Pipeline route manager

Pipeline route managers oversee the day-to-day operational aspects of transporting goods via pipeline infrastructures. They have an overview of the network and plan the different routes to transport goods from one site to another. They strive for the most efficient and less costly route. They troubleshoot arising issues in networks and sites, ensure implementation of regulations, and follow up the achievement of transport targets.

The following job titles also refer to pipeline route manager:

pipeline division supervisor
pipeline division manager
pipeline operations supervisor
pipeline operations manager
pipeline route supervisor

A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of managerial experience are generally required to work as a pipeline route manager.

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 route manager is a Skill level 2 occupation.

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

gas transmission system operator
gas scheduling representative
pipeline maintenance worker
drain technician
sewerage network operative

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

pipeline compliance coordinator
water engineering technician
gas processing plant operator
sewerage maintenance technician
gas station operator

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of pipeline route manager.

• 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.
• Types of pipelines: Know various types of pipelines and their different usages. Differentiate between pipelines used to transport goods over short and long distances, and understand their respective feeding systems.

These skills are necessary for the role of pipeline route manager.

• Apply company policies: Apply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.
• Survey sites for pipeline installation: Perform surveys of different kinds of sites, such as inland or maritime site, for the planning and construction of pipeline infrastructure.
• 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.
• Adhere to OHSAS 18001: Know and follow the standards of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. Strive to implement practices that reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace.
• Analyse various types of water: Design boreholes; sample and analyse surface water and groundwater.
• Set management priorities in pipeline networks: Set the priorities for the performance of activities in pipeline networks. Analyse the different issues within the infrastructure, and tackle issues that may significantly affect operations and those that may be costly if left unaddressed.
• 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.
• Mitigate environmental impact of pipeline projects: Strive to mitigate the potential impact that pipelines and the goods transported in them can have on the environment. Invest time and resources into consideration of the environmental effects of the pipeline, the actions that could be taken to protect the environment, and the potential increase in the costs of the project.
• 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.
• Advise on site selection: Consult geological maps and data and analyse aerial photographs; provide advice on site selection and archaeological issues.
• Analyse route possibilities in pipeline projects: Analyse sufficient route possibilities for developing pipeline projects. Ensure that crucial elements such as environment, the features of a location, purpose, and other elements are considered. Analyse the best route possibilities while attempting to maintain a balance between budget and quality.
• Perform follow-up on pipeline route services: Perform follow-up activities related to the plan, the distribution schedule, and the service yielded by the pipeline infrastructure. Ensure that pipeline route assignments are accomplished and meet customer agreements.
• Apply health and safety standards: Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.
• 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.

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

• Engineering principles: The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
• Geographic information systems: The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
• Rigging terminology: Terms for lifting equipment, lifting accessories, slings, shackles, wires, ropes, chains, cables and nets.

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

• 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.
• Consider the impact of material characteristics on pipeline flows: Consider the characteristics of goods in order to ensure that pipeline flows are uninterrupted. Anticipate the density of goods in the design of pipelines or in daily maintenance of pipeline infrastructures.
• 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.
• Identify GIS issues: Highlight GIS-issues that require special attention. Report on these issues and their development on a regular basis.
• Oversee wetlands in project development: Oversee and respond proactively to the challenges posed by wetlands in the development of projects. Strive to care for and conserve wetlands while finding the most environmentally cost efficient solutions for the development of infrastructure projects.

4323 – Transport clerks

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References

1. Pipeline route manager – ESCO
2. Featured image: Photo by Quinten de Graaf on Unsplash