Pipeline Technician

The Lavaca Midstream Project is a 260-mile natural gas gathering and compression system in Lavaca County, South Texas. Serving the Eagle Ford Shale region, the system supports local oil and gas producers with gas-gathering and compressed gas re-injection services. Its infrastructure includes twelve strategically located compressor stations, ensuring efficient operations and reliable service.

Opportunity Summary

The Pipeline Technician is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of pipeline systems through accurate data collection, routine inspections, and timely maintenance. This role involves troubleshooting and repairing equipment, managing regulatory compliance tasks, and collaborating with teams and third-party mechanics to address operational challenges. By performing pipeline maintenance, coordinating tasks, and safeguarding infrastructure integrity, the Pipeline Technician supports reliable operations and minimizes downtime.

Your scope of responsibility as Pipeline Technician includes the following primary functions:

- Perform daily readings for compressor stations and ensure data accuracy for yearly reports.

- Complete and document monthly inspections, including fire extinguishers, windsocks, eyewash stations, and other required items.

- Troubleshoot and repair equipment to maintain optimal operation and minimize downtime.

- Collaborate with the measurement team to address issues with ABB Total Flow electronic flow meters (EFMs), which may include basic troubleshooting to help identify and resolve problems.

- Work with third-party mechanics to diagnose compression issues and determine when external assistance is required.

- Troubleshoot dehydration units, including BETEX pumps, burner management controls, and other components, while demonstrating a solid understanding of dehydration processes.

- Replace and troubleshoot pneumatic controllers, ensuring proper configuration and operation of controls and devices.

- Perform pipeline maintenance activities such as pigging operations for system cleaning, documenting regulatory tasks (e.g., ROW inspections, atmospheric corrosion checks, and valve maintenance).

- Manage OneCall tasks, including locating lines, inspecting, and overseeing line crossings, and ensuring contractors protect the integrity of Lavaca Midstream pipelines and equipment.

- Coordinate with other pipeline technicians to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and accurately.

- Carry out maintenance tasks ranging from light to heavy-duty responsibilities.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

This position reports to the Director, Area Operations, and works with all other pipeline technicians.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing and walking for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Work is performed in a natural gas gathering and compression environment, which may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials. Employees may be exposed to gas fumes, high-pressure systems, rotating equipment, extreme temperatures, and elevated noise levels, as well as varying outdoor weather conditions.

Some duties require the use of protective equipment, including hard hats, safety glasses, face shields, respirators, ear protection, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict no-smoking policies apply in and around all compressor stations and gas-handling facilities.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The regular work schedule consists of 8 consecutive 10-hour shifts from Wednesday to Wednesday, followed by 6 days off. This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status will also be required.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $27 to $35 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for a skilled Technician with experience in natural gas pipeline operations and compression systems, coupled with a proven ability to work safely, support team objectives, and consistently meet performance standards.

- High school graduation or equivalent qualification is required. Additional education, such as trade school, military service, technical training, or other relevant professional training, is highly valued.

- Experience with natural gas and natural gas liquids, including familiarity with related processes, equipment, and safety protocols.

- Proficiency with ABB Total Flow electronic flow meters (EFM), including the ability to change batteries and perform basic troubleshooting.

- At least one year of experience with electrical systems, including 12/24-volt and 110/120-volt wiring, voltage, and amperage.

- Basic mechanical skills, including the ability to troubleshoot and maintain pumps, compressors, and other mechanical equipment.

- Familiarity with pipeline maintenance tasks, such as pigging operations, ROW inspections, valve maintenance, and atmospheric corrosion documentation.

- Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements, including OneCall procedures and pipeline safety protocols.

- Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.

Experience

Preferred

- We are looking for a skilled Technician with experience in natural gas pipeline operations and compression systems, coupled with a proven ability to work safely, support team objectives, and consistently meet performance standards.

- High school graduation or equivalent qualification is required. Additional education, such as trade school, military service, technical training, or other relevant professional training, is highly valued.

- Experience with natural gas and natural gas liquids, including familiarity with related processes, equipment, and safety protocols.

- Proficiency with ABB Total Flow electronic flow meters (EFM), including the ability to change batteries and perform basic troubleshooting.

- At least one year of experience with electrical systems, including 12/24-volt and 110/120-volt wiring, voltage, and amperage.

- Basic mechanical skills, including the ability to troubleshoot and maintain pumps, compressors, and other mechanical equipment.

- Familiarity with pipeline maintenance tasks, such as pigging operations, ROW inspections, valve maintenance, and atmospheric corrosion documentation.

- Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements, including OneCall procedures and pipeline safety protocols.

Education

Required

- High School or better

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

- Driver's License

Skills

Preferred

- Natural Gas

- Safety Policies and Procedures

- Mechanical Maintenance

- Preventive Maintenance

- Predictive Maintenance

- Electrical Hazard Awareness

- Mechanical Aptitude

- Troubleshooting

- Verbal and Written Communications

Behaviors

Preferred

- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

- Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.