Electrical and Instrumentation 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 Junior E&I Technician provides electrical and instrumentation support to Plains assets through the installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair of designated equipment and systems. They are responsible for performing scheduled and non-scheduled work tasks in the field at tank farms, pump stations, facilities, Control Centers, and facilities, as well as office locations. They may receive direction from certified trades people such as Electricians, Heavy Duty Mechanics, Instrumentation Specialists, Insulation Specialists, Machinists, Millwrights, Steamfitters, Tinsmiths, and Welders, and may works under some direct supervision. 


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.

• Executes tasks with a moderate level of guidance and direction; works with little supervision on routine maintenance and projects.
• Schedules and performs inspections and maintenance of electrical equipment at substations, pump stations, valve & manifold sites, etc.
• Maintains equipment in accordance with the maintenance control system by creating service requests, sourcing parts for servicing, completing work orders, and retaining service records.
• Conducts required preventative maintenance tasks on DC and AC motors referencing vendor manuals guidelines and applicable codes and resolve abnormal conditions using vendor manual recommendations (e.g., poor contacts).
• Conducts required preventative maintenance tasks on batteries, rectifiers, and inverters referencing vendor manual guidelines, and resolve abnormal conditions using vendor manual recommendations.
• Performs lockouts and isolations on company facilities.
• Tests and ensures correct operation of transmitter, safety, and protective devices.
• Tests and ensures correct operation of switchgear, substations equipment and technology, motors, valve operators/actuators and tank gauging equipment.
• Tests and ensures the correct operation of electrical control devices.
• Tests and maintains low voltage distribution panels.
• Performs any electrical or SCADA system repairs needed by Pipeline Control Center or Operations.
• Installs SCADA equipment, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
• Installs, programs, and troubleshoots various electronic metering devices (e.g., Omni Flow Computers, densitometers, Coriolis and Krohne meters).
• Installs conduit and associated wiring in accordance to engineered drawings.
• Inspects and repairs AC/DC equipment including emergency battery backup power devices.
• Services electricals valve actuators referencing vendor manual guidelines.
• Assists senior personnel with line location & operational functions (e.g., gauging, proving, meter ticketing, etc.).
• Participates in construction projects and planning, turnaround planning, installing, and commissioning, and other special assignments or projects within terminals and pipelines.
• Participates in the maintenance and operating of stations, terminals, mainline, gathering systems, and associated equipment.
• Performs routine operations and maintenance functions as applicable.
• Completes all necessary paperwork for regulatory compliance on electrical and instrumentation equipment.
• Complete safe work permits, near miss, and incident reports.
• Communicate problem areas and recommendations to the appropriate level.
• Responsible for ensuring that safety, regulatory, and operation integrity policies are followed.
• Accountable to inform senior personnel of hazard identification and near misses.
• Responds to breakdown and emergency equipment failures.
• Responsible for minor purchases, basic cost tracking, and reporting.
• Ensures adequate material and inventory stock levels are maintained.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Technical degree, participation in apprenticeship program, or two (2) years of field experience preferred. Ability to speak, read, and write English the ability to perform basic math.
• Ability to work in a team-based work environment, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to read and comprehend electrical drawings, pipeline maps, other technical drawings / schematics, and technical operational manuals, and perform load studies, and related calculations.
• Must know electrical code requirements and specifications associated with pipeline / facility operations as well as all applicable federal, state, and provincial government regulations.
• Must have familiarity with electrical theory and electrical skills and know basic requirements for wire/wiring and conduit installation; related training in HVAC and/or instrumentation is helpful.
• Must have experience or training with high voltage electrical systems and safety; should also have experience in substation and switchgear work.
• Should be trained in all types of protective devices associated with pipeline operations, including mechanical and solid-state protective relays, breakers, motor windings, RTDs, temperature transmitters and vibration sensors/recorders, and associated devices.
• Proficient at installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing basic industrial electrical systems.
• Proficient with basic AC/DC voltage measurement as well as capacitance and amperage testing.
• Proficiency in working with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), flow computers, UPS system inverters, and back-up battery system maintenance.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and repair of motor starters/capacitors, field tank gauges, transmitters, relay-controlled field devices, LACT units and associated timers and controls.
• Proficient in safe work practices and procedures (e.g., how to inspect and use fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, and PPE; how to work safely at heights; how to use Stop Work Authority; how to access and use safety data sheet documentation).
• Understanding of pipeline and facility operations and controls, with basic knowledge of the respective area's pipelines and facilities.
• Competent in line locating and the performance of basic crossings.
• Knowledge of pipeline measurement balances and standards.
• Must have basic computer skills: Excel, Microsoft Office, Word, etc.
• Must be familiar with PHMSA and OSHA regulations.
• Must have an outstanding safety record.
• Ability to successfully complete company Haz-Mat training, required DOT operator qualifications to perform pipeline mechanical operations, and mandatory safety training.
• 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.

Qualifications:

• Valid drivers’ license with a clean abstract in the job posting province.
• 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 .

We are proud to be an . 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 .

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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