Lead Operator - Night

About the Role

Under the direction of the Production Foreman, this role is responsible for diagnosing and solving complex well problems with a focus on ensuring production optimization. The individual will train and mentor other operators, cover operator vacancies, and ensure all field operations meet SM’s safety standards. This position also involves working with managers to ensure lease operators are trained and understand all sites, equipment, and responsibilities, as well as providing input on cost metrics and financial impact recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Able to proficiently operate equipment, including but not limited to Treater, Separator, Dump Valves, Pumping Units, and Back Pressure Regulators.
• Demonstrates proficient knowledge of wells on route, including the ability to walk through starting up a well and facility and ensuring all valves and equipment are set correctly.
• Demonstrates proficient well head knowledge and proper valve operation.
• Measures and records production accurately and timely on a daily basis; verifies operators are entering data accurately.
• Identifies well performance problems and communicates them to management.
• Maintains proper fluid levels and pressure on vessels.
• Actively participates in safety meetings and responds to emergency or call-out situations.
• Performs maintenance, repairs, and inspections on production equipment as needed.
• Troubleshoots issues with wells and equipment.
• Provides technical input for Management of Change projects.
• Assists in the development of condition-based management programs.
• Provides input on well problems with a focus on life-of-well design to optimize maintenance and production.
• Trains and mentors Operator I, II, and III personnel.
• Assists Foremen in the evaluation of Operator I, II, and III personnel and aids in the development of training programs.
• Assists in the development and implementation of scheduled maintenance plans.
• Conducts business with the highest ethical standards and ensures the safety of all persons associated with SM facilities.
• Gauges oil, water, and gas daily and tests wells as required.
• Manages daily production throughout the system and minimizes downtime.
• Maintains production rates to optimize well performance.
• Identifies production equipment issues and reports them to the supervisor.
• Conducts visual inspections of all surface equipment daily for leaks.
• Assists fellow operators with repair or maintenance issues.
• Reports all spills or environmental issues immediately.
• Ensures all production devices are operational and in good working order.
• Maintains facilities to SM standards and expectations.
• Repairs or refurbishes production equipment as directed by the supervisor.
• Participates in preventive maintenance, repair programs, and safety programs.
• Assists lease operators with well issues.
• Works with the Operations Control Room (OCC) Optimizers to improve the well optimization program.
• Maintains accurate truck inventory of equipment and tools.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Advanced working knowledge of a production facility.
• Ability to bring a well/facility online.
• Ability to operate all production equipment on a production facility.
• Understanding and awareness of cost metrics and analysis, with the ability to make financially impactful recommendations.
• Advanced knowledge of the industry and operations.
• Advanced knowledge of process control components and safety systems.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance and repair of engines on SM property.
• Familiarity with facilities design.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (required).
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 2+ years of work experience (required).
• Oil and gas industry experience (a plus).

Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• SCADA technical skills sufficient to train and teach other team members.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits programs, including variable pay.
• Health care coverage.
• Retirement plan.
• Protection coverage (e.g., insurance).
• Time off and leave programs.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Allowances connected to specific work situations.