Pipeline Compliance Specialist
Summary:
The PHMSA Pipeline Compliance Specialist will ensure organizational compliance with state and federal pipeline safety regulations enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), including 49 CFR Parts 190–199. This role ensures adherence to and compliance for gas and hazardous liquid pipelines, focusing on planning, permitting, integrity management, reporting, audits, inspections, and corrective actions. This position is office-based with frequent travel to field locations, inspection sites, or regulatory meetings. Required availability during regulatory inspections or emergency response events.
Key Responsibilities:
•Monitor, interpret, and apply PHMSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 191, 192, 194, 195, 199) and state-specific rules
•Implement and manage the Pipeline Permitting Procedure for both existing assets and new development
•Advise asset teams on proposed pipe designs to mitigate risk and ensure PHMSA compliance
•Prepare and submit regulatory reports (e.g., incident, annual, NPMS submissions)
•Support and participate in PHMSA and state inspections, audits, and enforcement actions
•Maintain organized compliance documentation, audit records, and inspection responses
•Track regulatory deadlines and manage internal audit schedules to maintain compliance
•Collaborate cross-functionally with HSE, Regulatory, Environmental, Engineering, Facilities, Operations, GIS, and Integrity Teams to assess risk and implement corrective actions
•Coordinate with consulting firms as needed
•Maintain and update compliance programs, including PHMSA, OQ (Operator Qualification), O&M (Operations & Maintenance), Public Awareness, Integrity Management, Anti-Drug & Alcohol, and Emergency Preparedness
•Manage 811 One Call Tickets for regulated pipelines
•Analyze new and proposed PHMSA rules to assess operational impacts
•Assist in developing and implementing Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS)
•Support emergency response planning and OQ program compliance
•Contribute to training and awareness initiatives related to pipeline safety
•Support due diligence efforts for acquisitions by evaluating compliance status and requirements
•Perform additional compliance-related tasks as needed
Key Competencies:
•Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
•In-depth understanding of field operations and regulatory environments
•Ability to interpret and apply regulations effectively
•Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive priorities
•Clear and professional written and verbal communication
•Team-oriented and collaborative across departments
•Flexible, proactive, and able to adapt in a fast-paced setting
•Capable of working independently with minimal supervision
•Creative thinker and quick learner
•Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation
•Skilled at identifying regulatory risk and ensuring compliance
•Engaged in stakeholder communication and cross-functional teamwork.
Required Qualifications:
•Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, or related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered
•Minimum 2 years of experience in pipeline compliance, HSE, regulatory affairs, or related field operations
•Comprehensive knowledge of PHMSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 190–199)
•Strong organizational and documentation skills
•Ability to analyze regulatory data and technical information
•Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and regulatory reporting systems
•Experience participating in PHMSA or state pipeline inspections/audits
•Familiar with NPMS data requirements
•GIS experience and knowledge of pipeline data systems
•Understanding of API RP 1173 and Pipeline Safety Management Systems
•Willing and able to travel frequently
Physical Requirements: (with or without reasonable accommodation):
•Requires prolonged sitting, some bending and stooping
•Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds
•Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator
•Ability to travel and navigate stairs and field locations
•Ability to work in inclement weather and harsh conditions
About Us:
Formentera Operations LLC is the operator for Formentera Partners, which is an energy focused, private equity strategy founded by Bryan Sheffield, Blake London, and Paul Treadwell in 2020, based in Austin, Texas. Formentera responsibly acquires and optimizes producing oil and gas assets in onshore United States basins.
Formentera is intentional and deliberate in cultivating our culture. We seek people who are not only exceptional within their own skills and aptitudes but who also care deeply about supporting each other’s growth and embracing the value that diverse teams, ideas and opinions creates. Operating with integrity and treating each other well at all times are foundational pillars at Formentera.
Formentera provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law where we employ. Formentera will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
Notice to Third Party Agencies:
Please note that Formentera does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. Without a signed recruitment services agreement, Formentera will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. If a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Formentera explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidates without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring manager(s), are deemed to be property of Formentera.
NOTE: Formentera is not able to consider candidates requiring Visa sponsorship at this time.