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Midstream Operator Jobs in Cushing, OK (NOW HIRING)

Terminal Operator I Plains is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing and marketing solutions for crude oil. We own an extensive ...

New

Regular Plains is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in ... Assists in ensuring operating equipment inspections are performed and records are maintained within ...

Midstream Operator information

See Cushing, OK salary details

$12

$20

$29

How much do midstream operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for midstream operator in Cushing, OK is $20.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by midstream operators and how can they be addressed?

Midstream Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining pipeline integrity, responding quickly to equipment malfunctions, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Addressing these requires strong attention to detail, effective communication with team members, and ongoing training in best practices. Proactively monitoring systems and participating in regular maintenance schedules can help minimize downtime and enhance operational safety.

What is a midstream operator?

Midstream operators are professionals responsible for the transportation, storage, and sometimes processing of oil, natural gas, and other petroleum products between extraction (upstream) and final delivery or refining (downstream). Their work typically involves operating and maintaining pipelines, compressor stations, storage facilities, and related infrastructure. Midstream operators ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant movement of energy resources, monitor equipment, detect leaks, and respond to operational issues. They play a vital role in maintaining the energy supply chain and adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a midstream operator?

To thrive as a Midstream Operator, you need a solid understanding of pipeline operations, safety protocols, and mechanical systems, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with SCADA systems, pump controls, and industry certifications such as OSHA or HAZMAT is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for monitoring operations and responding to incidents. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant transport of oil and gas products through midstream infrastructure.

What is the difference between Midstream Operator vs Pipeline Technician?

AspectMidstream OperatorPipeline Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical certifications, safety trainingHigh school diploma, technical certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentField sites, processing plants, storage facilitiesPipeline sites, maintenance facilities, field locations
Industry UsageOil & gas midstream sector, responsible for transportation and storageOil & gas pipeline operations, maintenance, and repair

Midstream Operators and Pipeline Technicians both work in the oil and gas industry, often in field environments, and require similar certifications. While Midstream Operators oversee the broader transportation and storage processes, Pipeline Technicians focus specifically on maintaining and repairing pipelines. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient energy transportation.

What cities near Cushing, OK are hiring for Midstream Operator jobs?

Cities near Cushing, OK with the most Midstream Operator job openings:

Terminal Operator I

Plains GP Holdings

Stroud, OK • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Terminal Operator I

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.

We're on the lookout for passionate self-starters who thrive in fast-moving, collaborative, and innovative environments.

Terminal Operator I role operates and maintains pipeline facilities and/or terminals including tanks, pipeline pumping stations, LACTs, and gathering facilities to ensure the accurate and safe transportation and storage of petroleum products. Terminal Operators work within terminal facilities while Pipeline Operators normally work at facilities up and down pipeline and gathering systems. They will assist with petroleum product movements in and out of pipeline terminals and/or pump stations and are responsible for the storage of products and custody transfers activities with connecting carriers and customers. They will accurately assess the quantity and quality of crude oil and/or refined products and perform general facility maintenance in accordance with company mandates.

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:

  • Performs maintenance, upkeep and cleaning of station, pipeline and terminal facilities including include but not limited to painting, weed control, and general housekeeping as required to tanks, valves, engines, motors, mixers, piping, control panels, fencing, office, shop, and storage buildings associated with pipeline, trucking, barge and ship terminals, and related facilities.
  • Monitors and maintains station activity reporting and related documentation to include a variety of reports and records covering readings, over/short documentation, and oil movement orders.
  • Completes pipeline and facility checks, reporting abnormal conditions and troubleshooting as necessary.
  • Safely operates all facility rotating equipment and valves, LACT and metering systems, and hydrocarbon drain systems, reporting abnormal conditions and troubleshooting as necessary.
  • Operates electrical heart tracking systems, flare systems, instrument air systems, truck loading and unloading systems, and related equipment.
  • Inspects and maintains pipeline security in the field, and monitors Rights of Way (ROW) for activity (e.g., digging, plowing, etc.) on or near the ROW.
  • Performs damage prevention activities, reports unauthorized activity or contact with the pipe, and verifies the status of work for expired agreements.
  • Inspects perimeter fencing, locks, etc. to maintain proper facility security.
  • Inspects and gauges tanks and inspects pumps for proper operation.
  • Performs tank inspections, checks H2S monitors, tank roof drains, oil levels in mixers, compressors, pumps, booster, motors, valves and piping.
  • Inspects and ensures that routine maintenance is performed on mixers, motors, gearboxes, valves, clock charts, emergency generators, and maintains associated records such as temperature average readings as required.
  • Performs product movements to include receipts and deliveries from pipelines, rail cars, vessels, tank trucks and perform tank-to-tank transfers on an as needed basis.
  • Conducts measurement activities (e.g., enters estimated fuel, flare and vent volumes into an FFV log, enters reference temperature and density into electronic flow devices, performs BSW tests, reviews daily and monthly balances, and verifies tickets, tank inventories, and metered volumes).
  • Conducts pigging activities (e.g., prepares pipeline for pigging activity, sends pipeline pig, receives pipeline pig, puts pipeline back into service).
  • Maintains communications with Pipeline Control Center and performs start-up and shutdown of pipelines.
  • Detects and responds to leaks, ensuring timely notifications and proper documentation, and assists in leak repairs.
  • Manages and maintains balancing systems, conducting daily and monthly balancing.
  • Conducts measurement activities, including completing logs, gauging tanks, performing BSW tests, and verifying tickets, tank inventories, and metered volumes.
  • Supports Product Quality Management through conducting field tests, maintaining lab equipment, maintaining sample records, and performing product testing and analysis. Performs quality and quantity testing, checks sulfur content, calibrates basic sediment and water (BS&W) meters, and witnesses meter proving where requested.
  • Documents meter readings and completes daily inventory reports.
  • Originates and enters custody transfer tickets into the appropriate accounting system.
  • Runs various reports weekly/monthly as needed.
  • Maintains monthly fire extinguisher, scraper, filter, and tank inspection logs to document completed work.
  • Conducts effective shift turnovers.
  • Responds to abnormal and emergency events.
  • Demonstrates safe work practices following Plains' safety policies and procedures.
  • Accountable to inform senior personnel of hazard identification and near misses.
  • Assists with any other pipeline/terminal related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Relevant work experience preferred.
  • Ability to speak, read, and write English and the ability to perform basic math.
  • Ability to read and interpret pipeline maps, technical drawings, and technical schematics.
  • Ability to work in a team-based work environment, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Should be able to use a variety of tools and equipment including compressors, pumps, mixers, hydrometers, centrifuges, sulfur machines, gauge lines, temperature and H2S monitors, line locators, SCBA, fire extinguishers and scrapers as required.
  • Must have basic knowledge of product measurement including gauging, metering, meter proving and meter proving as a witness and product sampling procedures; this includes knowledge of line, tank, and automatic sampling systems.
  • Must have basic knowledge of petroleum product characteristics including gravity, viscosity, flash, basic sediment and water, and be able to perform qualitative analysis of fuels such as gravity, temperature, BS&W, flash, and RVP.
  • Must have basic computer skills (e.g., Excel, Microsoft Office, Word, etc.) and be able to enter measurement and other operational data into computer-based systems.
  • Ability to maintain qualifications to conduct wharf operations to include operation of marine and truck rack vapor control systems; must be able to meet the requirements necessary to obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) card.
  • Must be knowledgeable on facility work authorization permits, Emergency Response Plans, SPCC plans, operations manuals and other plans and regulatory requirements that pertain to pipeline/terminal operations.
  • Must be familiar with PHMSA and OSHA regulations.
  • Must have an outstanding safety record.
  • Ability to successfully complete company Haz-Mat training, required DOT 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.

Qualifications:

  • Valid US 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.
  • 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.