Utility Inspector

Utility Inspector - Hydrostatic Testing

• Onsite in and around Pennington, AL area*
  
  

Position Summary

The Natural Gas Transmission Inspector is responsible for ensuring the safe, compliant, and high-quality construction, testing, and commissioning of natural gas transmission pipelines and related facilities. This role includes oversight of contractor activities, verification of stringent regulatory compliance, and direct involvement in hydrostatic pressure testing of high-pressure transmission systems.

The ideal candidate brings strong field experience in transmission pipeline construction, with a general understanding of welding practices, pressure testing, and federal pipeline safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspect construction of natural gas transmission pipelines, including mainline installation, tie-ins, valve settings, and station work
• Monitor contractor activities to ensure compliance with project specifications, company standards, and federal regulations (PHMSA / 49 CFR Part 192)
• Perform and/or witness hydrostatic pressure testing of transmission pipelines, including test setup, filling, pressurization, stabilization, hold periods, and documentation validation
• Verify proper test medium handling, environmental compliance, and test instrumentation accuracy (charts, recorders, gauges)
• Inspect welding operations, including fit-up, welding procedures, welder qualifications, and visual inspection of welds
• Review and confirm compliance with Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and welder certifications
• Coordinate and verify non-destructive testing (NDT) activities such as radiographic testing (RT), ultrasonic testing (UT), and other inspection methods
• Identify, document, and track non-conformances and ensure corrective actions are completed
• Maintain detailed inspection records, daily reports, test logs, and project documentation
• Support pipeline commissioning activities, including purging, drying, and gas-in operations
• Ensure strict adherence to safety requirements for high-pressure systems and construction environments
  
  

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED (technical degree preferred)
• 5 years of experience in natural gas transmission pipeline construction or inspection
• Demonstrated experience with hydrostatic testing of transmission pipelines (high-pressure systems)
• Strong working knowledge of: 49 CFR Part 192 (PHMSA regulations), transmission construction standards and specifications, and reading/interpreting alignment sheets, isometric drawings, and construction specifications
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of pipeline welding practices and inspection (highly recommended)
• Experience reviewing and applying WPS, PQR, and welder qualification records
• API 1169 Pipeline Construction Inspector Certification
• NACE certification or coating inspection experience
• CPWI or CWI
• OSHA 10/30 or equivalent safety training
• Experience with transmission integrity and pressure testing documentation systems
  
  

Key Competencies

• High attention to detail and commitment to safety in high-pressure transmission environments
• Strong field judgment and ability to enforce compliance standards
• Effective communication with contractors, welders, and project teams
• Problem-solving capability in dynamic construction settings
• Strong organizational and reporting discipline