Position Description

Primary purpose:

• The primary purpose of the Lead Operator 8 position is to assist and provide back-up coverage for the Area Manager and/or Assistant Area Manager. The Lead Operator 8 must also provide coverage for the Operator 8, as well as for any Operator 12 who is unable to work their scheduled shift, if necessary.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Assist Area Manager and/or Supervisor in office or administrative tasks, such as, but not limited to: bill paying, coding invoices, handling customer and/or driver issues, researching information, coordinating work/projects with other departments and personnel, preparation of requisitions and/or purchase orders; monitoring inventories; preparing various permits; updating and maintaining logs and/or manuals; and handling phones and customer calls/inquiries.
• Oversee projects as assigned.
• Must be fully knowledgeable about all aspects of the facility including, but not limited to, all lines, block valves, remote locations, facilities and equipment.
• Provides training, direction and assistance to operators at their facility, as needed.
• Assist with overseeing and monitoring contractors.
• Handle clean-ups for any releases and/or spills.
• Keep Area Manager/Supervisor informed and up-to-date on any personnel issues, performance problems or operational concerns.
• Be the primary contact when the Area Manager and/or Supervisor is unavailable.
• Consistently maintain and demonstrate a high regard for personal safety, for the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.

OTHER DUTIES:
If required to fill-in for the Operator 8 or an Operator 12:

• May, on short notice, provide relief coverage for any Operator 12.
• Perform line rider duties and right-of-way protection, as required.
• Operation of pipeline and pump facilities as directed by Products Movement.
• Oversees all activities on an assigned shift.
• Monitors product quality using appropriate equipment.
• Types and checks meter tickets for products, and prepares bill of ladings.
• Notifies management of equipment abnormalities or failures.
• Serves as the liaison between field operations and scheduling, product accounting, engineering as well as regional personnel.
• Monitors loading rack operations at terminals which are driver operated.
• Monitors incoming and outgoing custody switches.
• Starts and stops pump as required.
• Tank sampling and temperature gravity gathering.
• For sites with loading racks, must handle maintenance duties; filter changes; hose transfers.
• Handle One-Call alerts.

Position Requirements

Minimum requirements: Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required-Technical training and/or College a plus.
• Must pass and maintain all applicable Operator Qualification requirements.
• Basic office and/or administrative experience including handling phones, completing paperwork and typing.
• Basic knowledge of cathodic protection.
• Knowledge of piping, valves and pressures.
• Knowledge of pipeline operations and proven ability to cover and/or perform duties, as outlined in the job responsibilities section above.
• Experience with storage tank operations, including inspections, alarms and sampling.
• Experience with light maintenance (mechanical, electric, electronic).
• Advancement from one step level to the next is based on minimum time requirements, as well as meeting and maintaining satisfactory job performance standards.
  • Lead Operator 8 Level 1 - at least three years performing satisfactorily as an Operator 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.
  • Lead Operator 8 Level 2 - at least two years performing satisfactorily as a Lead Operator Level 1 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 Line Riders.
  • Lead Operator 8 Level 3 - at least three years performing satisfactorily as a Lead Operator Level 2 or equivalent experience; 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 Operator 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.

Experience / Specific Knowledge:
Certification, licenses, registrations:

• A satisfactory driving record as determined by the Company and a current, valid State driver's license are required.
• If applicable to the work location, 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:

• Leadership skills demonstrated by the utilization of appropriate interpersonal styles and methods in guiding individuals/departments or groups toward task accomplishment. Consistently adhere to Kinder Morgan's policies and procedures and be a positive example for others by demonstrating the Company core values of honesty, integrity and respect for people.
• Ability to use sound judgment by making decisions and/or taking actions based on logical assumptions derived from factual information gathered; seeking out information from established policies and procedures and/or knowledgeable experts; seeking input from others.
• In order to meet the various maintenance and general operational requirements, a mechanical aptitude is necessary.
• Must be competent with Microsoft computer applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Project, and Outlook as well as be able to use all tank gauging, truck loading, SCADA and teletype programs.
• Well-balanced interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communications skills are required.
• 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.
• 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.
  • 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.

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.
• Perform physical labor in a variety of extreme climatic conditions, including walking, bending, stooping, climbing tanks, digging, lifting and general manual labor.
• Must be able to climb tanks (averaging about 60 steps) safely and without assistance, including holding on to a handrail with one hand and carrying equipment (such as tank gauging tools) and/or tool bag in other hand.
• Job requires visual acuity to see and work at a computer screen, read gauges and other measuring devices, as well as the ability to hear various alarms.
• Extended periods of sitting may be required for administrative activities.

Working Conditions:

• Normal schedule is Monday through Friday days, however, must be willing and able to work 12 hour rotating shifts (including holidays, weekends) on short notice for extended periods of time.
• Position subject to 24-hour call-out, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Overtime required and extended work hours in cases of emergencies.
  • May be required to work alone (unsupervised).
  • May be exposed to some refined oil 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.
  • Exposure to smells and fumes 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.

Supervisory responsibility:

• Provide work direction as delegated by the Area Manager and/or Supervisor.

Preferred education, experience, certifications, competencies, skills, and abilities:
Above the minimum requirement; not required but advantageous in this position:

• Hydraulics experience desired
• Prior experience requiring mechanical aptitude and skill is a plus
• Knowledge and experience working with utility contractors preferred
• Prior experience requiring mechanical aptitude and skill is a plus
• Experience with pipeline repairs and/or inspection a plus
• Experience with soils or trenching desired

Pay range: $47.00 - $52.50 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 holidays; paid parental bonding and many voluntary benefit plans.

Kinder Morgan is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship status, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status. EOE/M/F/D/V

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.