Emergency Response Planning Specialist

About the Role

Plains is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing, and marketing solutions for crude oil. As a 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 support Operations across all Divisions. This role reports to the Senior Manager in Houston, Texas. Travel is required 10–20%, including cross-border, and during major emergencies, you may be deployed for extended periods. A valid passport or the ability to obtain one is required.

Responsibilities

• Support the Company’s emergency response plan compliance program, including annual reviews, updates, and regulatory submissions.
• Develop and maintain SPCC plans in accordance with EPA requirements, ensuring technical accuracy and readiness for third-party certification.
• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational health & safety, science, engineering, or related technical field; 5–7 years of experience strongly preferred (industry certifications and experience may substitute).
• 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).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off.