Entry Level Excavator Operator Jobs in California

What We Are Looking For
Primary purpose:

• The primary purpose of a Pipeliner is to perform preventive maintenance and upgrading of pipeline and pipeline facilities, usually as a member of a crew, and to respond to emergency repairs in order to minimize down time and throughput loss. Maintain and demonstrate a high regard for personal safety, safety of company assets, employees, and the general public.

What You Will Do
Essential duties and responsibilities:

• General construction duties.
• Performs general pipeline maintenance; Install sleeves, Clamps or clock springs on pipeline anomalies.
• Assist engineering projects with pipe and equipment relocations.
• Hot tapping including setting and removing plugs from TORs (Thread O-Rings), cold cutting, coating repairs and monitoring atmospheric conditions using a calibrated and bump tested air monitor.
• Will be required to manually excavate trenches or pot holes to perform job duties.
• May be required to operate multiple hand tools; concrete saw, jack hammers, tamping equipment, skip loader and/or bobcats, and fork lifts, etc.
• May assist with line crossings and standbys and perform manual labor as required.
• Clears vegetation around company assets and paints mainline block valves.
• Managing Company credit cards per policy will be required.

OTHER DUTIES:

• May be required to assist with projects outside your assigned area and could be in other states.

What You Need
Position Requirements:

• Must be willing to work overtime with little to no notice during the week, weekends, holidays, etc. as dictated by management.
• Must carry a cell phone and respond to calls in a timely manner, job entails call-outs on a 24-hour emergency basis and an ability to work long hours, weekends, nights and holidays, when required. Requires stamina in order to work extended, consecutive hours which may be up to 24 hours or longer
• Must follow company policy for documenting hours, ensure HBS is being used when working in the Office and Log Books are being filled and time recorded when out in the field.
• Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.
• If applicable to the work location, must pass background check to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card is a condition of employment.
• Travel is a requirement and must be willing and able to travel via personal and/or Company vehicle, as well as commercial airlines, as needed. Employee must be willing and able to cover travel expenses utilizing own personal credit card and is reimbursed upon submittal of approved company expense report.
• Must keep required work schedules, which include regular and predictable job attendance, focus attention to details and follow company policy when requesting time off.
• Will maintain assigned vehicle in good working condition and is responsible to ensure maintenance is kept current. Is responsible for all tools assigned to that vehicle and ensure tools are kept locked and safe when vehicle is parked.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Attributes listed below are highly desirable:

• Knowledge and experience working in construction.
• Pipeline inspection.
• Experience working in the Petroleum industry.
• Pipeline hydraulics.
• Basic mechanical knowledge.
• Knowledge of piping, valves and pressures.
• Knowledge of pipeline operations.
• Experience with storage tank operations.
• Experience with light maintenance (mechanical, electric, electronic).

Experience / Specific Knowledge:

• Entry level field position. Basic knowledge of pipeline, construction and general mechanical skills.
• Required to inspect pipelines and coatings during line exposures and make necessary repairs. Will be required to complete PIRR (Pipeline Inspection Repair) and PIPR (Pipeline Inspection Pothole) reports.
• Will become proficient with company LO&M procedures.
• Expected to follow company procedures when working in confined spaces.
• Will become proficient with local one call reporting guidelines.
• Manual labor involves repetitive standing, stooping, bending, squatting, walking, and lifting of loads up to 50 pounds unassisted and assistance should be sought for weight in excess of that amount. Climbing in and out of trenches, climbing tanks, working around heavy equipment, negotiating rough terrain, and areas of loose rock. Relies on senses; smell, hearing, and sight to identify and evaluate abnormal operating conditions.
• Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft applications (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) is necessary in order to interface with company communication systems.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills are essential. Must be able to read and comprehend written documents, instructions and directions. Must be able to accurately pass on information and instructions to co-workers.
• Must be accountable and take direction from Senior Pipeliners, Supervisors and or Managers.
• Must be able to pas Operator Qualification (OQ) and Computer based training (CBT) requirements.
• Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential, must be a problem solver with the ability to find resolutions.
• Must be self-motivated and capable of working with minimal supervision and/or direction.
• Well-balanced interpersonal skills. 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, consultants, and representatives of various local, state, federal and regulatory agencies.
• Field work may involve exposure to snakes, flying and crawling insects, extreme temperatures ranging from 20*F to 120*F, rough terrain, dusty conditions, and loud noises primarily from equipment motor and extended sun exposure.
• May walk up to 5 - 10 miles in a day, including through brush and rugged terrain.
• May be exposed to some refined products containing chemicals which may be related to certain types of illnesses or reproductive toxicity. Some emit vapors under certain conditions, are flammable and may be explosive under certain circumstances.
• Advancement from one step level to the next is based on minimum time requirements, as well as meeting and maintaining satisfactory job performance standards.

Pipeliner Levels:
Pipeliner Entry Level - New hire; Works under close supervision; must learn the basics and pass required Operator Qualifications (OQs) within acceptable timeframe, as determined by facility management.
Pipeliner Level 1 - passed OQs and has ability to perform basic job duties without supervision.
Pipeliner 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.
Pipeliner 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.
Pipeliner 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 Pipeliners.
Pipeliner 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 Pipeliner 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:
Supervisory responsibility:

• None

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.
Pay range is $33.00 to $47.00 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.
Pay Range
USD $33.00 - USD $47.00 /Hr.
Why Join Kinder Morgan
Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.
Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.
Job level and pay commensurate with experience and skill set.
For more information about Kinder Morgan, our culture, opportunities available, and to join our Talent Community, please visit our careers site at www.kindermorgan.com.