Emergency Response Planning Senior Specialist

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.

As a Senior Specialist on Plains’ Emergency Response Planning Team, you provide technical leadership and regulatory oversight for emergency response and spill prevention programs across pipeline, storage, truck, rail, gas, and marine operations. You own the Company’s compliance with SPCC, FRP, OSRP, DOM, and related federal and state requirements, and you support Operations across all Divisions. This role reports to the Senior Manager in Houston, Texas.

You can travel cross‑border 10–20%, and during major emergencies you may be deployed for extended periods. A valid passport—or the ability to obtain one—is required.

Plains offers a full benefits package including Medical/Dental/Vision coverage and paid time off.

What You’ll Do

• Support the Company’s emergency response plan compliance program, including annual reviews, updates, and regulatory submissions.

• Develop, maintain, and certify SPCC plans in accordance with EPA requirements, ensuring technical accuracy and Professional Engineer standards.

• Conduct site visits, inspections, and audits to verify compliance, identify deficiencies, and drive corrective actions.

• Train site personnel on implementing SPCC and response plan procedures and maintaining compliance-ready documentation.

• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure design, operations, and maintenance activities align with regulatory obligations.

• Monitor regulatory changes (EPA, PHMSA, USCG) and industry best practices; translate requirements into actionable updates.

• Manage compliance deadlines, deliverables, and consultant performance for SPCC/FRP/EAP/OSRP/DOM programs.

• Maintain Fire Plans, Security Plans, the Business Continuity Plan, the Corporate Crisis Management Plan, and other assigned plans.

• Administer the Qualified Individual (QI) program and lead required quarterly exercises.

• Support internal and external audits, including documentation preparation, findings management, and follow‑up actions.

• Participate in Company tabletop exercises, drills, and large‑scale response simulations; deploy to the field as part of the Plains Emergency Response Team when required.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.

• Professional Engineer (PE) certification required.

• Minimum 3 years of SPCC regulatory experience , with strong working knowledge of SPCC, FRP, OSRP, and DOM requirements.

• Familiarity with EPA, PHMSA, and USCG regulations; working knowledge of TSA/MTSA security programs and Fire Protection Plans is an asset.

• Understanding of petroleum storage and transportation facilities.

• Ability to work independently, set priorities, and solve moderately complex technical and regulatory problems.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and project‑tracking skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate regulatory requirements into clear operational guidance.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).

• Ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines and share knowledge within a team environment.

• Ability to meet standard employment requirements including background check, drug & alcohol compliance including pre-employment testing, valid driver’s license, and U.S. work authorization (no visa sponsorship available). #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. .