PRODUCTION/FLOWBACK OPERATOR

About the role

A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flowback, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. The role involves 75% field work and 25% shop work, requiring a clean driving record and the ability to obtain and maintain a commercial driver’s license (Class “A” CDL).

Responsibilities

Field Work

• Rig up a portable separator and heater.
• Lift chicksan bundles weighing ±65 lbs.
• Attach chicksan bundle to wellhead, entailing lift from ground level to above head level.
• Hammer unions from ground level to above head level.
• Drive flowline tie-down stakes with 8 lbs. to 12 lb. or larger sledgehammer or electric Bosch demolition hammer weighing ±60 lbs.
• Make up threaded connections with two (2) 24″ pipe wrenches occasionally using a 36″ pipe wrench from ground level to above head level.
• Monitor and maintain hydraulic choke equipment during coiled tubing washes, frac flowback, etc.
• Operate hydraulic choke controls within safe parameters of the designated equipment.
• Maintain and repair all components of high-pressure operations: flowline/connections, hydraulic choke manifolds, sand separators, test separators, flare stacks, gas busters, and safety systems.
• Rig up flowback manifold and sand separator.
• Load fittings weighing ±40 lbs each.
• Stoop, bend, twist, turn, and lift to align and join threaded components at heights from ground level to above head level.
• Carry and connect 15-foot-long threaded pipe joints with a second person’s assistance (¼ joint weight ±40 lbs). Full 30′ pipe joint weighs ±140 lbs.
• Hammer union connections and screw threaded connections with 24″ pipe wrench from ground level to above head level.
• Perform all routine choke changes, blowdowns, tank strapping, and pressure readings anytime or when directed.

Shop Work

• Load and unload fieldwork equipment weighing ±70 lbs to/from a height of 36″ to 60″.
• Lift items and fittings weighing ±30 lbs, placing them on shelves head high.
• Occasionally lift weights ±70 lbs to a height of 36″ to 60″.
• Wash all FESCO equipment.
• Clean and sweep the shop.
• Turn around equipment to prepare it for the next job.

Requirements

• Knowledge of well-testing equipment and the ability to diagnose, repair, and troubleshoot malfunctions.
• Basic computer knowledge for data entry and generating field reports.
• Ensure accurate collection and reporting of well production flowrates as per internal and/or client-based guidelines.
• Ability to pass a DOT physical and secure and maintain at least a Class “B” CDL with an “H” endorsement.
• Work in all types of weather conditions (e.g., extreme heat and cold, high humidity) for extended periods.
• Work in a toxic environment (Hydrogen Sulfide Gas) while wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus with full-face sealed respiratory equipment weighing ±30 lbs.
• Work at remote well locations ±2 hours from the nearest medical facility.
• Work comfortably up to 15″ above ground while wearing appropriate fall protection equipment.
• Close a large wellhead wing or master valve high or above in case of an emergency.
• Mobility in the event of an emergency and ability to evacuate a fellow employee if needed.

Skills

• Tearing apart and rebuilding hydraulic chokes used in the field.
• Operating hydraulic choke equipment from a command center.