26-721.B1 - Field Operator

Hilcorp•Refugio, TX

About The Position

The Field Operator monitors and operates wells and associated surface equipment, including pumps, natural gas compressors, pumping units, valves, tanks, and other vessels, while helping maintain a safe work environment. The role involves gauging tanks and meters, monitoring and recording production and pressure readings, collecting and testing product samples, inspecting and maintaining equipment and pipelines, and regulating the flow of oil according to delivery schedules. The operator completes production, gauge, compressor, spill, tank inspection, and pipeline surveillance reports and submits them to the designated office on the required schedule. The position also involves responding to alarms and pages 24 hours per day, implementing the company’s Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan as needed, and shutting down equipment during emergencies as instructed. The operator may work across multiple fields and may direct and train less experienced employees.

Requirements

At least four years of oilfield experience.
High school graduation or GED equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating sufficient knowledge, ability, and skill for the position.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to work the established schedule and be available 24 hours per day for on-call questions and emergencies.
Basic mathematics and mechanical skills.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other departments, officials, and the public.
Ability to consider safety in all decisions.
Ability to understand how the components of an oil and gas facility work together, operate facilities with increasing independence, anticipate and correct problems, and maintain safe and environmentally sound operations.
Ability to recognize non-standard or non-routine facility conditions, notify supervisors, and recommend solutions.
Ability and willingness to monitor and direct the overall scope of simultaneous job-site activities.

Responsibilities

Monitor and operate wells and associated surface equipment, including pumps, natural gas compressors, pumping units, valves, tanks, and other vessels.
Gauge tanks and gas meters; read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine oil flow rates and tank levels.
Open and close valves and tank hatches, and start pumps and regulate oil flow according to delivery schedules.
Inspect equipment, pipelines, valves, and flanges for safety issues, wear, malfunctions, loose connections, or leaks; make or recommend appropriate repairs.
Procure materials and supplies needed to complete daily tasks.
Collect product samples and perform required quality and integrity tests; record readings, test results, and adjustments.
Record gas well meter and pressure readings and obtain tank temperature readings.
Complete Daily Production Sheets, 8-Day Gauge Reports, Compressor/Dehy/Flare Reports, Spill/Sheen/Tank Inspection Reports, Daily Pipeline Surveillance Reports, and other required records, and submit them to the designated office by the applicable deadlines.
Implement the company’s Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan as needed.
Report leads or defective valves to a supervisor; tighten connections and grease or oil valves as needed.
Secure tanks by clamping seals around valves.
Shut down equipment during emergencies according to supervisor instructions.
Monitor alarms and respond to alarms or pages 24 hours per day.
Work across multiple fields when required and maintain awareness of simultaneous activities at the job site.
Operate facilities unsupervised when qualified, maintain safe and environmentally sound conditions, and keep neat and accurate operating records.
Direct and train employees of lower rank or experience and notify supervisory staff of non-standard conditions, offering recommendations for solutions.
Adhere to the company’s values, support its vision and mission, and meet established schedule, attendance, and punctuality standards.
Maintain employee confidence and protect company assets and confidential information.
Contribute to team efforts and perform other duties as assigned.