Pipeline compliance coordinator

Pipeline compliance coordinators track, compile and summarise all the compliance and conformance activities in pipeline infrastructures and fields. They ensure that works are carried out within regulatory frameworks. They strive to develop and implement compliance policies and recommend ways to minimize risk. They inspect sites, collect evidence, and report compliance needs to the management.

Pipeline compliance coordinators typically perform the following duties:

• Conduct regular inspections and audits of pipeline operations to identify potential safety hazards, environmental risks, and compliance issues.
• Review and maintain pipeline records, including reports, data, and documents related to pipeline activities.
• Collaborate with pipeline operators and stakeholders to develop and implement corrective actions and risk management plans.
• Monitor changes in regulations and industry standards to ensure pipeline compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Conduct employee training on safety procedures and compliance standards.
• Investigate pipeline accidents and incidents, provide recommendations for improvement, and develop corrective action plans.
• Prepare reports and documentation for regulatory agencies and internal stakeholders regarding pipeline compliance, safety, and environmental issues.

The following job titles also refer to pipeline compliance coordinator:

pipeline safety inspector
pipeline compliance inspector
pipeline compliance and safety coordinator
pipeline compliance and safety inspector
roadside pipeline coordinator
pipeline safety coordinator
pipeline inspector

Pipeline compliance coordinators work in both office and field settings. Fieldwork involves visiting pipeline sites, conducting inspections, and monitoring pipeline activities. They may work in remote locations and under challenging weather conditions. Office work includes reviewing pipeline records, conducting research, and communicating with various stakeholders.

A bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field is typically required for a pipeline compliance coordinator position. Relevant work experience in the pipeline or oil and gas industry is usually required, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in pipeline operations or regulatory compliance.

Strong knowledge of federal and state pipeline safety regulations is essential, as is the ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements. Good communication and collaboration skills are also important, as pipeline compliance coordinators must work closely with other departments within the organization and regulatory agencies.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Pipeline compliance coordinator is a Skill level 3 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to pipeline compliance coordinator.

customs officer
sewerage maintenance technician
gas processing plant operator
statistical assistant
water engineering technician

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of pipeline compliance coordinator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of pipeline compliance coordinator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

pipeline superintendent
pipeline environmental project manager
pipeline engineer
airport environment officer
gas distribution engineer

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of pipeline compliance coordinator.

• Environmental policy: Local, national and international policies dealing with the promotion of environmental sustainability and the development of projects which reduce negative environmental impact and improve the state of the environment.
• Security requirements of goods transported via pipelines: Know the security requirements and safety measures necessary to avoid accidents during the transportation of goods via pipelines. Ensure measures for the transport of oil and petroleum products, olefin, ammonia, CO2, hydrogen, and others.
• Pipeline transport regulations;: Know about pipeline transport regulations and their application in pipeline fields. Apply pipeline transport regulations in the construction of new sites.

These skills are necessary for the role of pipeline compliance coordinator.

• Apply company policies: Apply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.
• Ensure regulatory compliance in pipeline infrastructures: Ensure that the regulations for pipeline operations are met. Ensure pipeline infrastructure compliance with legal mandates, and compliance with regulations governing the transportation of goods via the pipelines.
• Monitor gauge: Oversee the data presented by a gauge concerning the measurement of pressure, temperature, thickness of a material, and others.
• Execute analytical mathematical calculations: Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
• Detect flaws in pipeline infrastructure: Detect flaws in pipeline infrastructure during construction or over the passage of time such as construction defects, corrosion, ground movement, hot-tap made by error, and others.
• Think analytically: Produce thoughts using logic and reasoning in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Analyse pipeline database information: Retrieve and analyse different types of information extracted from the databases of pipelines companies. Analyse information such as risks, project management KPIs (keyperformance indicators), goods transportation times, and document back-up processes.
• Test pipeline infrastructure operations: Perform tests on pipelines, such checking whether there is continuous flow of materials through them, examining for leakages, and assessing the suitability of the location of the pipeline is.
• Monitor company policy: Monitor the company’s policy and propose improvements to the company.
• Write work-related reports: Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
• Perform clerical duties: Perform administrative tasks such as filing, typing up reports and maintaining mail correspondence.
• Combine multiple fields of knowledge: Combine inputs and considerations from a variety of diverse spheres (e.g. technical, design, engineering, social) in the development of projects or in the daily performance of a job.
• Comply with checklists: Follow checklists and ensure compliance with all the items included in them.
• Apply health and safety standards: Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.
• Follow up pipeline integrity management priorities: Perform follow up on priority actions in the pipeline infrastructure, such as complete coverage, service consistency, and facilitation.
• Analyse work-related written reports: Read and comprehend job-related reports, analyse the content of reports and apply findings to daily work operations.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of pipeline compliance coordinator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Pipeline coating properties: Know pipeline coating properties such as external anti-corrosion, internal coating, concrete weight coating, thermal insulation, and others.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of pipeline compliance coordinator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Audit contractors: Examine and document different industry contractors, in order to determine whether they comply with regulations and standards in relation to safety, environment and quality of design, construction and testing, etc.
• Inspect pipelines: Walk flow lines to identify damage or leaks; use electronic detection equipment and conduct visual inspections.
• Assist with emergencies: Take immediate action when an accident or medical emergency happens on-board. Identify the injuries and alert medical emergency staff. Seek to prevent further harm.
• Deal with challenging work conditions: Deal with challenging circumstances in which to perform work, such as night work, shift work, and atypical working conditions.
• Manage staff: Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet the company objectives. Monitor and measure how an employee undertakes their responsibilities and how well these activities are executed. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to achieve this. Lead a group of people to help them achieve goals and maintain an effective working relationship among staff.
• Monitor work site: Regularly ensure that working conditions on site meet health and safety requirements; ensure that the proposed work will not pose a threat to the physical integrity of others.
• Conduct workplace audits: Conduct work site audits and inspections in order to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
• Advise on site selection: Consult geological maps and data and analyse aerial photographs; provide advice on site selection and archaeological issues.
• Develop contingency plans for emergencies: Compose procedures outlining specific actions to be taken in the event of an emergency, taking into account all the risks and dangers that could be involved, ensuring that the plans comply with safety legislation and represent the safest course of action.

3119 – Physical and engineering science technicians not elsewhere classified

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References

1. Pipeline compliance coordinator – ESCO
2. Pipeline Regulatory Compliance | US and Canada Gas Mega Rule – Dynamic Risk
3. Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians : Occupational Outlook Handbook – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
4. Featured image: Photo by Fabio Sasso on Unsplash