Sr. Operations Specialist – Automation

Leads field operations with specialist duties, overseeing oil and gas well operations, well testing, and the operation and maintenance of field equipment and facilities. Provides operational assistance, ensures safe and environmentally sound practices, and may supervise lower‑level operations specialists.

Responsibilities

• Lead surveillance of field operations and maintain production‑related databases.
• Provide basic technical and mechanical assistance to production operations personnel.
• Analyze tickets, work orders, records, and reports to identify trends and support management recommendations.
• Apply advanced understanding of oil and gas flow operations and related equipment.
• Train, mentor, and coach less‑experienced employees; conduct job safety analyses.
• Attend integrated solutions meetings and collaborate with engineers.
• Manage and support all operational areas to meet internal processes and daily requirements.
• Coordinate with third‑party contractors for installation and preventive‑maintenance programs.
• Ensure work assignments are performed with the highest quality and safety standards.
• Conduct business ethically and make decisions that protect the safety of all persons associated with SM facilities.
• Manage and develop SCADA and automation projects that support organization‑wide initiatives.
• Maintain and install instrumentation devices, calibrate and verify I/O devices through HMI, PLC, and SCADA data flow.
• Support field operations with preventive maintenance, oversee corrective actions, and mentor team members.
• Collaborate with IT services on network engineering for critical field infrastructure.
• Track workload, document troubleshooting, root‑cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Prepare and present upward reporting summaries for supervisory review.
• Promote a strong safety culture and lead peers toward safety excellence.
• Demonstrate proficiency in a variety of automation controls, PLC types, and SCADA software systems.
• Other duties as assigned.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Advanced understanding of industry terminology and technical concepts.
• Physical ability to respond to emergencies, operate valves, and carry necessary tools.
• Maintain an eligible motor‑vehicle record and license; ability to climb up to 30 feet.
• Strong operational and maintenance knowledge of wellhead equipment and accessories.
• Capability to diagnose optimal applications based on well performance.
• Proven ability to supervise contractors safely and efficiently.
• Experience performing duties of Operations Specialist I and II levels.
• Expertise in SCADA and automation project management, instrumentation calibration, and network connectivity (TCP/IP, Modbus, RTU, RS485).
• Proficiency with ladder logic, function blocks, and interpreting base code cause‑and‑effect.
• Knowledge of electrical systems, power‑supply sizing, relay contacts, and wiring diagrams.

Software Proficiency

• Microsoft Office (proficient).
• Drilling: Well View, AFE Navigator.
• Completions: Well View.
• Facilities: Oceaneering ACET, eMaint CMMS.
• SCADA systems and related applications (AVM, SAP, Spotfire).

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associates or Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 6 + years of work experience, including SCADA and automation project management; oil and gas industry experience a plus.
• Certifications: Certification in SCADA and PLC programming (or equivalent work experience) is desired.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with variable pay.
• Health‑care coverage.
• Retirement plan.
• Protection coverage.
• Time‑off and leave programs.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Allowances related to specific work situations.