Operations Specialist

About the Role

This entry-level position requires approximately six to twelve months of training/work experience to progress to the next level.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain pipelines, compressor stations, pump stations, terminals, and process plants.
• Implement the Company Damage Prevention Program, including patrolling, locating, construction, and excavation inspection of pipelines.
• Operate and maintain engines, turbines, motors, cooling equipment, dehydration equipment, valves, and seals.
• Ensure cost-effective and efficient performance of equipment at compressor stations, pump stations, pipelines, and process plants.
• Start, stop, and operate engines/pumps within defined operating parameters.
• Diagnose and repair engines, turbines, pumps, seals, valves, and instruments.
• Install, repair, service, and maintain valves, pipe, and pipeline appurtenances.
• Operate, maintain, adjust, and make minor repairs on industrial equipment such as wheeled tractors, water pumps, air compressors, expanders, coolers, test equipment, and vehicles.
• Locate and mark facilities per Company Damage Prevention Program and One-Call procedures prior to and during excavation.
• Provide oversight and inspection for asset protection and compliance with Company procedures during excavation activities near pipeline facilities.
• Perform pipeline patrols, population density surveys, leak detection surveys, and inspections.
• Act as a Company liaison during contacts with landowners/tenants, public/emergency officials, and local meetings.
• Oversee and train Company and third-party personnel.
• Inspect third-party construction as directed.
• Identify, report, and correct safety and environmental concerns.
• Participate in safety programs/initiatives, development of O&M Procedures, Site Specific Procedures, project scopes, and work plans.
• Perform general upkeep and maintenance of all facilities and equipment, including pipeline right-of-way, gathering/storage areas, excavate/repair/coat/backfill pipelines, building construction, concrete work, paint, and weed control.
• Perform all work in compliance with Company standards, procedures, regulatory, Company tariff requirements, and governmental activities (PHMSA, EPA, USFS, state agencies, etc.).
• Complete all applicable documentation and record keeping.
• Demonstrate performance toward operational excellence.
• Deal with a wide variety of people with tact, courtesy, and professionalism.
• Speak clearly and listen carefully.
• Maintain regular, dependable attendance and a consistently high level of performance.
• Work non-traditional hours as needed.
• Maintain a high regard for personal safety, company assets, employees, and the general public.
• Maintain Operator Qualification on all assigned covered tasks.
• Perform other daily, weekly, monthly, or special project duties.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook) at an intermediate proficiency level.
• Valid driver’s license with a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Willingness to achieve and maintain all Operator Qualifications (OQ) and progression requirements, including but not limited to:
• Gas Detection/Alarm System Maintenance/Performance Tests
• Inspect/Isolate/Operate/Shut Down/Start Compressor Units (manual and remote)
• Corrosion Monitoring
• Cathodic Protection system Maintenance
• Locate/Install/Protect Customer Meters
• Locating Pipelines
• Damage Prevention
• Leakage Survey and Investigation
• Install Steel and Plastic Pipe
• Valve Maintenance
• Welding Process
• Strong mechanical aptitude on related equipment.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals).
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer focus and attention to detail.
• Ability to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.
• Ability to work with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
• Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines.
• Ability to organize and prioritize daily work.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry up to 67 pounds repeatedly.
• Capable of pushing and pulling objects with up to 133 pounds of force.
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs, including working at heights with fall protection equipment.
• Ability to perform a variety of motions while holding up to 60 pounds.
• Dexterity to operate hand tools and vibratory tools safely.
• Physical endurance to stand, walk, and work in outdoor environments in various conditions for extended periods.
• Flexibility to work overhead, at knee, waist, and floor levels, often requiring sustained physical effort and balance.
• Ability to work in confined or uneven spaces.

Working Conditions

• Must respond to and address callouts and emergencies after regular business hours.
• Varying working conditions from office settings to working outdoors in inclement weather.
• Working with and around industrial hazards.
• Frequent travel, sometimes overnight, may be required.
• Occasional overtime may be required.
• Living environs will be relative to work location to address call outs and emergency response.
• May be required to carry a cell phone and be available during working and non-working hours.
• Successful completion of a drug screening, background check, and fit-for-duty examination is required.

About Us

Tallgrass is a leading energy infrastructure company. We value our teams and strive to create an environment where employees feel respected, and their contributions are valued. We aim to support employees' physical, mental, and financial well-being through a comprehensive Total Rewards Program.