Utility Line Locator I

Plains; Wink (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Top-tier benefits program

Job summary

Plains is seeking a dedicated Utility Locator to protect pipelines from external damage, read one-call notices, maps, and drawings, and mark locations of pipelines. The role involves working with contractors to ensure no damage during construction around pipelines and understanding equipment operation.

Based in Texas, the position requires basic computer and communication skills, valid driver's license, and willingness to work outdoors in various weather and on-call after hours.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 0–2 years experience with DOT Pipeline Safety and Part 195 Regulations.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and diagrams.
• Work location is at district office but may be outdoors in various weather and on-call after hours.

Responsibilities

• Locate and mark facilities per Damage Prevention Program and One-Call procedures.
• Perform pipeline patrols, leak detection surveys, and inspections; coordinate local Damage Prevention activities.
• Provide oversight to ensure asset protection and compliance with safety policies during excavation near pipeline facilities.
• Inspect projects and supervise contractors, maintain documentation and as‑built drawings.

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 ideal candidate will assist with the protection of pipelines from external damage, read and interpret computer generated “one‑call” notices, maps, and drawings. The Utility Locator position operates pipeline locators and marks location of pipelines, works with companies and contractors to ensure pipeline is not damaged during construction around pipeline and understands operation of various types of equipment and machinery.

Job Responsibilities

• Locate and mark facilities per Company Damage Prevention Program and One-Call procedures prior to and during encroachments and excavation.
• Perform pipeline patrols, population density surveys, leak detection surveys and inspections per company procedures. Coordinate local Damage Prevention activities.
• Provide oversight and inspection to ensure asset protection and compliance with company procedures of excavation activities near pipeline facilities.
• Inspect projects primarily relating to excavation near pipeline facilities and repair of pipeline facilities to include the following: completion of required documentation, as-built drawings, contractor oversight and supervision, act as Company representative during construction activities, report progress to Operations and Project Manager, and ensure proper reporting and compliance with Safety and Environmental policies.
• Participate in quality emergency responder programs.
• Enter and retrieve data to/from Korterra and other associated applications.
• Manage, coordinate and/or review numerous projects within assigned area of responsibility.
• Represent the company during contracts with landowner/tenant, public official, emergency official and local organization meetings.
• Inspect/oversee the construction and/or maintenance activities performed by third parties.
• Train and oversee Company and Third‑party Personnel as required.
• Perform governmental compliance activities.
• Perform mapping, record keeping, and data entry duties per company policies.
• Actively participate in safety programs and initiatives.
• Participate in the development of O&M Procedures, site specific procedures, project scopes and work plans.
• Complete all applicable documentation and record keeping.
• Perform all work in compliance with company standards, procedures, and regulatory and tariff requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of management, employees, customers, vendors, and outside regulatory agencies at the local, state, and federal level.

Job Requirements

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum experience of 0-2 years with DOT Pipeline Safety and Part 195 Regulations.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the Company and its insurers.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to work within a team, take direction from supervisor(s), prioritize work schedule, focus attention of details, and follow rules/procedure.
• Must have basic computer, math, and organizational skills.
• Must be able to read and interpret blueprints and diagrams.
• Work location is based at District office, but the Utility Locator is often required to work outside, in any type of weather. Physical requirements of the job include driving, walking, bending, stooping, and lifting on a routine basis and in some cases, for an extended period. Individuals will also be exposed to odors and vapors associated with petroleum products. Individual must be willing and able to be available (when assigned “On‑Call” duty) after business hours, weekends, and holidays as necessary to respond to urgent matters and emergencies. This includes being in possession of required equipment and tools, designated forms, policies, regulations, and manuals.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s 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 D&A Testing
• 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.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s 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 D&A Testing
• 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.

The ideal candidate will assist with the protection of pipelines from external damage, read and interpret computer generated “one‑call” notices, maps, and drawings. The Utility Locator position operates pipeline locators and marks location of pipelines, works with companies and contractors to ensure pipeline is not damaged during construction around pipeline and understands operation of various types of equipment and machinery.

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.