Operations Specialist jobs in Wichita, KS

Tallgrass was named one of the 2023 Top Workplaces USA and highlighted in Colorado's Top Workplaces for the past seven consecutive years. Tallgrass is a leading energy infrastructure company focused on safely, reliably, and sustainably delivering the energy and services that power our nation and enable our quality of life. 

At Tallgrass, we value our teams and strive to create an environment where employees feel respected, and their contributions are valued. We aim to support employees' physical, mental, and financial well-being through a comprehensive Total Rewards Program.

• Industry competitive pay
• Health insurance package options that include Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts 
• Infertility Coverage
• Parental Leave
• 401(k) with up to a 6% match that vests immediately plus an employer discretionary contribution of up to 4%
• Wellness Programs and Mental Health Resources
• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• Vacation, sick days, paid caregiver leave, volunteer and bereavement paid time off
• Identity theft protection
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Company-paid holidays and floating holidays
• Company vehicle (if applicable)
• Employee discounts; vehicles, tires, cellular plans, and more
• Networking and employee engagement events
• Personal development to grow your career with us based on your strengths and interests

Primary purpose:

Responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of Company gas/liquid pipelines, compressor stations, pump stations, terminals, process plants and other related facilities.  Implementation of the Company Damage Prevention Program including performing and coordinating work group activities including Patrolling, locating, construction and inspection, and excavation inspection of Company gas/liquids pipelines.  Level 1 is an entry level position with approximately six to twelve months of training/work experience in order progress to next level.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain pipelines, compressors and auxiliary equipment, engines, turbines, motors, cooling equipment, pump stations, pumps, dehydration equipment, valves, seals and other related equipment.
• Ensure the cost effective and efficient performance of all engines, pumps and associated equipment at compressor stations, pump stations, pipelines and process plants.  Start, stop and operate engines/pumps within defined operating parameters.
• Diagnose and repair engines, turbines, pumps, seals, valves and instruments.
• Install, repair, service and maintain valves, pipe, and pipeline appurtenances.
• Operate, maintain, adjust and make minor repairs on equipment such as industrial wheeled tractors, water pumps, air compressors, expanders, coolers, test equipment, vehicles, etc.
• Locate and mark facilities per Company Damage Prevention Program and One-Call procedures prior to and during excavation. 
• Provide oversight and inspection to ensure asset protection and compliance with Company procedures of excavation activities near pipeline facilities.  
•  Perform pipeline patrols, population density surveys, leak detection surveys and inspections per Company procedures.
• Company liaison during contacts with landowner/tenants, public/emergency officials and local meetings (One Call, Pipeline Groups, Soil Conservation, USFS, etc.). 
• Oversee and train Company and third-party personnel as required (visitors, personnel in progression, transport drivers, contractors and construction/maintenance activities).
• Inspect third-party construction, as directed.
• Identify report and correct safety and environmental concerns.
• Actively participate in safety programs/initiatives, development of O&M Procedures, Site Specific Procedures, project scopes and work plans.
• General upkeep and maintenance of all facilities and equipment (pipeline right-of-way, gathering/storage areas, excavate/repair/coat/backfill pipelines, building construction, concrete work, paint, weed control, etc.).
• Perform all work in compliance with Company standards, procedures, regulatory, Company tariff requirements and governmental activities (PHMSA, EPA, USFS, state agencies, etc.).  
• Complete all applicable documentation and record keeping.
• Demonstrate performance toward operational excellence.
• Deal with a wide variety of people with tact, courtesy and professionalism.
• Speak clearly, both in person and by telephone, using a high level of verbal skills and listen carefully.
• Maintain a regular, dependable attendance and a consistently high level of performance.
• Will work non-traditional hours as needed.
• Maintain a high regard for personal safety, for the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.
• Will maintain Operator Qualification on all assigned covered tasks as determined by direct Supervisor
• Other daily, weekly, monthly or special project duties as identified and defined.

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent 

Experience/Specific Knowledge:

• Willingness to achieve and maintain all Operator Qualifications (OQ) and progression requirements applicable to the job classification.  OQ includes but is not limited to; Gas Detection/Alarm System Maintenance/Performance Tests; Inspect/Isolate/Operate/Shut Down/Start Compressor Units (manual and remote); Corrosion Monitoring; Cathodic Protection system Maintenance; Locate/Install/Protect Customer Meters; Locating Pipelines; Damage Prevention; Leakage Survey and Investigation; Install Steel and Plastic Pipe, Valve Maintenance and Welding Process.
• Intermediate proficiency level in MS Office applications that may include but are not limited to Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).

Competencies, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong mechanical aptitude on related equipment.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals).
• Good verbal and written communications skills.
• Strong customer focus and attention to detail.
• Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.
• Must be able to work with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
• Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines.
• Ability to organize and prioritize daily work.
• Job level commensurate with experience and skill sets; position will be filled depending on qualifications, experience and skill sets of the successful candidate.

Physical Demands:

All of the physical requirements listed below are those that may be necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting; standing; walking or moving throughout facility; driving; talking; seeing (specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus); hearing; feeling; bending or stooping; squatting or crouching; reaching; kneeling; pushing; pulling; ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Minimal safety hazards; general office working conditions.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.

Working Conditions:

• Must respond to, and address, callouts and emergencies after regular business hours. 
• Varying working conditions from office settings to working outdoors in inclement weather conditions
• Working with and around industrial hazards.
• Frequent travel, sometimes overnight, may be required.
• Occasional overtime may be required.
• Living environs will be relative to work location to address call outs and emergency response.
• May be required to carry a cell phone, and be available to respond during working and non-working hours.
• The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, including credit report for certain positions, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• None 

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Above the minimum requirements; not required but advantageous in this position:

• Detailed knowledge of compressor or pump station, gas treatment, storage facility, gathering and transmission pipeline system operation.
• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints, P&IDS and other diagrams.
• Knowledge of rubber tire backhoe operations and servicing.
• Associate Degree in a related field.
• Knowledge of company policies, procedures and practices, regulatory and tariff requirements.
• Knowledge and experience in safe handling practices of flammable gases, liquids and high and low pressure systems.
• Knowledge of compressor or pump station, terminal, process plant, gas treatment, storage facilities, gathering and transmission pipeline systems operations.
• Knowledge of operating costs and best practices associated with the equipment in the area of responsibility.
• Current Commercial Driver’s License.
• Tanker endorsement.
• HAZMAT endorsement.

Other responsibilities:

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  This position may perform other duties as assigned.

Tallgrass Energy 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