Chris Karns
Yukon,OK
Summary
Results-driven construction and pipeline professional with 15+ years of experience leading pipeline, midstream, integrity, and facility construction projects across the oil and gas industry. Proven success managing field operations, QA/QC programs, safety compliance, contractor oversight, project completion, and Operator Qualification (OQ) programs. Experienced working with owners, engineering firms, contractors, and regulatory agencies to deliver projects safely, on schedule, and within budget. Recognized for building high-performing teams, improving operational efficiency, and fostering a strong safety culture.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
HSSE Director & Compliance Manager
Natural Energy Group NEFS/NETS
, USA
11.2026 - Current
- Results-driven Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) Director with extensive experience leading large-scale field operations and managing a workforce of over 300 inspectors across multiple regions.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive HSSE programs that achieved regulatory compliance and strengthened safety culture across operations.
- Proven ability to lead diverse teams, conduct risk assessments, oversee incident investigations, manage training and qualification programs, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrated success in reducing incidents, improving compliance metrics, and fostering a culture of accountability, safety awareness, and operational integrity.
- Experienced in coordinating with clients, regulatory agencies, and executive leadership to achieve organizational objectives while maintaining the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and workforce performance.
- Oversaw Operator Qualification (OQ) programs, ensuring workforce compliance with industry regulations and alignment with client requirements.
- Conducted OQ evaluations, managed qualification records, coordinated training programs, and maintained compliance with federal regulations, industry standards, and operator-specific requirements.
Assistant Construction Manager
Tallgrass Energy Partners
Ravenna, Nebraska
03.2025 - 10.2025
- Coordinated teams to implement safety protocols and training sessions, enhancing overall compliance.
- Conducted inspections of pipelines to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
- Reviewed inspection reports for accuracy and completeness before submission.
- Monitored compliance with environmental regulations during operations and maintenance.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to address identified issues promptly.
- Identified potential hazards or risks associated with various processes inspected.
- Collaborated with other departments within the organization to ensure that all inspection requirements are met.
- Communicated with senior leadership about necessary changes in the inspection process to align with regulatory standards.
- Engaged employees to discuss job performance and strategies for improvement, fostering a culture of continuous feedback.
- Determined staff work schedules in a deadline-driven environment.
Civil Structural Inspector
Tallgrass Midstream
Ravenna, NE
03.2025 - 04.2025
- Oversaw quality assurance inspections for concrete and structural work on the CO2 Capture facility project, enhancing compliance and safety standards across 10+ major inspections that contributed to timely project completion.
- Monitored daily contractor tasks and reports, ensuring slump tests adhered to specifications and codes, supporting project compliance.
- Produced daily reports and conducted field audits to identify improvement areas, contributing to team effectiveness and project outcomes.
- Conducted morning safety audits for ongoing projects, tracking compliance at completion stages (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%), maintaining a safe work environment.
Chief Inspector
Continental Resources
Chickasha, Oklahoma
02.2023 - 02.2024
- Led crew members in diverse projects, overseeing ROW clearing, grading, trenching, hydro-testing, horizontal directional drilling, coating, backfill, and clean-up to improve project efficiency and safety compliance.
- Managed Daily Progress Reports (DPR) and job books, improving project tracking and ensuring timely delivery of milestones.
- Executed all project phases, overcoming challenges to deliver on time and improve team efficiency.
Field Supervisor / HSSE Director
Ameredev/AEP
Hobbs, NM
08.2022 - 02.2023
- Supervised daily field operations to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
- Coordinated schedules and assignments for field personnel effectively.
- Monitored equipment performance and reported maintenance needs promptly.
- Executed all project phases, addressed challenges, and delivered on time, improving team efficiency and project outcomes.
- Collaborate with operations, engineering, construction, and project management teams to integrate HSSE into all phases of work.
- Monitor HSSE performance through audits, inspections, observations, and leading/key performance indicators (KPI)
- Analyze injury trends, near misses, vehicle incidents, and environmental events to identify improvement opportunities.
- Lead pre-job planning, Management of Change (MOC), Permit to Work (PTW), and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR).
Evaluator
ASTAR Inc
Oklahoma City, Ok
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Conduct evaluations of programs to ensure compliance with established standards.
- Evaluate field personnel to ensure safety and compliance in task performance.
- Analyze data from evaluations to identify areas for improvement.
- Collaborate with team members to develop and refine assessment tools.
- Organized and maintained personnel paperwork for accurate company records, enabling team members to complete tasks efficiently.
Lead Inspector
Targa Resources
Midland, Texas
02.2022 - 06.2022
- Led project oversight as the inspector, ensuring seamless production from start to finish and enhancing overall quality and efficiency.
- Successfully managed timely communication with contractors and inspectors, ensuring project milestones were met and enhancing collaboration throughout the construction process.
- Managed all Daily Progress Reports (DPR) and completed comprehensive job books, enhancing project tracking and ensuring on-time delivery of key milestones.
- Contributed to the successful completion of the job book project by organizing data and streamlining processes, enhancing team efficiency and clarity in work documentation.
- Coordinated crew members across projects, managing ROW clearing, grading, trenching, hydro-testing, horizontal directional drilling, coating, backfill, and clean-up.
- Executed all project phases, overcoming challenges and delivering on time to improve team efficiency and project outcomes.
Utility Inspector
Kinder Morgan
Galena Park, Texas
12.2021 - 02.2022
- Oversaw project production from start to finish.
- Managed ROW clearing, grading, trenching, hydrotesting, horizontal directional drilling (bore), coating, backfill, and cleanup.
- Oversaw all DPR and finalized job books.
- Organized documentation for job book to ensure compliance and accessibility.
- Completed the entirety of the job from start to finish.
Project Manager/ QA&QC
Patriot
Stanton, Texas
10.2021 - 12.2021
- Led two crews on construction site, fostering collaboration and ensuring project milestones were achieved ahead of schedule.
- Successfully completed seven pits, including two fresh water and five produced water, enhancing project efficiency and contributing to sustainable resource management.
- Coordinated daily progress reports and drawings for repair and destruct projects, facilitating communication and collaboration among team members to maintain project schedules.
Utility Inspector, Welding Inspector
EOG Resources
Jal, New Mexico
04.2021 - 10.2021
- Completed job from start to finish, ensuring compliance with project specifications.
- Oversaw production processes, maintaining quality control throughout the project lifecycle.
- Managed tasks including ROW clearing, grading, trenching, hydrotesting, horizontal directional drilling, coating, and DR-11 poly pipe installation.
- Managed all DPR and completed job books.
- Assisted in developing a comprehensive safety program, focusing on PPE compliance and OSHA regulations.
- Increasing profits for the organization and implementing ways to keep the cost down.
Chief Inspector
Continental Resources
Chickasha, Oklahoma
07.2019 - 04.2020
- Completed the entirety of the job from start to finish.
- Oversaw project production from start to finish, ensuring quality and compliance with industry standards.
- Managed tasks including ROW clearing, grading, trenching, hydrotesting, horizontal directional drilling, coating, and DR-11 poly pipe installation.
- Oversaw all DPR activities and ensured completion of job books.
- Assisted in developing a comprehensive safety program to ensure compliance with OSHA standards, including PPE gear, Osha Compliant.
- Identified cost-saving measures and implemented strategies that contributed to increased organizational profits.
Utility Inspector
Enable Midstream
, Oklahoma
10.2018 - 06.2019
- Conducted thorough inspections of utility infrastructure and systems.
- Performed utility inspections and managed delivery of materials to ensure compliance with project specifications.
- Monitored safety and quality standards during ROW clearing, grading, trenching, hydro-tests, and horizontal directional drilling operations.
- Identified safety hazards and reported issues to management promptly.
- Collaborated with field teams to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Utility Inspector
Targa Resources
05.2018 - 09.2018
- Executed utility inspections and managed materials delivery to ensure compliance with project specifications.
- Conducted routine inspections of utility infrastructure for compliance and safety standards.
- Ensured safety and quality standards during ROW clearing, grading, trenching, hydro-tests, horizontal directional drilling, and coating activities.
- Coordinated with field crews to address maintenance and repair needs effectively.
- Documented findings and reported issues to management for prompt resolution.
Utility Inspector
Atoms Energy
Austin, Texas
05.2014 - 01.2018
- Inspected pipelines for leaks and corrosion to ensure safety compliance.
- Ensured safety and quality standards during ROW clearing, grading, trenching, hydro-tests, horizontal directional drilling, and coating.
- Performed utility inspection and managed delivery of materials to job site.
- Conducted field surveys to assess environmental impacts on utility operations.
Teacher (Coach)
Anadarko Public Schools
Anadarko, Oklahoma
05.2010 - 05.2013
- Assessed student academic growth and finalized grades while organizing record-keeping activities, enhancing tracking of student progress and benchmark results.
- Collaborated with teachers to enhance instructional strategies and classroom management.
- Observed classroom practices to provide constructive feedback and support.
- Developed training materials for professional development workshops and staff meetings.
Education
Bachelor of Education -
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK05-2010
High school or equivalent -
Chickasha Public School
Chickasha, OK05-2005
Skills
- Job hazard analysis
- Safety monitoring and auditing
- Safety culture promotion
- Operational Efficiency
- Results Orientation
- Documentation & Reporting
- Field Supervision
- Working with Vendors
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Change Management
- Teamwork and autonomy
Timeline
HSSE Director & Compliance Manager
Natural Energy Group NEFS/NETS
11.2026 - Current
Assistant Construction Manager
Tallgrass Energy Partners
03.2025 - 10.2025
Civil Structural Inspector
Tallgrass Midstream
03.2025 - 04.2025
Chief Inspector
Continental Resources
02.2023 - 02.2024
Field Supervisor / HSSE Director
Ameredev/AEP
08.2022 - 02.2023
Evaluator
ASTAR Inc
06.2022 - 08.2022
Lead Inspector
Targa Resources
02.2022 - 06.2022
Utility Inspector
Kinder Morgan
12.2021 - 02.2022
Project Manager/ QA&QC
Patriot
10.2021 - 12.2021
Utility Inspector, Welding Inspector
EOG Resources
04.2021 - 10.2021
Chief Inspector
Continental Resources
07.2019 - 04.2020
Utility Inspector
Enable Midstream
10.2018 - 06.2019
Utility Inspector
Targa Resources
05.2018 - 09.2018
Utility Inspector
Atoms Energy
05.2014 - 01.2018
Teacher (Coach)
Anadarko Public Schools
05.2010 - 05.2013
Bachelor of Education -
Oklahoma State University
High school or equivalent -
Chickasha Public School