Pipeline Operator I

Plains; Carlsbad (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Plains is seeking a Pipeline Operator to monitor and maintain pipeline assets, ensuring safe transportation and storage of crude oil. You will perform inspections, quality measurements and custody transfer activities with carriers and customers.

The role requires reading technical manuals, basic math, and English proficiency, with opportunity to work outdoors in varying conditions and participate in an on‑call rotation.

Qualifications

• Must have pipeline knowledge and ability to manage pump station, pipeline and lease crude oil shipping responsibilities.
• Ability to read and comprehend technical operational manuals.
• Basic math and computer/PC skills.
• Must be able to speak read and write English.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain pipeline assets including pumps, tanks, LACTs and gathering facilities.
• Routinely inspect pumps and valves for proper operation.
• Ensure accurate quality and quantity measurement of crude oil per Plains procedures.
• Perform monthly DOT tank inspections and fire extinguisher checks.
• Maintain records and security for ROW and facilities.
• Comply with routine and DOT maintenance on ROW, equipment and valves.
• Maintain communications with Pipeline Control Center.
• Witness meter proving and crude oil shipment from lease to delivery point; run pigs as needed.
• Assist with other pipeline tasks as directed by Operations Supervisor.

Skills

Pipeline knowledge

Reading manuals

Basic math

English proficiency

Record keeping

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Haz‑Mat training

Job description

Job Type

Regular

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 Operator operates and maintains identified pipeline assets and facilities including, pipelines, tanks, pipeline pumping stations, LACTs and gathering facilities, to ensure accurate and safe transportation and storage of products.

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for petroleum product movements in and out of pipeline pump stations; uses tools and techniques to accurately assess, quantify and quality crude oil and/or refined products; and is responsible for storage of products, and custody transfer activities with connecting carriers and customers
• Routinely inspects pumps and valves for proper operation.
• Responsible for accurate quality and quantity measurement of crude oil according to Plains procedures and reporting of same.
• Performs monthly DOT tankage inspections, fire extinguisher inspections, and maintains associated records.
• Inspects perimeter fencing, locks, etc. to maintain proper facility, pipeline and ROW security and addresses and reports any infractions.
• Inspects and assures that routine and DOT compliance maintenance is performed on ROW, equipment and valves.
• Maintains communications with Pipeline Control Center.
• Acts as witness to meter proving, crude oil shipment from lease to delivery point and run pipeline pigs as needed.
• Perform other pipeline related tasks or projects as deemed necessary by Operations Supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, And Experience Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have pipeline knowledge and experience, and capability to take on a wide range of pipeline responsibilities and ability to manage pump station, pipeline and lease crude oil shipping responsibilities resulting in safe operating conditions and in compliance with government regulations.
• Ability to read and comprehend technical operational manuals
• Basic math and computer /PC skills.
• As job proficiency is attained, ability to calculate fluid flow, determine and perform batch scheduling and coordinate related activities and use basic sampling equipment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license to drive company vehicles.
• Ability to speak read and write English.
• Must be organized and proficient in record keeping.
• Must possess or obtain operator qualifications as deemed by the Operations Supervisor and complete Haz‑Mat training, safety programs and meet minimum D.O.T. requirements.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and be able to work alone and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to occasionally lift or carry moderately heavy equipment up to 50 pounds, working, stooping, kneeling, bending, climbing and walking distances in all types of terrain.
• Works outdoors in open environment with extremes of heat and cold.
• Able to accommodate travel, overtime, extreme weather, and participate in “on-call” rotation as required.

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 [e-mail].

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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