Field Service Technician (Instrumentation)

Company: Plains
Location: Karnes City
Posted on: January 21, 2026

Job Description:

Job Type: Regular Plains All American is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing and marketing solutions for crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs). We own an extensive network of pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage and gathering assets in key crude oil and NGL producing basins and transportation corridors and at major market hubs in the United States and Canada. On average, Plains handles more than 6 million barrels per day of crude oil and NGL in its Transportation segment. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas. We are looking for highly-motivated individuals who enjoy working as part of a team in a dynamic and entrepreneurial work environment. The Intermediate 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. Job Responsibilities: Performance of all Junior E&I Technician responsibilities and work tasks with minimal supervision. Works independently; receives minimal guidance, usually determines own work priorities. Conducts required instrumentation / preventive maintenance tasks on centrifugal / positive displacement compressors referencing vendor manual guidelines. Maintains calibration equipment and resolves abnormal conditions using vendor manual recommendations. Conducts required preventative maintenance tasks on control devices (e.g., flow, temperature, pressure, level) referencing vendor manuals. Resolves control loop abnormal conditions using vendor manual recommendations. Services control valves and regulators. Maintains safety and process monitoring systems and resolves abnormal conditions using vendor manual recommendations. Conducts required preventative maintenance tasks on switchgear and transformers. Conducts required preventative maintenance tasks on DC and AC generators referencing vendor manuals guidelines and applicable codes. Completes meter inspections using the meter inspection checklist. Uses meter proving factors to ensure accuracy of meters. Controls all required meter documentation in accordance with company and regulatory requirements. Conducts preventative maintenance and resolves abnormal conditions on all custody transfer equipment (e.g., Lease Automatic Custody Transfer Unit). Maintains applicable rail dock terminal measurement systems. Inspects and maintains cathodic protection systems. Conducts required instrumentation preventative maintenance tasks on centrifugal and positive displacement pumps referencing vendor manual guidelines; confirms operation of control devices and vibration equipment. Conducts required preventative maintenance tasks on all control valve types referencing vendor manual guidelines, company guidelines and applicable codes. Conducts required preventative maintenance tasks on all control valve types referencing vendor manual guidelines, company guidelines and applicable codes. Services hydraulic and pneumatic valve actuators and resolves abnormal conditions (e.g., contaminated oil, wear, seal leakage) referencing vendor manual guidelines. Completes facility safety checks, notes and reports abnormal conditions, and troubleshoots if necessary. Responsible for communicating problem areas and recommendations to the appropriate level. Responsible for ensuring that safety, regulatory, and operation integrity policies are followed. Performs routine operations and maintenance functions as applicable. Participates in non-regular maintenance work. Participates in responding to emergency situations and repairs. Responsible for assisting in the Preventive Maintenance (PM) program; preventative, predictive and corrective, organizing, modifying, recording, and updating PMs as assigned. Participates in construction projects and planning, turnaround planning, installing and commissioning, and other special assignments or projects within terminals and pipelines. Interacts and directs contractors as required. Responsible for responding to all applicable breakdown and emergency equipment failures. 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. Preferably will have completed either 2nd or 3rd year of a related trades apprenticeship program. Minimum two (2) years of relevant work experience at the prior level. 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. 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. Able to work independently, receiving minimal guidance or direct supervision for executing routine tasks; capable of determining own work priorities. Proficient in safe work practices and procedures (e.g., how to identify site-specific PPE, perform confined space entry, report incidents, describe site specific hazards (e.g., asbestos, benzene, silica, nitrogen, heat and cold stress, noise, radiation), and safely handle materials at the work site). 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 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 benefits program. 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. Learn more .

Keywords: Plains, Corpus Christi , Field Service Technician (Instrumentation), Energy / Utilities , Karnes City, Texas