Terminal Operator I

Job Type:

Plains is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing and marketing solutions for crude oil. We own an extensive network of pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage and gathering assets in key oil producing basins and transportation corridors and at major market hubs in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

We’re on the lookout for passionate self‑starters who thrive in fast‑moving, collaborative, and innovative environments.

The Pipeline / Terminal Operator I role operates and maintains pipeline facilities and / or terminals including tanks, pipeline pumping stations, LACTs, and gathering facilities to ensure the accurate and safe transportation and storage of petroleum products. Terminal Operators work within terminal facilities while Pipeline Operators normally work at facilities up and down pipeline and gathering systems. They will assist with petroleum product movements in and out of pipeline terminals and/or pump stations and are responsible for the storage of products and custody transfers activities with connecting carriers and customers. They will accurately assess the quantity and quality of crude oil and/or refined products and perform general facility maintenance in accordance with company mandates.

This is a field-based role with frequent work in open environments with extremes of heat and cold, often in proximity to high voltage and/or chemicals, which requires safety accommodations such as protective clothing and equipment.  This role is subject to callouts for work associated with Plains field operations and/or emergency response. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Performs maintenance, upkeep and cleaning of station, pipeline and terminal facilities including include but not limited to painting, weed control, and general housekeeping as required to tanks, valves, engines, motors, mixers, piping, control panels, fencing, office, shop, and storage buildings associated with pipeline, trucking, barge and ship terminals, and related facilities.
• Monitors and maintains station activity reporting and related documentation to include a variety of reports and records covering readings, over/short documentation, and oil movement orders.
• Completes pipeline and facility checks, reporting abnormal conditions and troubleshooting as necessary.
• Safely operates all facility rotating equipment and valves, LACT and metering systems, and hydrocarbon drain systems, reporting abnormal conditions and troubleshooting as necessary.
• Operates electrical heart tracking systems, flare systems, instrument air systems, truck loading and unloading systems, and related equipment.
• Inspects and maintains pipeline security in the field, and monitors Rights of Way (ROW) for activity (e.g., digging, plowing, etc.) on or near the ROW. 
• Performs damage prevention activities, reports unauthorized activity or contact with the pipe, and verifies the status of work for expired agreements.
• Inspects perimeter fencing, locks, etc. to maintain proper facility security.
• Inspects and gauges tanks and inspects pumps for proper operation.
• Performs tank inspections, checks H2S monitors, tank roof drains, oil levels in mixers, compressors, pumps, booster, motors, valves and piping.
• Inspects and ensures that routine maintenance is performed on mixers, motors, gearboxes, valves, clock charts, emergency generators, and maintains associated records such as temperature average readings as required.
• Performs product movements to include receipts and deliveries from pipelines, rail cars, vessels, tank trucks and perform tank-to- tank transfers on an as needed basis.
• Conducts measurement activities (e.g., enters estimated fuel, flare and vent volumes into an FFV log, enters reference temperature and density into electronic flow devices, performs BSW tests, reviews daily and monthly balances, and verifies tickets, tank inventories, and metered volumes).
• Conducts pigging activities (e.g., prepares pipeline for pigging activity, sends pipeline pig, receives pipeline pig, puts pipeline back into service).
• Maintains communications with Pipeline Control Center and performs start-up and shutdown of pipelines.
• Detects and responds to leaks, ensuring timely notifications and proper documentation, and assists in leak repairs.
• Manages and maintains balancing systems, conducting daily and monthly balancing.
• Conducts measurement activities, including completing logs, gauging tanks, performing BSW tests, and verifying tickets, tank inventories, and metered volumes.
• Supports Product Quality Management through conducting field tests, maintaining lab equipment, maintaining sample records, and performing product testing and analysis. Performs quality and quantity testing, checks sulfur content, calibrates basic sediment and water (BS&W) meters, and witnesses meter proving where requested.
• Documents meter readings and completes daily inventory reports.
• Originates and enters custody transfer tickets into the appropriate accounting system.
• Runs various reports weekly / monthly as needed.
• Maintains monthly fire extinguisher, scraper, filter, and tank inspection logs to document completed work.
• Conducts effective shift turnovers. 
• Responds to abnormal and emergency events.
• Demonstrates safe work practices following Plains’ safety policies and procedures.
• Accountable to inform senior personnel of hazard identification and near misses.
• Assists with any other pipeline / terminal related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Relevant work experience preferred.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English and the ability to perform basic math.
• Ability to read and interpret pipeline maps, technical drawings, and technical schematics.
• Ability to work in a team-based work environment, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Should be able to use a variety of tools and equipment including compressors, pumps, mixers, hydrometers, centrifuges, sulfur machines, gauge lines, temperature and H2S monitors, line locators, SCBA, fire extinguishers and scrapers as required.
• Must have basic knowledge of product measurement including gauging, metering, meter proving and meter proving as a witness and product sampling procedures; this includes knowledge of line, tank, and automatic sampling systems.
• Must have Basic knowledge of petroleum product characteristics including gravity, viscosity, flash, basic sediment and water, and be able to perform qualitative analysis of fuels such as gravity, temperature, BS&W, flash, and RVP.
• Must have basic computer skills (e.g., Excel, Microsoft Office, Word, etc.) and be able to enter measurement and other operational data into computer-based systems.
• Ability to maintain qualifications to conduct wharf operations to include operation of marine and truck rack vapor control systems; must be able to meet the requirements necessary to obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) card.
• Must be knowledgeable on facility work authorization permits, Emergency Response Plans, SPCC plans, operations manuals and other plans and regulatory requirements that pertain to pipeline / terminal operations.
• Must be familiar with PHMSA and OSHA regulations.
• Must have an outstanding safety record.
• Ability to successfully complete company Haz-Mat training, required DOT operator qualifications to perform pipeline mechanical operations, and mandatory safety training.
• Ability to work in moderate to heavy physically demanding working conditions, including working outdoors in an open environment with extremes of heat and cold.

Qualifications:

• Valid US drivers’ license with a clean abstract.
• Cleared criminal history (background) and satisfactory reference checks.
• Compliance with the Company’s drug and alcohol policy including pre-employment screening.
• This position is not eligible for employment-based visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for the duration of their employment. 

At Plains, our employees are our most valuable asset. Hard work is rewarded with competitive compensation and a top-tier benefits program designed to keep our employees safe, healthy and happy. We work hard to deliver the best results to our stakeholders, and we also respect our employees' need for personal and family time, which is reflected in our benefits program.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Applicants with disabilities can request accessible formats, communication supports, or other accessibility assistance by contacting WebCareers@Plains.com.

Salary details estimated by job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn do not represent Plains’ compensation structure. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

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