Operations Specialist - Water

Operations Specialist — Water

The Operations Specialist — Water is a field-focused role responsible for coordinating and optimizing produced water operations across SM Energy's Permian Basin development area. This position serves as the field lead for water operations, providing day-to-day direction and technical guidance to lease operators while acting as the primary point of contact for internal teams and third-party partners. This position leads through coordination, influence, and accountability in the field. The ideal candidate brings hands-on SWD experience, strong field leadership skills, and the ability to manage projects, vendors, and costs while maintaining safe, reliable operations.

Core Responsibilities

Salt Water Disposal Operations

• Coordinate day-to-day operation of SWD wells and associated infrastructure
• Monitor injection volumes, pressures, and equipment performance to ensure reliable and compliant operations
• Coordinate maintenance activities and troubleshoot operational issues in a timely manner
• Ensure all SWD activities comply with applicable state (RRC) and federal regulations

Field Leadership & Coordination

• Serve as the field lead for lease operators, providing daily direction and support
• Establish priorities and coordinate work to align with operational needs and schedules
• Provide coaching and field support to improve consistency, safety, and performance
• Conduct regular field visits to verify work quality and address issues in real time

Project Execution, Cost, & Commercial Oversight

• Plan and execute water-related field projects, including facility upgrades, tie-ins, and infrastructure expansions
• Coordinate internal teams and third-party vendors to deliver work safely and on schedule
• Track and manage project and operating costs, identifying efficiency opportunities
• Review invoices and vendor activity to ensure alignment with contract terms and address discrepancies

Third-Party Water Management

• Serve as the primary operational contact for water vendors, haulers, and disposal providers
• Monitor vendor performance against service expectations, volumes, and scheduling
• Coordinate third-party services to align with field operations and development activity
• Support vendor selection and evaluations with field-level input on performance and capability

Planning & Reporting

• Track and report daily, weekly, and monthly water volumes (produced, transferred, disposed)
• Identify capacity constraints and escalate risks before they impact operations
• Maintain accurate records of SWD performance, vendor activity, and field observations
• Provide clear, concise updates to operations leadership

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of experience in oil and gas field operations, with exposure to produced water or SWD systems
• Demonstrated experience supervising field personnel (lease operators, contract crews, or similar)
• Working knowledge of salt water disposal well operations, including injection equipment, flowlines, and monitoring systems
• Strong vendor management and communication skills
• Ability to work independently in the field and make sound operational decisions under pressure

Computer/Software Applications:

Basic level of skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office.

Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associate or bachelor's degree in related field preferred.

Working Conditions

This position requires regular fieldwork in outdoor environments subject to extreme temperatures, rough terrain, and active oil and gas operations. The role involves a mix of office-based planning and coordination with hands-on field presence. Travel to and within the Permian Basin is required on an ongoing basis.

SM Energy offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which include, but are not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations. Details are available at Careers :: SM Energy Company (SM) (sm-energy.com).

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.