Pipeline Controller - SCADA Operator

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.

Plains is seeking a Pipeline Controller for our Midland, Texas, location. Reporting to a Console Manager, you will operate pipelines remotely from our pipeline control center via Plains’ SCADA system. In addition, you will monitor pressure, flow, temperature, and tank levels and respond to alarm conditions as they arise.

Strong communication skills in this position are critical. Continual phone conversations with other pipeline controllers, supervisors, and field operating personnel, both internal and external to the company, are a daily occurrence. In addition, you must interface with schedulers regarding pumping orders.

This role requires working a twelve (12)–hour rotating shift schedule with minimal time away from the console during shifts. The control center is staffed seven (7) days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Preference will be given to local candidates.

Plains provides a top tier group benefit plan for employees and their eligible dependents, and new employees are eligible to participate on the first day of employment.

Responsibilities:

• Control and Monitor Pipeline Operations – Maintain pressures and flow rates within guidelines; track batches within pipelines; monitor line balance / over short to keep with tolerances; respond to alarm conditions at stations and notify proper personnel; respond to communications failures with remote sites and notify personnel.

• Coordinate Operational Activities – Coordinate with field personnel on maintenance; coordinate with other control centers on movements; run batches on pipelines in accordance with schedulers’ orders; handle emergency dig reports as necessary.

• Complete Required Daily Paperwork – Complete stream sheets every two hours; log major events in pipeline log on trouble report; complete morning report that details movements from previous day; transmit report to field locations by email or fax where applicable.

• Complete Training – Complete assigned computer-based training and DOT Operator Qualification Training as required; participate in safety meetings, Complete Abnormal Operations training as necessary

• Respond to Emergency Situations – Execute safe shutdown of facilities during emergencies; participate in safety meetings; answer calls on 1-800 line and report to proper personnel; interact with field personnel during emergencies; complete leak/spill paperwork associated with emergencies.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent 

• Knowledge of pipeline operations including gauging, station operations, hydraulics, etc. Minimum experience level would include operational experience from field level job or exceptional aptitude for Control Center work

• Able to read, write, and comprehend English

• Good mathematics skills

• Able to focus and switch from task to task as required

• Able to complete and pass Operator Qualification Training as required by Plains and the Department of Transportation (DOT)

• Basic knowledge of pipeline operations with the ability to monitor flows, pressures, and tank levels at various stations as well as diagnose potential problems

• Able to learn and understand the workings of the SCADA system

• Computer literate in Excel, Word, Access, and Outlook

• Able to handle stressful situations and multi-task with different operations occurring on different pipelines at the same time

• Successful Console Operator Basic Requirements Assessment (COBRA)

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

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

• Valid state driver's license and driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers

• 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 [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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