Equipment Operator - Gas Division

The Equipment Operator maneuvers heavy, motorized construction equipment to support the installation, replacement, and maintenance of natural gas distribution and transmission facilities. Work is performed on active gas utility construction sites in all weather conditions, often in proximity to live, in-service gas pipelines and other underground utilities. Because the role involves operations and maintenance activities on pipeline facilities, this position is subject to federal Operator Qualification (OQ) and PHMSA/DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements described below.

Equipment Operators handle motorized apparatus such as excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and other equipment appropriate to their operator class (see Class Determination below).

• Maneuver motorized heavy equipment to ensure the accurate excavation, exposure, removal, and placement of soil and materials around gas mains, services, and related facilities.
• Support safe installation, tie-in, and backfill of gas distribution/transmission pipe (steel and polyethylene) in coordination with pipe fitters, crew leads, and inspectors.
• Safely expose (“pothole”) existing underground gas and other utility facilities in accordance with one-call/utility locate markings and company damage-prevention procedures.
• Load and offload rock, spoil, debris, pipe, and other materials from heavy equipment.
• Recognize, and immediately report to the foreman/supervisor, any Abnormal Operating Condition (AOC) such as gas odor, escaping gas, unmarked or damaged facilities, or unstable trench/excavation conditions.
• Always observe stipulated safety codes, including OSHA excavation/trenching standards, utility damage-prevention (“call-before-you-dig”) requirements, and company HSE policies.
• Inspect equipment before and after use to ensure the machine stays in good working order; report defects immediately.
• Clean equipment after use and dispose of collected scraps or waste appropriately.
• Assist coworkers to ensure the site is clean, organized, and properly restored/backfilled at the end of the shift.
• Maintain current Operator Qualification (OQ) status for every covered task performed, and work only within the scope of current OQ certifications.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the foreman/superintendent.

• Ability to listen to, understand, and follow directions; communicate effectively with crew members, both written and spoken.
• Ability to remain flexible as specific assignments change.
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of personalities.
• Sharp decision-making skills, particularly when under pressure or working near live gas facilities.
• Ability to recognize abnormal operating conditions and respond according to established emergency procedures.

This position performs “covered tasks” on gas pipeline facilities as defined under 49 CFR Part 192, Subpart N (Qualification of Pipeline Personnel). Covered tasks may include excavation and backfill near existing gas facilities, exposing pipe, tie-ins, and other operations or maintenance activities that affect the safe operation of the pipeline. Requirements include:

• Obtain and maintain current Operator Qualification (OQ) certification for each covered task performed, through the company's OQ program (e.g., Veriforce, ISNetworld, or equivalent third-party OQ provider).
• Complete qualification evaluation — which may include written testing, oral evaluation, hands-on/performance observation, and/or documented work-history review — before independently performing a covered task.
• Work only under the direct observation of a qualified individual until OQ certification for a given covered task is obtained.
• Demonstrate the ability to recognize and properly respond to Abnormal Operating Conditions (AOCs), including immediate notification procedures.
• Complete requalification within the interval set by the company's OQ program, or sooner if a performance evaluation, incident, near-miss, or change in equipment/procedure indicates the need for retraining.
• Carry proof of OQ qualification and make it available on site for review by…