Pipeline Operator I

Plains All American; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Top-tier benefits program

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

Plains All American is seeking a Pipeline Operator to safely manage crude oil movements, inspect pumps and valves, and ensure accurate measurement and reporting of product quality and quantity. The role requires standing uptime across pumps, tanks and pipelines, with routine security checks and DOT compliance responsibilities.

The position supports operations in a fast-paced, field-based environment and requires teamwork, reliability, and the ability to work outdoors in varying weather.

Qualifications

• Pipeline knowledge and experience required; capable of managing pump station, pipeline and lease crude oil shipping responsibilities.
• Ability to read and understand technical operational manuals.
• Basic math and computer/PC skills.
• Valid US driver’s license.
• Ability to read, write and speak English; excellent record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain pipeline assets and facilities including pumps, tanks and LACTs to ensure safe transport and storage of products.
• Inspect pumps and valves for proper operation.
• Measure crude oil quality and quantity per Plains procedures; report results.
• Perform monthly DOT tankage and fire extinguisher inspections and keep records.
• Inspect perimeter fencing, locks and security of facilities and ROW; report issues.
• Ensure routine and DOT compliance maintenance on ROW, equipment and valves.
• Maintain communications with Pipeline Control Center.
• Witness meter proving and crude oil shipments; run pipeline pigs as needed.
• Perform other pipeline-related tasks as directed by Operations Supervisor.

Skills

Pipeline knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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 bean 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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