Pipeline Walker Jobs
An oil Pipeline Walker is responsible for carefully walking
along the many miles of oil or natural gas pipeline searching
for visual clues of pipeline leaks, breaks, washouts or other
damage to the pipeline.
Sometimes on foot, but more often by truck or four-wheeler,
the Pipeline Walker must be ever vigilant for the signs of
oil or natural gas leaks along the pipeline.
Oil stains, odors or dead vegetation are sure signs that
there's most likely been a gas or oil leak in the pipeline.
The Pipeline Walker becomes very adept at spotting these
signs of pipeline damage.
When problems are suspected or found, the Pipeline Walker
may take steps to repair small leaks using tools for caulking,
hammers, clamps and wrenches.
Large leaks and washouts are reported to the district office
and work crews are sent out to assess and repair the damaged
areas.
Any problems with telephone or telegraph lines including
fallen poles and wires are reported to the proper authorities
for repair. The operations of automatic drip bleeders on gas
lines to detect malfunctioning valves also become the responsibility
of the Pipeline Walker.
To do this sort of work, you must be good at working on your
own as much of the work is done alone.
The inspection work is generally just you and your tool kit
and your motorized vehicle, whether it's a truck or a four-wheeler.
You must be very good at problem solving and being able to
track back where any problem may have occurred even though it
may take some time.
An eye for detail and being physically fit are also two good
traits for a good Pipeline Walker.
Having some specialized training in survivalist procedures
also wouldn't hurt as many of the sections of pipeline are in
very remote wilderness locations. It's good to be prepared for
any sort of trouble that may arise out in the wild, when you're
on your own.
The work is very detail oriented and requires a lot of on-site
inspection. Compensation depends on experience but is often
$18.00 to $21.00 per hour or more.
Construction in the offshore environment is a difficult and
dangerous activity. Construction and pre-commissioning is typically
performed as much as possible on land or inshore areas. To optimize
the costs and risks of installing large offshore platforms,
different construction strategies have been developed.
