Corrosion Technician

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 Corrosion Technician role is responsible to inspect, maintain, and design cathodic protection systems and equipment used for corrosion control to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.

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

Core Responsibilities (All Levels)

• Inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot cathodic protection (CP) systems and corrosion control equipment in accordance with applicable codes, standards, regulations, and company procedures.

• Perform required field readings and surveys and maintain accurate records (e.g., test points, rectifiers, control points, casings, bonds, isolated services, foreign crossings, and related documentation) in a timely manner.

• Computerize data and develop reports that effectively communicate corrosion-related issues.

• Maintain corrosion control mapping systems and related documentation as required.

• Support internal corrosion monitoring and chemical treatment activities as assigned.

• Demonstrate safe work practices following Plains’ safety policies and procedures; report hazards and near misses.

• Complete other related duties as assigned based on operational requirements and priorities.

Level I – Corrosion Technician

• Works under task-oriented supervision for most activities; receives instruction, guidance, and direction from others.

• Conducts scheduled CP surveys of pipelines in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements.

• Reads rectifiers, anodes, foreign bonds, pipelines, and casing test points annually; takes quarterly readings of rectifiers and control points.

• Maintains records such as annual level of protection, quarterly readings, rectifier logbooks, and test station (ETS) alignments.

• Conducts interface tests that measure cathodic protection and other electrical effects.

• Develops skills by performing structured work assignments; assists with other pipeline/terminal related duties as assigned.

Level II – Corrosion Technician

• Performance of all Corrosion Technician I responsibilities and work tasks with minimal supervision.

• Receives a moderate level of guidance and direction; may require additional technical assistance for non-routine field maintenance activities.

• Responsible to perform required readings (i.e. annual test points, isolated services, casings, bonds, foreign crossings) in compliance with applicable codes, standards, and procedures.

• Responsible for timely cathodic protection troubleshooting (i.e. low systems, shorted conditions)

• Responsible for timely creation of remediation work orders (i.e. install anodes, clear short, install insulator, repair / replace test station). 

• Responsible for maintenance and updates of corrosion control mapping systems in a timely fashion.

• Responsible for performance of quality assurance checks on reads performed by others

• Responsible for troubleshooting and maintenance of rectifiers

• Responsible for calibrating half-cells in accordance with procedures

• Responsible for bridge inspections (exposed) crossings in accordance with procedures

• May lead small projects or sub-teams on larger projects.

• Demonstrates safe work practices following Plains’ safety policies and procedures.

• Accountable to inform senior personnel of hazard identification and near misses.

• Responsible to complete other related duties that may be assigned based on operational requirements and priorities. 

Level III – Corrosion Technician

• Performance of all Corrosion Technician level I & II responsibilities and work tasks without supervision.

• Works independently; receives minimal guidance, typically determines own work priorities.

• Responsible for developing internal corrosion monitoring, sampling, and treatment programs for pipeline and facilities.

• Monitors corrosion control records to ensure compliance.

• Provides relevant support / inspection for cathodic protection needs on engineering / construction projects.

• May lead medium to large projects.

• Accurately enters compliance records into the appropriate system of record in a timely fashion.

• Participates as needed in regulatory audits to ensure success.

• Mentors colleagues and troubleshoots complex corrosion issues.

• Exhibits leadership qualities and shows economic decision-making capabilities.

• Demonstrates safe work practices following Plains’ safety policies and procedures.

• Accountable to inform senior personnel of hazard identification and near misses.

• Responsible to complete other related duties that may be assigned based on operational requirements and priorities. 

Minimum Requirements (All Levels)

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Ability to speak, read, and write English and the ability to perform basic math.

• Ability to work in a team-based work environment, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to read and interpret pipeline maps, technical drawings, and technical schematics.

• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office with emphasis on Excel and/or other spreadsheet applications.

• Must be familiar with PHMSA and OSHA regulations as well as Plains’ operating procedures.

• Must have an outstanding safety record.

• Ability to successfully complete company Haz-Mat training, mandatory safety training, and other related training as assigned.

• Ability to work in moderate to heavy physically demanding working conditions, including working outdoors in an open environment with extremes of heat and cold.

• Legally authorized to work in the job posting country.

• 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 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.

• Performance of all Corrosion Technician level I & II responsibilities and work tasks without supervision.

• Works independently; receives minimal guidance, typically determines own work priorities.

• Responsible for developing internal corrosion monitoring, sampling, and treatment programs for pipeline and facilities.

• Monitors corrosion control records to ensure compliance.

• Provides relevant support / inspection for cathodic protection needs on engineering / construction projects.

• May lead medium to large projects.

• Accurately enters compliance records into the appropriate system of record in a timely fashion.

• Participates as needed in regulatory audits to ensure success.

• Mentors colleagues and troubleshoots complex corrosion issues.

• Exhibits leadership qualities and shows economic decision-making capabilities.

• Demonstrates safe work practices following Plains’ safety policies and procedures.

• Accountable to inform senior personnel of hazard identification and near misses.

• Responsible to complete other related duties that may be assigned based on operational requirements and priorities. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Ability to speak, read, and write English and the ability to perform basic math.

• Has obtained NACE Corrosion Technician (CP 2) Certification and NACE Basic Internal Corrosion Certification.

• Has a minimum of three (3) years of related corrosion field experience.

• Has in-depth knowledge and experience in own discipline and is capable of working cross functionally.

• Familiar with a broad range of corrosion mechanisms and mitigation techniques; understands internal corrosion causes and mitigations.

• Experience installing remote monitoring devices on equipment such as rectifiers, coupon test stations or decoupling devices. 

• Ability to work in a team-based work environment, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Has a thorough knowledge of Plains’ O&M Manual, specifications, and forms used to document inspection and maintenance activities.

• Must have good computer skills and experience using Microsoft Office suite with strong emphasis on Excel and/or other spreadsheet applications.

• Must be familiar with PHMSA and OSHA regulations as well as Plains’ operating procedures.

• Must have an outstanding safety record.

• Ability to successfully complete company Haz-Mat training, mandatory safety training, and other related training as assigned.

• Ability to work in moderate to heavy physically demanding working conditions, including working outdoors in an open environment with extremes of heat and cold.

• Legally authorized to work in the job posting country.

• Valid 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.

#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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