Field Service Technician (Instrumentation)

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 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 can perform the installation and repair of complex equipment and systems, exercising judgement in the selection of work methods and able to troubleshoot complex problems. They possess a thorough understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of the work and provide recommendations for performance improvements. They ensure that maintenance records are accurate and current, that preventative maintenance schedules are timely, and may plan and coordinate the work of contract or maintenance crews. 


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:

• Performs all Junior and Intermediate E&I Technician responsibilities and work tasks without supervision.

• Maintains, troubleshoots, repairs, installs, and commissions electrical equipment such as PLCs, instrumentation, motor control centers, motors, switchgear, VFD’s, MOV’s, HVAC’s and other electrical equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

• Maintains control systems, including the configuration of Distributed Control Systems, (DCS), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and resolves control system and logic abnormal conditions.

• Maintains electrical distribution systems, including testing and maintenance of high voltage distribution panels. 

• Performs root cause failure analysis and creates failure analysis reports to improve reliability.

• Provides on-call support during non-business hours for emergency response and maintenance break-ins.

• Responsible for communicating problem areas and recommendations to the appropriate level.

• Relieves the area supervisor as required.

• Responds to emergency events and initiates spill response as appropriate.

• Assists with other related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Must be a ticketed Electrical Journey Person.

• 5 – 10 years of prior gas plant, refinery, pipeline, or oilfield experience.

• Ability to speak, read, and write English and 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.

• 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.

• Thorough knowledge and deep expertise in operating, maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting of facility and pipeline equipment and systems.

• Strong troubleshooting, problem solving, and optimization skills.

• Self-motivated and energetic with effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work with a variety of individuals in a busy field environment.

• Excellent skill sets demonstrated in leadership, written and verbal communications, interpersonal skills, along with being a strong team player and leader.

• Has a thorough understanding of networks and Control Center needs associated with all aspects of data acquisition in field pipeline operations.

• Able to perform advanced programming of various programmable controllers and program various HMl's used in the assigned work area.

• Able to diagnose all communications hardware including radio equipment, satellite, and leased circuits.

• Strong working knowledge of Data Communications interfaces and protocols, familiar with point to point, multi-drop and repeaters.

• Proficient in electrical and mechanical systems related to industrial process equipment.

• Able to troubleshoot high voltage switch gear.

• Able to effectively train and mentor more junior team members.

• Competent in the use of company cost reporting processes and systems.

• Maintains a thorough knowledge of Company O&M Manual, Specifications and Forms used to document inspection and maintenance activities.

• Must have basic computer skills: Excel, Microsoft Office, Word, etc.

• 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.

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

• Compliance with the Company’s drug and alcohol policy including pre-employment screening. #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. 

By submitting your resume, you consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of the personal information provided during the application and selection process. .