SCADA Specialist

Job Type: Regular Plains All American (PAA) 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, PAA 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. Our Operations department is a talented group of professionals who are committed to conducting our business in a manner that ensures the safety and security of the public, our employees and contractors, our assets, and the environment. We want consistent and predictable operations done the right way, every time. Job Purpose/Summary: Provide technical and analytical support for SCADA applications and related real time systems, along with support of legacy applications. The SCADA Specialist will perform a variety of functions including supporting roles for analysis, design, integration and implementation of real time applications and communication networks. Works closely with Control Center and ensures reliable communications with remote PLCs that monitor and control various pipelines and ensures reliable historical data is available for reports. Job Responsibilities Ensures maximum reliability and uptime of the SCADA system 24 hours per day/7 days per week, maintaining a secure SCADA environment in compliance with company and regulatory guidelines. Designs and implements improvements to the SCADA system. Modifies and updates the real time database and HMI to reflect a dynamic system Assists Engineering and Operations in developing pipeline automation procedures. Responsible for operation and maintenance of database, network and reporting systems associated with the primary and backup SCADA control centers Provides scheduled and non-scheduled installation and maintenance on computer systems consisting primarily of Unix and Microsoft based operating systems Responsible for the creation and distribution of operational data reports generated from Microsoft SQL and SYBASE databases, distribution will be primarily via web server Responsible for implementation, integration, operation and security of wide area and local area SCADA networks comprised mainly of ISDN, MPLS, VSAT, FDDI and Ethernet networks, this position is also responsible for general system administration responsibilities which include system backups, network documentation, database archiving, user account and account policy creation. Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required: Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems, electrical or technical certification or equivalent experience in computer networking Must have a thorough understanding of network topologies, SCADA network protocols and database development Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities required Advanced knowledge of network switches, routers, TCP/IP, VPN, and VLAN technologies; Unix and Windows system administration and troubleshooting; and Firewall operations and rules, network security and monitoring. Experience with disaster recovery, especially backup and restore. Thorough understanding of networks and Control Center needs associated with data acquisition in control center operations. Experience working in a 24x7 support role with real time systems. Preferred candidate will have experience with OSI PI, MS SQL, TELVENT Oasys or DNA, Cisco ISO, and TCP/IP networking and security, as well as scripting and programming experience. Strong communication skills with ability to convey Control Center SCADA system requirements to field personnel and pipeline management. Ability to work in Control Center Environment, subject to call out as business requires. Our employees drive our success. At PAA hard work is rewarded with competitive compensation and a top-tier benefits program designed to keep you 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 great 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. External Field At Plains, our vision is to become the premier crude oil and NGL transportation and marketing company in the United States and Canada by providing the utmost in value-added services to our customers, and in doing so, delivering superior returns to our stakeholders. Our people are analytical, connected, creative, entrepreneurial and passionate about everything they do. We rely on our Core Values and beliefs to inspire and guide our team. These values include: Safety and Environmental Stewardship: We conduct our operations and business in a manner that is safe for employees, contractors and the environment. Ethics and Integrity: In our dealings within and outside of the company, we do the right thing, obey the law and act with the highest levels of honesty, ethics and integrity. Accountability: In conducting our business, we are accountable to each other, our investors, our customers and our other stakeholders, including the communities where we live and work. Respect and Fairness: We treat each other and our stakeholders fairly and with respect.