EPRS Specialist
Location: Qatar
Assignment: 3 years, project-based with performance reviews every 6 months
A leading energy operator is seeking an experienced EPRS Specialist to support the development and management of the Emergency Pipeline Repair System (EPRS) program. This role focuses on ensuring readiness and rapid response for emergency pipeline repairs, covering offshore and onshore pipelines, equipment, procedures, and service contracts. The EPRS Specialist will work closely with pipeline integrity engineers, operations, contractors, and service providers to maintain operational integrity, safety, and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, organise, and direct the development and continuous enhancement of the EPRS program to ensure timely and effective pipeline repairs.
- Identify and close gaps in current EPRS tools, procedures, and compatibility with industry standards.
- Develop and maintain structured databases and enhance EPRS reporting.
- Monitor and report on program components, including studies, activities, budget, plans, and KPIs.
- Establish and maintain awareness of pipeline design, operation, limitations, and uncertainties.
- Develop and update manuals, procedures, and damage assessment studies to ensure practical and compliant approaches.
- Maintain a fit-for-purpose inventory of equipment, tools, and materials, including spares, for different emergency scenarios.
- Support the development and update of operational, shutdown, isolation, depressurisation, and startup procedures.
- Ensure service providers are ready through drills, mock-ups, and follow-up on improvements.
- Engage with project teams to drive early startup of EPRS activities for new pipelines.
- Manage key contracts, including call-out contracts, service agreements, and frameworks for inspection, pigging, isolation, repair, vessels, personnel, and equipment.
- Plan and organise regular inspections of EPRS tools.
- Oversee the establishment of a dedicated in-house team with the necessary skills and maintain a structured, accurate database.
- Support capability development of the EPRS team, raising awareness, knowledge, and understanding of emergency repair processes.
- Maintain active collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including regular meetings with service providers, industry groups, and EPRS club members to harmonise practices and enhance capabilities.
- Provide recommendations for engineering solutions and report progress to management.
Work Contacts
- Regular interaction with pipeline integrity engineers, operations, and maintenance teams.
- Frequent liaison with offshore operations, contractors, EPRS engineering teams, service providers, and industry groups.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
- 12-15 years' experience in upstream offshore oil & gas pipelines, including hands-on experience with EPRS development and management.
- Experience in offshore project management, subsea pipeline construction/installation, pipelaying, riser installation, decommissioning, and recommissioning.
- Knowledge of offshore support vessels, ROVs, diving operations, and pigging.
- Familiarity with tender preparation, technical and commercial evaluation is preferred.
- Strong written and spoken English, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and planning software.
- Ability to work independently, make technical recommendations, and manage contractors effectively.
Physical Requirements
- Weekly site visits and warehouse activities, involving standing, walking, climbing, and fieldwork (approximately 10% of the role).
- Work environment may include non-air-conditioned and offshore conditions with exposure to heat, humidity, and noise.