Pipeline Controller

Pipeline Controller

The Pipeline Controller is responsible for the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of natural gas and liquid pipeline systems, including crude oil, butane, and other NGLs. This role supports continuous 24/7 control room operations and requires strict adherence to PHMSA Control Room Management (CRM) regulations, applicable DOT requirements, API standards, and company operating procedures.

This position requires flexibility to support emergency operations, disaster recovery, cross-training, and business continuity, including travel and temporary relocation when required.

Principle

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Monitor and control pipeline systems transporting natural gas, crude oil, butane, and other liquid hydrocarbons using SCADA and related systems.
• Monitor and maintain pipeline pressures within design criteria and monitor gas quality at various points in the system.
• Operate pipelines in compliance with PHMSA Control Room Management (CRM) requirements, DOT regulations, API standards, and company procedures.
• Apply Control Room Management (CRM) principles to ensure effective communication, situational awareness, and decision-making.
• Respond to alarms, abnormal conditions, and emergencies in accordance with established procedures.
• Coordinate with field operations, on-call personnel, and management to resolve system issues safely and efficiently.
• Maintain accurate and timely control room logs documenting system conditions, communications, and actions taken.
• Follow operating limits, special instructions, and directives communicated via procedures, emails, and shift turnover.
• Conduct thorough shift handovers, ensuring critical system conditions and constraints are clearly communicated and understood.
• Identify developing trends and take proactive action to prevent deviations or incidents.
• Provide operational coverage across two or more consoles as assigned and maintain cross-console proficiency.
• Train and mentor other Controllers as needed.
• Participate in a structured training and qualification program designed to develop Controller competency and understanding of OQ-covered tasks essential to daily responsibilities.
• Work 12-hour Modified DuPont rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and schedule changes on short notice.
• Controllers may be contacted outside of their scheduled shifts, including on scheduled days off, and are expected to respond and provide operational support as required to maintain 24/7 operations.
• Work overtime as operationally required.
• Travel as needed for disaster recovery drills, site-specific training, audits, and operational support.
• May be required to temporarily relocate, including self and family, to the designated Austin relocation site due to natural disasters or business continuity events.
• May be required to stay in hotels near corporate headquarters during extreme local weather or emergency events.
• Ability to work from an alternate Control Center location during emergencies or continuity events.

Compliance, Safety, and Training

• Maintain compliance with PHMSA Control Room Management regulations and applicable DOT requirements.
• Support regulatory audits, emergency drills, and disaster recovery exercises.
• Immediately escalate safety concerns, abnormal conditions, or procedural deviations.
• Support incident, near-miss, and corrective action documentation and follow-up.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience as a Pipeline Controller, Control Room Operator, or similar role in pipeline or energy operations preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of: CRM (Control Room Management), PHMSA and DOT regulations, API standards, SCADA-based pipeline control systems.
• Familiarity with personal computer applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Project, flow and pressure simulation tools.
• Proven multitasking, analytical, and judgment skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel, relocate temporarily, and work overtime as required.
• Ability to live within one hour of the control room.

Work Environment &

Physical Requirements:

• Work is primarily performed in a…