Pipeline Technician

Sunoco LP; Yankton (SD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunoco LP is seeking a Pipeline Technician Trainee to help with construction, maintenance, and repair of pipeline and terminal assets. The role emphasizes heavy haul driving, requiring a valid CDL and extensive travel (70–80%). Work safely under supervision and support welders and field crews.

Proactive individuals with a high school diploma, a clean driving record, and willingness to learn regulatory requirements will fit well in our team environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• CDL required or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• 1 year of experience with pipeline terminal systems preferred; heavy equipment experience a plus.
• Must be available to respond to after-hour calls, including weekends and holidays, and willing to travel 70–80% of the time.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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

High school diploma or equivalent

CDL or ability to obtain within 6 months

Tools

Beveling machines

Grinders

Torches

Hoists

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.