Careers in the Oil and Gas Industry

Pipeline Construction and Maintenance Jobs

Pipeline Construction Positions

Pipeline construction companies connect and bury pipe of various types and sizes. Pipelines are used to safely collect and transport all types of petroleum products.

Construction Manager

the pipeline company's field representative
responsible for overseeing all aspects of the construction project
responsible for all supervisors, employees, and contract workers
ensures that jobs are completed in a timely and cost efficient manner
reports to head office and to the oil company
pay varies with experience and qualifications

Construction Foreman

responsible for hiring and training staff
responsible for crew scheduling
coordinates with the assistant foreman and lead hands to avoid scheduling conflicts and keep crews running efficiently
oversees all personnel on the project, including all construction crews
ensures that all staff are properly trained in emergency procedures
ensures that all staff properly use personal protective equipment
reports to the construction manager
pay varies with experience

Assistant Foreman

assists the foreman as necessary
pay varies with experience

Lead Hand

responsible for the activities and scheduling of a construction crew
ensures that the crew operates safely and efficiently
coordinates with the foreman or assistant foreman

Welder

welds segments of pipe together

Pipefitter

works with hoist operator to align pipe segments
guides pipe into the trench
inserts spacers between pipe segments
inspects pipe joints to ensure proper alignment
may apply glue to non-metal pipes

Pipeliner Entry level labor position

maintains pipelines and in-line facilities
places pipe supports and pipe along the pipeline route prior to construction
picks up pipe supports and any garbage along pipeline route once construction is finished
removes and replaces obstacles such as fences and water lines
may operate heavy machinery such as trenchers, hoes, and bulldozers
uses a chainsaw, axe, or other tool to removes trees and brush from the pipeline right-of-way
uses hand tools to dig drainage ditches as required
cleans and paints exposed metal as needed to prevent corrosion
very physical job
transports parts and supplies to the jobsite from a storage site or the nearest town

Crane Operator

uses mobile cranes or picker(boom) trucks to transfer equipment and supplies on and off of transport trucks

Heavy Equipment Operator

operates heavy equipment including

cats / bulldozers
track and wheeled hoes
bobcats and forklifts
front end loaders
graders
trenchers
power shovels

used in various areas of pipeline construction
responsible for operating equipment in a safe and efficient manner

Heavy Duty Mechanic

repairs trucks and large equipment on-site

Swamper Entry level labor position

travels with the transport
assists the driver as necessary
loads and unloads the transport
cleans the truck and equipment
inspects tie downs and other retaining devices for wear and damage
ensures that loads are properly tied down before transport

Small / Specialty Engine Mechanic

repairs small engines in specialty equipment

Truck Driver

operates various types of transports, including:

water trucks
fuel trucks
gravel trucks
string trucks
vacuum trucks
high boys / low boys

truck drivers are required during every stage of the construction project
responsible for operating the truck in a safe and efficient manner

Nozzleman

operates the sandblaster nozzle and other high pressure equipment

Oiler

ensures that all mechanical equipment is properly lubricated

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