Waste Remediation Specialist

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.

Job Title: Specialist, HSE Waste and Remediation

Reports To: Manager, HSE Permitting and Remediation

Location: US based location – Houston or Midland

Position Summary:

This Specialist role will be expected to provide expertise in the management of industrial waste through the implementation, execution and continuous improvement of the corporate waste program. The role is responsible for the governance of the waste program which is executed at the field level during day-to-day operations. This is a supportive role which requires the waste coordinator to effectively collaborate with HSE Operations and other Operational Groups across the organization to ensure the characterization, storage, and disposal of waste in a consistent and compliant manner. The individual in this role models the Plains’ commitment of conducting operations in a manner that protects people, the environment, and assets and develops and maintains productive professional relationships with functional groups and with field leadership.

There will also be a requirement to help support the execution of Plains remediation program. The Specialist will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing environmental remediation projects to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company standards, and environmental stewardship commitments. This role provides technical expertise in site assessment, remediation planning, contractor oversight, risk management, and stakeholder engagement to support the safe and effective management of contaminated sites and environmental liabilities. The Remediation Specialist works collaboratively with Operations, regulatory agencies, landowners, consultants, and contractors to deliver remediation programs that protect people, the environment, and company assets.

The role is expected to be weighed approximately 70% toward waste responsibilities and 30% toward remediation support.

Job Responsibilities:

Waste Program Coordination:

• Provides proven expert knowledge and best practices to develop, maintain, implement, reinforce and continuously improve the Plains United States Waste Management Program.

• Partners with key stakeholders to develop and implement standards, processes, and best practices.

• Works collaboratively with corporate and field operational personnel to comprehend, execute, reinforce, and develop improvement in the execution of the Waste Program.

• Increases corporate and field awareness and knowledge of Waste Program through ongoing engagement, communications, and training.

• Complete assurance activities and program reviews to ensure continuous improvement and corrective action management.

Remediation Program Coordination:

• Manage environmental remediation projects from assessment through regulatory closure.

• Develop and implement remediation strategies, work plans, and corrective action programs.

• Manage project delivery and environmental liabilities by overseeing budgets, schedules, contractors, performance metrics, and closure objectives.

• Review and interpret environmental data, site assessments, risk assessments, and technical reports.

• Ensure regulatory compliance and stakeholder alignment through coordination with regulators, operations, landowners, consultants, and internal business partners.

• Conduct site visits and field inspections to monitor project progress, safety performance, and environmental compliance.

Communication:

• Works with Manager, and all levels of management and operational personnel, to address information needs and provide regular program status updates.

• Resolves and/or escalate issues in a timely fashion.

• Provides proven expert knowledge and best practices to support and reinforce the execution of the Corporate Waste and Remediation Programs.

• Partners with stakeholders to make additional enhancements to the programs, assess updated regulations, and socialize with stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• High level of knowledge (minimum of 5 years of experience) of state and federal hazardous and non-hazardous waste regulations in the United States, including: RCRA, DOT, EPCRA, and CERCLA.

• Familiarity with industry compliance standards/regulations and common/recommended practices involving waste storage, handling and disposal.

• Strong knowledge (minimum of 5 years of experience) of contaminated site assessment, remediation, and reclamation principles and understanding of environmental regulations and regulatory processes.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.

• Excellent communication (written, verbal, listening), facilitation, and presentation skills to include ability to develop collaborative working relationships at all levels.

• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications with a strong emphasis on Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.

• Willingness to travel to project sites throughout the United States (up to 15% travel anticipated).

• Familiarity with crude oil pipelines, trucking, and terminal operations a plus.

• Positive and energetic attitude; self-motivated with strong initiative.

• Cleared criminal history (background) and satisfactory reference checks.

• Compliance with the Company’s Drug & Alcohol Policy including pre-employment testing.

DAY TO DAY:

• Provide compliance guidance to HSE OPS and other stakeholders.

• Interface with state agencies for waste submittals (EPA ID numbers, LQG, episodic generation) and recurring reports, ensuring timely and accurate regulatory filings.

• Lead development, review, and updates of program documents (standards, processes, procedures, supporting materials).

• Develop and execute strategies to improve program efficiency and execution in collaboration with HSE Ops, Tanks, and other teams.

• Monitor program performance, review data, and present progress on initiatives.

• Provide coaching and training to OPS, HSE OPS, and Tanks groups on waste management processes.

• Respond to leadership questions and operational requests promptly.

• Develop and distribute training materials as needed.

• Manage third-party contractors and oversee waste management databases.

• Track budgets, process invoices, and monitor program financials.

• Hold meetings to address waste processing concerns, review program performance, and discuss initiatives.

• Coordinate corrective actions and maintain routine communication with Ops and HSE-Ops representatives.

• Lead and coordinate environmental remediation projects from assessment through closure.

• Manage contractors, consultants, and field activities associated with soil and groundwater remediation.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and maintain effective stakeholder relationships.

• Monitor project budgets, schedules, risks, and environmental performance metrics while providing regular management updates

Preferred:

• Preference will be given to applicants who hold relevant university degrees, professional designations, or technical certifications related to environmental, waste and or remediation disciplines.

• Experience implementing and supporting industrial waste management programs, including waste characterization, transportation, disposal, and regulatory compliance.

• Experience managing soil and groundwater remediation projects, including site assessments, remediation planning, contractor oversight, and regulatory closure activities.

• Knowledge of midstream oil and gas operations, including pipelines, terminals, storage facilities, and environmental risks associated with these assets.

• Understanding process safety and risk management principles, including hazard identification, incident investigation, management of change, and operational risk reduction.

The selected candidate will be eligible for company benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off (PTO), and Free Parking.

• 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 #plains

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 [email protected].

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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