What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Health Safety Specialist position at Plains All American?
Plains is looking for a skilled HSE Specialist to join our Gulf Coast team, supporting safe, compliant, and reliable operations across our pipeline, terminal, and trucking assets. This role is ideal for an HSE professional who thrives in the field, builds strong relationships, and enjoys the challenge of navigating complex regulatory environments.
Reporting to the Gulf Coast Regional HSE Manager, you’ll play a key role in environmental and regulatory compliance, operational support, and emergency response readiness. The work is approximately 50% field-based and includes regular overnight travel across the region.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, 401(k), paid time off, and additional company programs.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and manage internal and external audits and inspections across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Virginia, ensuring compliance with 49 CFR 192, 194, 195 and 40 CFR requirements.
- Serve as the Division’s primary contact for programmatic regulatory audits, partnering closely with HSE Regulatory Compliance in Houston.
- Build strong working relationships with local HSE Specialists, Houston Regulatory Compliance, and external agencies under Plains’ External Assurance program.
- Provide day‑to‑day coaching and guidance to Operations teams on environmental and regulatory compliance.
- Work with the HSE Manager to address field concerns and implement practical compliance solutions.
- Oversee all non‑programmatic audits at the Division level.
- Support Quality Documentation Analysts with pipeline record maintenance.
- Monitor and interpret evolving legislation affecting environmental, pipeline, trucking, and rail compliance; communicate key updates to regional teams.
- Assist with emergency response and spill prevention activities, including regulatory release reporting.
- Participate in incident management and support Plains’ safety programs, including Management of Change (MOC) review and coaching.
- Mentor Operations staff on safety policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Conduct and document field safety evaluations, work permit reviews, and environmental inspections.
- Review contractor permits and reports; provide contractor safety oversight through assessments and site visits.
- Maintain accurate electronic records to support regulatory compliance.
- Perform 24/7 on‑call emergency response duties as part of a rotating schedule.
Note: Responsibilities may be adjusted based on business needs.
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related technical discipline.
- 3–5 years of relevant HSE experience (level aligned to experience).
- Preferred: Strong working knowledge of PHMSA pipeline safety regulations and state-level compliance requirements.
- Detail‑oriented, organized, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
- Ability to obtain a TWIC credential.
- Successful completion of background and reference checks.
- Participation in Plains’ Medical Surveillance and Drug & Alcohol programs per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 and PHMSA 49 CFR Parts 192, 194, 195.
- Valid driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to company and insurers.
- Authorized to work in the U.S.; this role is not eligible for employment-based visa sponsorship.