery and change of product at remote locations utilizing computer controlled field equipment. Utilizes continuous discretion to initiate changes of pump and delivery schedules to maintain overall delivery schedule, product quality, safe operating conditions and a cost-efficient operation. Responsible for monitoring tank inventories and for the appropriate handling of shippers’ products both into and out of attended and unattended storage facilities.
• Work with field personnel on basic troubleshooting of communications, SCADA, control valves and other equipment related to control and operations
• Complete daily throughput reports
• Responsible for updating and maintaining the emergency notification and operational call out lists
• Evaluate operational problems and provide recommendations to solve these problems

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or GED

Required experience is commensurate with the selected job level:

• Level C requires a minimum of 0–2 years of relevant industry experience or equivalent work experience
• Level B requires a minimum of 2–4 years of relevant industry experience or equivalent work experience
• Level A requires a minimum of 4+ years of relevant industry experience or equivalent work experience

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screening and random testing per PHMSA regulations
• Familiar with personal computer applications (i.e. Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Project, and other programs such as: flow and pressure simulation, velocity, pressure drop, purge and pack, regulators and control valves, relief valves, etc.)
• Proven multitasking, analytical and judgment skills, and extremely detail oriented
• Strong verbal communication skills together with good interpersonal skills
• Some travel and overtime is required
• This is a (12 hour) shift position requiring both day and night shifts including weekends and some holiday work
• Ability to work from an alternate Control Center location in the event of an emergency

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in remote control, pipeline operations or other related field directly related to the Control Center functions
• Basic knowledge of measurement principles and Ga/Liquids hydraulics

Working Conditions and Requirements:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

1. Usually, normal office working conditions
2. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50%25 of the time due to prolonged periods of sitting or standing
3. Occasional overnight travel may be required
4. Occasional visits to industrial/manufacturing settings which may include hazardous materials and chemicals, as well as extreme temperature conditions and loud machinery, and require appropriate personal protective equipment