1. Energy careers
  2. Environmental, Regulatory and Stakeholder Engagement
  3. Pipeline Inspector

Pipeline Inspector

NOC #22231

  • Environment Primarily outdoor work
  • Education Post-secondary diploma

Career profile

Pipeline inspectors inspect the construction and maintenance of new and existing pipelines to ensure that stringent government and industry standards and regulations are met to ensure their safe operation. They are responsible for adherence to company and client requirements, stipulations, policies and procedures and costs. They will often work with a construction crew and other engineers, examining pipeline systems for faults such as leaks and corrosion, and make recommendations to improve systems.

They maintain an ongoing review of government legislation, regulations and industry standards to ensure that the pipeline infrastructure they are responsible for remains in compliance with those rules.

Pipelines

In this occupation, activities may include:

  • Reviewing construction drawings, specifications, conditions, commitments, work plans and procedures.
  • Performing, or at minimum have a working knowledge of, welding, bending, stringing coating of pipelines in order to assess these elements in the maintenance process.
  • Monitoring excavation activities and verifying that excavation activities are in compliance with ground disturbance requirements.
  • Monitoring lowering in activities to ensure that pipe is adequately supported and that lowering in does not result in damage to the pipe.
  • Monitoring backfill activities to verify that backfill material is suitable for use and that the backfill process does not damage the pipe or coating.

Education

  • A college diploma, or degree, in an appropriate engineering field or trade qualifications and extensive related work experience may be required.
  • Appropriate professional engineering or engineering technology certification and licences may be required.

Certifications

  • Standard and emergency first aid
  • Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
  • Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST)
  • H2S Alive
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Licensing

  • Depending on inspection duties, the following are common certifications required:
  • NACE Coating Inspection Professional (CIP) Certified
  • CSA Welding Inspector Certification

Additional Requirements

  • An understanding of the CSA Z662-19 Oil & Gas Pipeline Systems is required. The Z662 is a National Standard of Canada and is referenced in all Federal and Provincial pipeline regulations.
  • Travel likely required
  • Primarily outdoor work
  • Work away from home/in camps
  • Laws and Regulations
  • Understanding Risk
  • Works Safely
  • Promotion of Occupational Health and Safety
  • Interpreting Documents/Plans
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Professional Judgment and Decision Making
  • Planning and Organizing
  • Attention to Detail