Lead Operator

About the role

The Lead Operator is fully competent in all operational areas and serves as a subject-matter expert across multiple well routes. This role fills in for the Foreman during periods of PTO and acts as a key liaison with the Operations Foreman to communicate operational issues, successes, and opportunities to improve efficiency. The Lead Operator is responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of a designated group of oil and gas wells, ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant operations while maximizing production and sales volumes. This position independently resolves most operational issues, escalating only those requiring engineering support. The Lead Operator provides guidance, training, and best-practice leadership to less experienced Lease Operators.

Schedules will be assigned as needed by the Foreman, which may include overtime, night, and day work schedules.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safe, efficient, and environmentally sound operation of leased equipment and production facilities.
• Perform daily operational checks of assigned wells and production/injection facilities as scheduled.
• Supervise well work to the level assigned by the Foreman or Operations Foreman.
• Operate and perform advanced troubleshooting on production equipment, compressors, and standard artificial lift systems.
• Maintain regulatory, environmental, and safety compliance in close coordination with Foremen, Production Coordinators, and the EHS Department.
• Support and comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Secure, maintain, and properly utilize all company-issued equipment, including vehicles, computers, and testing/analysis equipment.
• Operate and maintain assigned wells to maximize profitability while ensuring safe and environmentally sound conditions.
• Actively participate in company safety programs and initiatives.
• Exercise authority to stop unsafe work by employees or contractors at any time.
• Collaborate with engineering, accounting, completions, construction, EH&S, planning, land, and regulatory teams to improve operations, reduce operating expenses, implement recent technologies, and mitigate safety and environmental risks.
• Assist the production team with maintenance, operations, field measurement, and accurate production reporting.
• Train, mentor, and develop less experienced operators in all aspects of their responsibilities.
• Supervise roustabouts and service crews as needed, ensuring proper work execution and adherence to procedures.
• Maintain positive working relationships with vendors, contractors, landowners, and community stakeholders.
• Perform and ensure completion of all required maintenance tasks using internal resources when possible, engaging contractors only when necessary.
• Demonstrate a strong working knowledge of oil and gas production operations, including surface equipment, surface electrical systems, electronic controls, and gas flow measurement.
• Work extended hours and overtime as required, in accordance with company policy.
• Serve as a field-wide point of contact during emergencies or significant operational events.
• Perform additional duties and special projects assigned to support departmental and company objectives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Serve as acting Foreman when required.
• Mentor and train new operators, documenting performance issues or concerns as appropriate.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent related work experience.
• 5-10 years general Oil/Gas field and Lease Operator experience.
• Current valid driver’s license.

Skills

• Demonstrated commitment to safe work behaviors and practices.
• Proficient computer skills with the ability to use multiple software applications.
• Ability to maneuver heavy objects and operate machinery safely and effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels.
• Elevated level of professional integrity, accountability, and reliability.
• Ability to write legibly and clearly.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to safely operate a vehicle in all weather conditions and travel to remote oil and gas locations.
• Willingness and ability to work in hazardous driving conditions year-round.
• Understand the safe operation of valves and facilities operating under high pressure/temperature.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must be clean-shaven and able to wear a full-faced respirator.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5-10 years’ experience in Oil and Gas Production and Optimization.
• Previous experience in Oil and Gas Exploration & Production.

Benefits

• Generous PTO.
• 401k match and discretionary profit sharing.
• Tuition assistance and professional development.
• Eligibility for short-term incentive program.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance available from the first day of employment.
• Several voluntary group benefits.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demand Rare 0-30% Occasional 30-60% Frequent 60-90% Constant 90-100% Standing X Walking X Sitting X Lifting (Up to 80 lbs.) X Carrying (Up to 80 lbs.) X Pushing X Pulling X Climbing X Balancing X Stooping X Kneeling X Crouching X Crawling X Reaching X Handling X Grasping X Feeling X Talking X Hearing X Repetitive Motions X Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination X

Work Environment

Working Condition Rare 0-30% Occasional 30-60% Frequent 60-90% Constant 90-100% Extreme cold X Extreme heat X Humidity X Wet X Noise X Hazards