Welder

Sunoco LP; Yankton (SD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunoco LP is seeking a Pipeline Welder Trainee to perform certified welding duties and support shop welding and fabrication for pipeline maintenance. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and adherence to industry standards. You will travel between sites, operate welding trucks and tools, and assist with various maintenance tasks.

Strong willingness to learn and meet certifications is essential. Qualifications include high school diploma, CDL or ability to obtain within 12 months, and API

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma; welding tech degree preferred, else relevant experience accepted.
• CDL required or ability to obtain within 12 months, plus API 1104/1107 certifications within 12 months.
• At least 1 year direct welding experience; able to read blueprints; intermediate math skills; able to travel 70–80% and respond to emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Perform welding to repair and maintain pipeline and facility assets meeting standards.
• Safely operate welding truck and equipment across multiple job sites.
• Prepare pipe surfaces, coat and wrap as needed, and maintain tools and materials.

Skills

Welding

Reading blueprints

Safety compliance

Math basics

Education

High school diploma

Welding technology degree preferred

CDL (or ability to obtain within 12 months)

Tools

Welding equipment

Beveling machines

PPE and safety gear

Job description

Sunoco LP is a leading energy infrastructure and fuel distribution master limited partnership operating across 32 countries and territories in North America, the Greater Caribbean, and Europe. The Partnership's midstream operations include an extensive network of approximately 14,000 miles of pipeline and over 160 terminals. This critical infrastructure complements the Partnership's fuel distribution operations, which distribute over 15 billion gallons annually to approximately 11,000 Sunoco and partner-branded retail locations, as well as independent dealers and commercial customers.

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

This position is subject to pre-employment and random DOT drug testing. The Pipeline Welder Trainee is responsible for performing certified pipeline welding duties, shop welding and fabrication, as well as other non-welding tasks related to general pipeline maintenance and repair. This role requires a strong focus on safety, quality, and adherence to industry and company standards.

Major Accountabilities

• Perform welding activities related to the repair and maintenance of pipeline and facility assets, ensuring welds meet visual and NDE inspection standards.
• Safely operate welding truck and equipment, traveling between job sites on various road types.
• Operate hand tools and welding equipment, including beveling machines, torches, grinders, and other related tools.
• Carry out pipeline maintenance tasks, including line locating, exposing pipe, lifting and transporting materials, coating application/removal, pipe surface preparation, and general maintenance.
• Respond to high-priority and emergency situations, minimizing risks to personnel, public safety, and the environment.
• Maintain company tools, equipment, and materials, ensuring proper storage, cleanliness, and safe operation.
• Support pipeline/terminal welding and maintenance activities by participating in hot work permits, Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and following company welding procedures and standards.
• Perform terminal and pipeline asset repairs, including coating and wrapping pipe, following damage prevention procedures such as safe excavation practices.
• Assist with additional tasks such as operating hand tools, line locating, pigging, line marking, light vehicle maintenance, fire watch, ditch maintenance, and housekeeping duties.
• Maintain all required welding certifications and Operator Qualifications (OQ).
• Comply with all company policies, OSHA, DOT, and safety regulations during all activities.

Education Requirement

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• A technical degree in Welding Technology is preferred; however, relevant work experience will be accepted in lieu of a degree.
• A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) is required, or the ability to obtain one within 12 months of hire.
• The employee must pass and maintain all in-service and multi-qualification welding certifications per API 1104 and 1107 within 12 months of hire.

Experience Requirement

• At least 1 year of direct welding experience is required.
• Experience with pipeline terminal operating systems or other related industries preferred, demonstrating maturity and safe work habits in an industrial environment.
• Entry-level skill in welding required.
• Competence in intermediate math.
• Ability to read blueprints, construction documentation, and create as-built drawings.
• Knowledge of safe hot work practices, with the ability to learn and interpret confined space regulations and DOT pipeline safety regulations.
• Prior terminal, pipeline, tank truck, or oilfield-related experience is helpful.
• 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 are a plus.
• Candidates with additional relevant experience may be considered for a higher‑level position.

Physical Demands

• 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.

High school diploma or equivalent required.

A technical degree in Welding Technology is preferred; however, relevant work experience will be accepted in lieu of a degree.

A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) is required, or the ability to obtain one within 12 months of hire.

The employee must pass and maintain all in-service and multi‑qualification welding certifications per API 1104 and 1107 within 12 months of hire.