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Lead Pipeline Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pipeline Operator - Lead

Weldona, CO ยท On-site

$44.50/hr

... Pipeline Operator operates, inspects, maintains, and repairs pipelines, compression and measurement facilities, with the ability to direct and lead teams, projects and processes involved in natural ...

$44.50/hr

Wellness Incentive Program Summary Pipeline Operator operates, Inspects, maintains, and repairs pipelines, compression and measurement facilities, with the ability to direct and lead teams, projects ...

Lead Pipeline Engineer

Tampa, FL ยท On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

This Opportunity WSP USA Inc is currently seeking a Lead Pipeline Engineer to work out of our ... A minimum of 7-10 years pipeline design either consulting experience or pipeline operating company ...

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Lead Pipeline Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site

$165K - $195K/yr

J H Operating Company, LLC (JH) is an engineering, procurement, and construction firm serving the ... The Lead Pipeline Engineer leads and executes pipeline engineering work from early concept and ...

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Lead Pipeline Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site

$165K - $195K/yr

J H Operating Company, LLC (JH) is an engineering, procurement, and construction firm serving the ... The Lead Pipeline Engineer leads and executes pipeline engineering work from early concept and ...

Lead Pipeline Engineer

Tampa, FL

$96K - $127K/yr

This Opportunity WSP USA Inc is currently seeking a Lead Pipeline Engineer to work out of our ... A minimum of 7-10 years pipeline design either consulting experience or pipeline operating company ...

Be Seen First

Lead Pipeline Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site

$165K - $195K/yr

J H Operating Company, LLC (JH) is an engineering, procurement, and construction firm serving the ... The Lead Pipeline Engineer leads and executes pipeline engineering work from early concept and ...

Pipeline Design Engineer

Lafayette, CO ยท Remote

$45.67 - $69.71/hr

MAVRX, LLC is seeking a licensed Professional Engineer to lead pipeline design within our Land Survey Division, which serves interstate oil and gas transmission operators with preliminary and as ...

Pipeline Design Engineer

Lafayette, CO ยท Remote

$45.67 - $69.71/hr

MAVRX, LLC is seeking a licensed Professional Engineer to lead pipeline design within our Land Survey Division, which serves interstate oil and gas transmission operators with preliminary and as ...

Pipeline Design Engineer

Lafayette, CO ยท Remote

$45.67 - $69.71/hr

Vision insurance MAVRX, LLC is seeking a licensed Professional Engineer to lead pipeline design within our Land Survey Division, which serves interstate oil and gas transmission operators with ...

Active leadership skills as lead position while crew foreman is offsite. * Working knowledge of underground utilities. * Recognize and React to Abnormal Operating Conditions * Working knowledge of ...

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Lead Pipeline Operator information

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$15

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How much do lead pipeline operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead pipeline operator in the United States is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead pipeline operator?

Lead Pipeline Operators are responsible for overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of pipeline systems that transport oil, gas, or other materials. They supervise a team of pipeline operators, ensure safety protocols are followed, and coordinate repairs and inspections. Their role also involves monitoring system performance, troubleshooting issues, and communicating with management about operational status. Lead Pipeline Operators play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and safe transport of resources through pipelines.

What are the main challenges a lead pipeline operator faces in coordinating maintenance and emergency responses?

As a Lead Pipeline Operator, one of the key challenges is ensuring timely and effective communication between field teams, control centers, and management, especially during maintenance or emergency situations. The role requires balancing routine monitoring with rapid decision-making and coordination when issues arise, often under strict regulatory and safety guidelines. Additionally, managing a team and keeping everyone aligned with standard operating procedures while troubleshooting technical problems can be demanding, but it helps build strong leadership and crisis management skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead pipeline operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Pipeline Operator, you need in-depth knowledge of pipeline operations, safety regulations, and maintenance procedures, often supported by relevant technical certifications or vocational training. Experience with SCADA systems, leak detection technologies, and industry-standard safety equipment is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating teams and responding to emergencies. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient pipeline operations and minimizing environmental and operational risks.

What is the difference between Lead Pipeline Operator vs Pipeline Technician?

AspectLead Pipeline OperatorPipeline Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires certifications in pipeline safety and operationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; may also need safety certifications
Work EnvironmentField sites, pipelines, and control rooms, often outdoors and physically demandingField sites and maintenance areas, primarily outdoors
Employer & Industry UsageOil and gas companies, pipeline operators, energy sectorOil and gas companies, pipeline maintenance firms

The Lead Pipeline Operator oversees pipeline operations, ensuring safety and efficiency, while Pipeline Technicians focus on maintenance, repairs, and inspections. The Lead role typically requires more experience and leadership responsibilities, but both roles share similar work environments and certifications.

What cities are hiring for Lead Pipeline Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Pipeline Operator job openings:

What states have the most Lead Pipeline Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Pipeline Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Lead Pipeline Operator jobs?

For Lead Pipeline Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lead Pipeline Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,047 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Pipeline Operator - Lead

Weldona, CO โ€ข On-site

$44.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Pipeline Operator

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Summit Midstream Corporation (NYSE: SMC) is a value-driven corporation focused on developing, owning and operating midstream energy infrastructure assets that are strategically located in unconventional resource basins, primarily shale formations, in the continental United States.

We currently operate natural gas, crude oil and produced water gathering systems in four unconventional resource basins:

  • the Williston Basin in North Dakota, which includes the Bakken and Three Forks shale formations;
  • the Denver-Julesburg Basin, which includes the Niobrara and Codell shale formations in Colorado and Wyoming;
  • the Fort Worth Basin in Texas, which includes the Barnett Shale formation; and
  • the Piceance Basin in Colorado, which includes the liquids-rich Mesaverde formation as well as the emerging Mancos and Niobrara Shale formations.

Our systems and the basins they serve are as follows:

  • the Polar & Divide system, which serves the Williston Basin;
  • the DFW Midstream system, which serves the Fort Worth Basin;
  • the Grand River system, which serves the Piceance Basin; and
  • the Niobrara G&P system, which serves the DJ Basin.

SMC has an equity investment in and operates Double E Pipeline, LLC, which is natural gas transmission infrastructure that provides transportation service from multiple receipt points in the Delaware Basin to various delivery points in and around the Waha Hub in Texas. We generate a substantial majority of our revenue under primarily long-term and fee-based gathering agreements with our customers. The majority of our gathering agreements are underpinned by areas of mutual interest ("AMIs") and minimum volume commitments ("MVCs"). Our AMIs provide that any production drilled by our customers within the AMIs will be shipped on our gathering systems. The MVCs are designed to ensure that we will generate a minimum amount of gathering revenue over the life of each respective gathering agreement. The fee-based nature of the majority of the gathering agreements enhances the stability of our cash flows and limits our direct commodity price exposure. Since our formation in 2009, our management team has established a track record of executing this strategy through the acquisition and subsequent development of DFW Midstream, Grand River, Polar & Divide, Niobrara G&P, and Double E Pipeline.

Summit Midstream is proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Relocation: No relocation assistance provided.

Work Sponsorship: Summit Midstream will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the Company receiving satisfactory results from a pre-employment drug screening, a criminal background check, and reference checks and your satisfaction of all other applicable fitness for duty requirements.

DOT Compliance: Responsibilities may include Department of Transportation (DOT) covered functions per PHMSA or FMSCA. Job duties also require the employee to be alert and respond immediately to dangerous or hazardous conditions, and where impaired performance, or failure to follow safety precautions, could result in serious injury or property damage. Maintain working knowledge of regulatory requirements, perform required tasks, and complete associated documentation (OSHA, DOT, EPA, etc.)

Competitive salary range of: $44.50 to 53.46

Summit Midstream offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Company Paid Holidays
  • Discretionary Performance Bonus
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
  • Flexible Benefit Plan
  • Basic Term Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Term Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Employer Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
  • Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
  • Wellness Incentive Program
  • 6% Retirement Plan Match

Pipeline Operator operates, inspects, maintains, and repairs pipelines, compression and measurement facilities, with the ability to direct and lead teams, projects and processes involved in natural gas pipelines and compression facilities.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Maintain scheduled pigging operations, launcher/receiver maintenance and equipment inventory.
  • Inspect, maintain and repair as needed all facilities as assigned, including but not limited to pipelines, compression, and measurement facilities
  • On-call responsibility for areas of responsibility as needed
  • Maintain working knowledge of regulatory requirements, (OSHA, DOT, etc) and document required regulatory activities
  • Plan, organize and prioritize assigned responsibilities and assign responsibilities to others
  • Work independently as liaison between Summit Midstream and outside entities, i.e. landowners, emergency response agencies, contractors and other pipeline companies
  • Operate and assist in maintenance activities at compressor facilities
  • Perform pipeline patrols and inspect lines throughout the area and coordinate the activities of crews at other locations
  • Utilize hand tools to remove or replace valves, and have a basic understanding of riser locations and underground valves
  • Perform Lock-out/Tag-out procedures and write Safe Work Permits, as well as performing emergency shut-downs and operations control center protocol
  • Manage all activities with a focus on safety and compliance
  • Use proper tools and equipment to perform integrity management and regulatory tasks on natural gas pipelines
  • Monitor activity in and around pipeline and facilities and respond as necessary to protect system integrity, with an understanding of what to do in case of an emergency and/or spill
  • Put in work orders in Maximo, and be able to utilize CYGNET
  • Maintain required forms, records, and reports
  • Respond to pipeline emergencies; perform cleanup associated with field ops and corrosion control activities
  • Other duties as assigned

Education & Experience:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 7 or more years of general pipeline experience in the natural gas industry or related experience in similar industry

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Can manage and control specific projects given to them, i.e. pigging programs, responding to emergency situations, incident commands, etc., as needed when the Supervisor is absent
  • Proven knowledge and experience with line location equipment and techniques
  • Ability to read and utilize drawings, schematics, alignment sheets
  • Ability to identify pipes and valves and what they do
  • Proven knowledge and understanding of procedures used to safely pig pipeline, i.e. launching, receiving and inspection
  • Knowledge to conduct pressure surveys on gathering lines and central delivery points
  • Experienced in monitoring natural gas quality using sampling equipment
  • Ability to direct employees to tasks that need completion and ability to follow up after completion
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
  • Must have a valid driver license with acceptable driving record
  • Demonstrate the ability to operate off-road vehicles safely
  • On-call responsibility for areas as assigned

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

  • Above average physical mobility to enable access to elevated height areas via stairs or ladders, as well as movement from place to place on the job, taking distance and speed into account
  • Strenuous physical activity-pushing, pulling and lifting requirements up to 50 lbs. manually transport a load up to 75 lbs. and apply up to 100 ft. lbs. of torque
  • Must be able to work out of doors in extreme weather conditions and perform heavy physical labor operating equipment in a safe manner
  • Work indoors and outdoors in and around industrial and electrical equipment