HSE Air Permit Compliance Specialist

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.

Job Purpose/Summary

The HSE Air Permit Compliance Specialist is responsible for maintaining air permit compliance for assigned facilities by evaluating regulatory requirements, preparing required reports, maintaining compliance records, supporting permit actions, preparing and reviewing emissions-related activities, and coordinating corrective actions. The role works closely with Operations,  HSE air team, and consultants to maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local air requirements.

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

Job Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate air compliance documentation, emissions calculations, tracking tools, agency submittals, reports, and records for assigned facilities.
• Prepare, review, and submit required air compliance reports, including Title V annual compliance certifications, semiannual monitoring and deviation reports, air emissions inventories, emissions event reports, and other applicable state or federal submittals.
• Develop or deliver air compliance guidance, procedures, checklists, and training materials for Operations and HSE personnel to support consistent understanding of permit requirements, monitoring obligations, recordkeeping expectations, and reporting timelines. Share tools within Air Team for feedback and shared toolbox.
• Perform and review emissions calculations for tanks, loading operations, combustion equipment, fugitive emissions, maintenance activities, control devices, and non-routine emissions to support compliance determinations, permitting evaluations, and reporting obligations.
• Review operating parameters, equipment, monitoring data, sampling results, field conditions, and compliance records against applicable federal, state, local, and permit-specific air requirements.
• Support Title V, NSR, and other air permitting activities, including permit applications, amendments, renewals, revisions, draft permit reviews, and permit impact evaluations for operational changes, modifications, and expansions.
• Evaluate emissions events, unauthorized emissions, MSS activities, and other activities to determine authorization, documentation, notification, tracking, and reporting requirements.
• Conduct field and desktop compliance reviews, site audits, self-assessments, and air compliance site visits; identify deficiencies, recommend corrective actions, and track findings to closure.
• Own and maintain compliance calendars, permit condition trackers, compliance registers, recurring task lists, and corrective action logs for assigned facilities.

• Support Management of Change and project planning reviews by evaluating proposed equipment, throughput, process, control device, and operational changes for air permitting, emissions, monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting impacts before implementation.
• Apply risk-based judgment to identify, prioritize, communicate, and escalate potential compliance concerns, including permit deviations, unauthorized emissions, monitoring gaps, late or incomplete records, and operational practices that may affect compliance status.
• Perform QA/QC reviews of emissions calculations, activity data, field records, lab results, monitoring data, consultant work products, and agency reports to support technical accuracy, consistency, and defensibility.
• Coordinate consultant and contractor support for assigned air compliance activities, including scope development, schedule coordination, deliverable review, and evaluation of technical quality and performance.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies and third parties, support inspections and audits, respond to inquiries or alleged violations, and review consultant deliverables for consistency with Plains air compliance expectations and site operations, and technical quality.
• Develop and/ or deliver air compliance guidance, procedures, checklists, and training materials for Operations and HSE personnel to support consistent understanding of permit requirements, monitoring obligations, recordkeeping expectations, and reporting timelines.
• Participate in HSE, Air, Division, and business meetings to stay aligned with operational needs, planned changes, schedules, and air compliance priorities.
• Monitor emerging federal, state, and local air regulations, guidance, and enforcement trends; evaluate potential impacts to assigned facilities; and communicate recommended actions to the HSE Air Program Manager and affected stakeholders through drafting applicability determinations.
• Support other HSE Air team members and special projects as requested by the HSE Air Program Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Meteorology, Math, Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible air permitting and compliance experience, preferably in consulting or industry role supporting petroleum terminals, midstream terminals, bulk storage terminals, or similar industrial facilities with tanks.
• Strong working knowledge of the Clean Air Act, Title V Operating Permit Program, NSR permitting, emissions inventory, and applicable federal and state air regulations.
• Working knowledge of relevant NSPS and NESHAP/MACT requirements, including NSPS Subparts Kb, Kc, Dc, IIII, and JJJJ, and NESHAP/MACT Subpart ZZZZ.
• Ability to perform, review, and explain air emissions calculations and determine compliance implications.
• Understanding of pipeline transportation, bulk storage terminals, engines, tanks, loading operations, control devices, and crude oil operations.
• Ability to prioritize work, manage workflow and compliance deadlines, communicate support needs, and complete assignments within regulatory and company timelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with Operations, leadership, consultants, Legal, HSE, and regulatory agencies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and environmental compliance or work management systems. Experience with emissions calculation tools, regulatory reporting portals, compliance calendars.  Experience reviewing  results from LDAR, OGI inspections, stack testing,  and air monitoring data.
• Ability to travel to field locations, work in industrial environments, walk on uneven surfaces, climb stairs or ladders as needed, wear required PPE, and maintain a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• 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.
• Travel Up to 30% for air compliance site visits, audits, and meetings.

Preferred

• Experience with air permitting and compliance programs across multiple states or local air regulatory agencies. (TX, CO, NM,  LA preferred).
• Experience preparing  NSR and Title V permit applications, revisions, renewals, deviation evaluations, semiannual monitoring reports, annual compliance certifications, air dispersion modeling, and air monitoring results.
• Experience performing air regulatory inspections, responding to information requests, and resolving compliance inquiries or alleged violations.
• Experience supporting new facility permitting, facility modifications, operational changes, and project-related air permitting evaluations.
• Experience managing consultant deliverables, technical reviews, environmental data management systems (Maximo preferred), and electronic compliance reporting.
• Knowledge of greenhouse gas reporting requirements, including EPA Subpart W and applicable state GHG reporting programs.
• Professional Engineer, Certified Environmental Professional, or other relevant professional certification preferred.

Typical Work Environment

Work is performed in office, field office, and field site environments to support air permitting, compliance reviews, audits, inspections, reporting, and project coordination.

#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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