Position Description

Position Description:

The primary function of the ROW Protection Inspector is to perform daily surveillance of “project impacted” pipeline systems in order to protect and ensure the integrity of the pipeline system by avoiding third party damage. The ROW Protection Inspector assists in the development of various ROW-related field agreements, as well as handles complex situations involving ROW encroachments. The ROW Protection Inspector provides assistance and/or relief for the Linerider as needed including but not limited to processing one call tickets, marking pipeline and patrolling ROW. Additional responsibilities include oversight of certain ROW maintenance projects, as well as certain capital and maintenance improvement projects.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

Provide support to Management and ROW personnel.Inspect the assigned area of the pipeline, either by vehicle or by foot, for leaks and other irregularities.Determines when to pothole or expose pipeline for future work. Also determines whether to permit a third party to continue a project on Company property or Right-of-Way or to stop such activities in order to protect the pipeline.Checks and records line locator and GPS equipment as per a predetermined schedule.Acts as liaison on behalf of the Company with public utility personnel, property owners and general contractors regarding construction projects within pipeline easement and Right-of-Way.Participate in support of decisions regarding KM's ROW and cross-country pipelines, (e.g. development agreements, easement forms, pond agreements, crossing agreements, applicable technical standards).Review pre-job conferences, meetings with outside agents, underground contractors, utility personnel, etc.Performs pipeline identification based on requests, including locating and marking lines. Utilizes electronic locating equipment and/or a probe in conjunction with drawings to confirm pipeline location. May direct backhoe operator in location identification when all of above information is used.Maintain working knowledge of regulatory (DOT, OSHA, etc.) requirements and industry standards (e.g., API, Common Ground Alliance) and recommended practices, and KM standards and practices associated with damage prevention; integrates new requirements into the maintenance and protection of pipelines.Recognizes the scope of work performed by third parties and also the limits of what third parties may and may not do on Company property or Right-of-Way in order to protect the pipeline.Checks area for Underground Service Alerts (USA) and arranges meetings as necessary with contractors and others regarding digging procedures, etc. Some contacts may be satisfied by phone.Completes various internal forms associated with O&M procedures and submits as appropriate in a timely manner.Completes required reports and notes activity by handwritten entry into a daily log or electronically in the Kinder Morgan One Call System (KMOCS).May be required to check area for One Call Alerts and arrange meetings as necessary with contractors and others regarding digging procedures, etc. Some contacts may be satisfied by phone. May also assist in field delivery of legal notification to third parties.May be required to receive and physically respond to Line Flier reports in order to confirm irregularities and initiate requests for repair.Consistently maintain and demonstrate a high regard for personal safety, for the safety of company assets, employees, and the general public.

 

OTHER DUTIES

Repairs equipment such as electrical test stations (ETS) if needed at booster stations and various pipeline locations.Periodically may assist pipeline maintenance with various tasks such as clean, buff and recoat pipe and install pipeline markers.Housekeeping as requested by management and participate in special projects and other assignments.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED. THIS POSITION MAY PERFORM OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED.

Position Requirements

Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent required—Technical training and/or College a plus.

 

Experience / Specific Knowledge:

Requires a minimum of 3 years of experience in pipeline construction, maintenance, or operations environment.Must pass and maintain all applicable Operator Qualification requirements associated with pipeline protection.Must have thorough knowledge of ROW and pipeline damage prevention policies and procedures, damage maintenance, be familiar with pipeline locating equipment and materials, and be current with new technologies and their possible applications to KM’s operating systems.Must quickly become knowledgeable of all applicable federal and state relations, most notably, Part 195 of the Code of Federal Regulations.Must have general construction safety knowledge.Advancement from one step level to the next is based on minimum time requirements, as well as meeting and maintaining satisfactory job performance standards.ROW Protection Inspector Entry Level – New hire; Works under close supervision; must learn the basics and pass required entry level duties, as determined by facility management.ROW Protection Inspector Level 1 – at least one year performing satisfactorily at entry level and has ability to perform basic job duties without supervision.ROW Protection Inspector Level 2 – at least one year performing satisfactorily at Level 1 or equivalent experience; can consistently perform all job duties; understands and adheres to all standard operating procedures; is knowledgeable regarding the facility and all incoming/outgoing lines, pumps and valves; works with moderate direction.ROW Protection Inspector Level 3 – at least one year performing satisfactorily at Level 2 or equivalent experience; can work with minimal direction; has demonstrated sound judgment in carrying out all job responsibilities and continues to successfully perform all job duties; has the ability to analyze problems and develop sound recommendations for resolution.ROW Protection Inspector Level 4 – at least two years performing satisfactorily at Level 3 or equivalent experience; provides self-direction; has shown continuous improvement in ability to perform duties, troubleshoots problems, demonstrates leadership skills, promotes teamwork, contributes ideas and recommendations for generating and implementing new ideas/procedures/processes and serves as a trainer or mentor for less experienced ROW Protection Inspectors.ROW Protection Inspector Level 5 – at least three years performing satisfactorily at Level 4; has maintained a consistent and high level of performance by meeting or exceeding all job performance standards and expectations; is considered a ‘subject matter expert’ in regards to the ROW Protection Inspector position; has the ability to work independently and use sound judgment, as well as the ability to work in a team and promote cooperation; sets a positive example for all and represents KM in a professional manner at all times.

 

 

Certification, licenses, registrations:

A satisfactory driving record as determined by the Company and a current, valid State driver's license are required.Satisfactorily obtaining or already possessing a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card is a condition of employment. TWIC card is obtained by submitting an application, background check, and having fingerprints taken.If the employee is subject to license or certification requirements or training as stipulated by local, state or federal agencies or the Company, now or in the future, compliance is required under this job description.

 

Competencies, skills, and abilities:

Strong verbal and written communications skills are required. Must be able to read and comprehend written documents, instructions and directions, as well as be able to accurately pass on information and instructions to co-workers.Strong interpersonal skills. Position requires tact and diplomacy in dealing with outside parties, which must also be balanced by standing firm when company personnel, property or equipment needs to be protected.Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Project, and Outlook.Must be able to pass Operator Qualification requirements (OQ).Must be flexible and able to work effectively in a team environment and consistently maintain a professional and respectful demeanor/attitude with co-workers, clients, vendors, and regulatory agencies.Must be accountable and take direction from Managers; keep required work schedules, which include regular and predictable job attendance; focus attention on details; follow work rules.Must be self-motivated and capable of working with minimal supervision and/or direction.In order to meet the various maintenance and general operational requirements, a mechanical aptitude is necessary.Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential.Must be a problem solver with the ability to find resolutions.

 

 

 Physical demands:

Employee must be physically capable of completing and satisfying all training requirements as stipulated by local, state or federal agencies and/or Company Policy.Work is performed outside in varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions.Inspection of pipeline may involve a variety of terrain, including open trenches of varying depths. Depending upon the location assignment, walking the line may entail working around moderate to heavy traffic conditions when pipelines are located within public through streets.To perform job functions and responsibilities, you may be required to:Walk long distances, including to remote areas where footing may be unsteadyDig with a hand shovel and probe to locate pipe, which requires good physical strength, constant hand, arm and leg movements, often for extended periods.While performing duties of the job, incumbent may be required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb and balance; stoop, kneel, and/or crouch; for extended periods of time.

 

Working Conditions:

Significant overnight [+/- 50%] travel required.Position subject to 24-hour call-out, including nights, weekends, and holidays.Overtime required and extended work hours in cases of emergencies.Typically will be required to work alone (unsupervised).Employee is required to carry cell phone and be responsive to after hour emergencies and other work related calls, at night, weekends and holidays.Extended hours required in emergencies, on projects and/or other related circumstances at unspecified frequency.Work is both inside and outside, completely dependent on need and location. Incumbent will be exposed to both hot and cold climates and will be required to work in both desert and rainy environments.Exposure to smells and vapor associated with refined petroleum products.Climatic conditions are determined by location assignment and may include severe seasonal changes including both winter conditions with frequent snow or extreme summer heat and sun, depending upon geographic location.Drives a 4-wheel vehicle up to several hours per day. Must be able to drive pipeline right-of-way without accidents or equipment damage.Work in remote areas is often performed alone and without direct supervision; judgment is required when consultation with supervisor is not possible. Must schedule and monitor own work.

Supervisory responsibility:

None

 

Preferred education, experience, certifications, competencies, skills, and abilities:

Above the minimum requirement; not required but advantageous in this position:Construction management, excavation, trenching and shorting experience preferred.Knowledge of various types of equipment used by outside contractors and other third parties in order to assess the impact of such work performed on Company property or Right-of-Way.Knowledge of all applicable federal and state relations, most notably, Part 195 of the Code of Federal Regulations.Prior experience requiring mechanical aptitude and skill is a plus.Basic knowledge of cathodic protection.Knowledge of piping, valves and pressures.Knowledge of pipeline operations

 

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  This position may perform other duties as assigned.

Compensation:

Pay range is $40.00 to $48.00 per hour. This position includes a discretionary annual incentive plan. Job level and pay commensurate with experience and skill set.

Kinder Morgan, Inc. offers employees a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits offered for this position may include the following:  health care benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage; Flexible and Health Spending Accounts; Life and Accidental Death and Disability insurance; Supplemental Life and Accidental Death and Disability insurance for employee and dependents; retirement benefits including a 401(k) with employer and employee contributions and a company-funded pension plan; paid time off; paid parental bonding leave; paid holidays; a flexible work schedule and many voluntary benefit plans.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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