Corrosion Technician

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.

About the role

We’re on the lookout for passionate self-starters who thrive in fast-moving, collaborative, and innovative environments. The Corrosion Technician role is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and designing cathodic protection systems and equipment used for corrosion control to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures. 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.

Responsibilities

• Core Responsibilities (All Levels)
  • Inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot cathodic protection (CP) systems and corrosion control equipment in accordance with applicable codes, standards, regulations, and company procedures.
  • Perform required field readings and surveys and maintain accurate records (e.g., test points, rectifiers, control points, casings, bonds, isolated services, foreign crossings, and related documentation) in a timely manner.
  • Computerize data and develop reports that effectively communicate corrosion-related issues.
  • Maintain corrosion control mapping systems and related documentation as required.
  • Support internal corrosion monitoring and chemical treatment activities as assigned.
  • Demonstrate safe work practices following Plains’ safety policies and procedures; report hazards and near misses.
  • Complete other related duties as assigned based on operational requirements and priorities.
• Level I – Corrosion Technician
  • Works under task-oriented supervision for most activities; receives instruction, guidance, and direction from others.
  • Conducts scheduled CP surveys of pipelines in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements.
  • Reads rectifiers, anodes, foreign bonds, pipelines, and casing test points annually; takes quarterly readings of rectifiers and control points.
  • Maintains records such as annual level of protection, quarterly readings, rectifier logbooks, and test station (ETS) alignments.
  • Conducts interface tests that measure cathodic protection and other electrical effects.
  • Develops skills by performing structured work assignments; assists with other pipeline/terminal related duties as assigned.
• Level II – Corrosion Technician
  • Performs all Corrosion Technician I responsibilities and work tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Receives a moderate level of guidance and direction; may require additional technical assistance for non-routine field maintenance activities.
  • Performs required readings (i.e., annual test points, isolated services, casings, bonds, foreign crossings) in compliance with applicable codes, standards, and procedures.
  • Performs timely cathodic protection troubleshooting (i.e., low systems, shorted conditions).
  • Creates remediation work orders (i.e., install anodes, clear short, install insulator, repair/replace test station) in a timely manner.
  • Maintains and updates corrosion control mapping systems in a timely fashion.
  • Performs quality assurance checks on reads performed by others.
  • Troubleshoots and maintains rectifiers.
  • Calibrates half-cells in accordance with procedures.
  • Performs bridge inspections (exposed) crossings in accordance with procedures.
  • May lead small projects or sub-teams on larger projects.
  • Informs senior personnel of hazard identification and near misses.
  • Completes other related duties that may be assigned based on operational requirements and priorities.
• Level III – Corrosion Technician
  • Performs all Corrosion Technician level I & II responsibilities and work tasks without supervision.
  • Works independently; receives minimal guidance, typically determines own work priorities.
  • Develops internal corrosion monitoring, sampling, and treatment programs for pipeline and facilities.
  • Monitors corrosion control records to ensure compliance.
  • Provides relevant support/inspection for cathodic protection needs on engineering/construction projects.
  • May lead medium to large projects.
  • Accurately enters compliance records into the appropriate system of record in a timely fashion.
  • Participates as needed in regulatory audits to ensure success.
  • Mentors colleagues and troubleshoots complex corrosion issues.
  • Exhibits leadership qualities and shows economic decision-making capabilities.
  • Informs senior personnel of hazard identification and near misses.
  • Completes other related duties that may be assigned based on operational requirements and priorities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English and perform basic math.
• Ability to work in a team-based environment, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to read and interpret pipeline maps, technical drawings, and technical schematics.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office with emphasis on Excel and/or other spreadsheet applications.
• Familiarity with PHMSA and OSHA regulations as well as Plains’ operating procedures.
• Outstanding safety record.
• Ability to successfully complete company Haz-Mat training, mandatory safety training, and other related training as assigned.
• 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.
• Valid driver’s 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• NACE Corrosion Technician (CP 2) Certification and NACE Basic Internal Corrosion Certification.
• Minimum of three (3) years of related corrosion field experience.
• In-depth knowledge and experience in own discipline and capable of working cross-functionally.
• Familiar with a broad range of corrosion mechanisms and mitigation techniques; understands internal corrosion causes and mitigations.
• Experience installing remote monitoring devices on equipment such as rectifiers, coupon test stations, or decoupling devices.
• Thorough knowledge of Plains’ O&M Manual, specifications, and forms used to document inspection and maintenance activities.

Benefits

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.