Pipeline Technician

Energy Transfer LP; Yankton (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Energy Transfer is seeking a Pipeline Technician Trainee to support maintenance, construction, and repair of pipeline and terminal assets. You will assist welders, operate tools, and maintain a clean, safe work environment with a heavy emphasis on driving trucks and rolling stock.

A valid CDL or ability to obtain one within six months is required, with 70–80% travel. The role covers pipeline construction, safety compliance, emergency response, and DOT rules.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• CDL required or able to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• 1 year of pipeline terminal systems experience preferred; heavy equipment experience a plus.
• Must be available for after-hours calls and travel 70-80% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Support pipeline construction activities: excavation, trenching, coating installation.
• Assist with hydrostatic testing, reroutes, and emergency repairs.
• Maintain site prep, material handling, and equipment/vehicle upkeep.
• Follow safety protocols, attend training, and inspect for hazards.
• Locate and mark underground utilities; act as spotter during excavation.
• Respond to emergencies to minimize impact; assist with welding-related tasks.

Skills

Safe driving practices

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Sunoco LP is a leading energy infrastructure and fuel distribution master limited partnership operating across 47 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Europe, and Mexico. The Partnership's midstream operations include an extensive network of approximately 9,500 miles of pipeline and over 100 terminals. This critical infrastructure complements the Partnership's fuel distribution operations, which serve approximately 10,000 convenience stores, independent dealers, commercial customers, and distributors.

At Sunoco, we take great pride in what we do and wholeheartedly believe our employees drive success for our company and our customers. We are always looking for the best and brightest talent and we are committed to making your job a challenging and rewarding experience.

Position Summary

Under close supervision, the Pipeline Technician Trainee performs maintenance, construction, and repair tasks for company pipeline and terminal assets. This includes supporting welders by proving welder helper duties, maintaining and operating tools and equipment, as well as ensuring a clean and organized work environment. A primary focus of this role is heavy haul driving, requiring a valid CDL (Commercial Driver's License) to transport trailers, heavy machinery/equipment and materials to job sites. Additionally, the Pipeline Technician Trainee will assist with pipeline construction activities, ensure safe operations, support emergency response efforts, and comply with all DOT and safety regulations.

Major Accountabilities

Participate in pipeline construction activities, including excavation, trenching, locating, and coating installation.

Assist with hydrostatic testing, pipeline reroutes, relocation tie-ins, and emergency repairs.

Support site preparation, material handling, and maintenance of equipment and vehicles.

Follow safety protocols, attend safety training, conduct inspections, and identify potential hazards.

Ensure compliance with assigned Operator Qualifications (OQ) and safety policies.

Safely locate, probe, and mark the location of underground utilities and pipelines.

Act as a spotter during mechanical excavation of pipelines.

Respond to emergency situations to minimize environmental, community, and business impact.

Act as a fire watch during hot work activities and participate in Work Permit and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) meetings.

Assist with welder helper duties during pipe fabrication, cutouts, and repairs using tools like beveling machines, grinders, torches, and hoists.

Apply joint and pipe coating to pipeline assets before backfilling.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

High school diploma or equivalent required.

A CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) is required, or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.

Experience Requirement

1 year of previous experience with pipeline terminal systems or related industries preferred and heavy equipment operation experience is a plus.

Knowledge of hot work safety practices and the ability to learn and interpret regulations, procedures and processes.

Must be available to respond to emergency after-hour calls, including weekends and holidays, and be willing to travel overnight 70-80% of the time.

Must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain a clean driving record, and be able to operate company vehicles for extensive travel.

Basic office and computer skills preferred.

Candidates with additional experience may be considered for a higher-level position.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Climbing ladders, scaffolding, and stairs at various heights.
• Lifting and carrying objects up to 50 lbs., with the ability to lift up to 100 lbs. with assistance when needed.
• Walking over various types of terrain, including inclines.
• Working in crouching, bending, stooping, twisting, and kneeling positions for extended periods.
• Standing for extended periods and sitting as needed.
• Ability to work in awkward or restrictive positions for extended periods.
• Wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety shoes, safety glasses, hard hat, flame-resistant clothing, hearing protection, respirator, and fall protection.
• Working in various environmental conditions, including exposure to all types of weather, such as extreme heat, cold, and precipitation.

An equal opportunity employer/disability/vet

Energy Transfer is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against qualified applicants on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

The nature and frequency of the above working conditions and requirements may vary depending on individual operational circumstances. Where feasible, the Partnership will make reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job.

DISCLAIMER

The statements listed in this job posting, which are subject to change, are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation forany part of the application process, please contact the EEO Coordinator at 713-989-2247.This number is for reasonable accommodation requests only.