Lease Operator III

Title: Lease Operator III
Location: Midland, TX
Family: Operations (Technical)
Class: Operations
Role Summary
The Lease Operator III is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of producing wells, processing units, and associated surface facilities. This position emphasizes hands-on operation of oil, gas, and water separation equipment, major utilities, and supporting infrastructure. The role supports a large-scale development that includes new facility start-up activities, ongoing operations, and the application of operating procedures, work permitting, and training systems. Experience with new facility start-up and high-volume production operations is strongly preferred.
Key Responsibilities
• Maintain personal safety and ensure the safety of others by adhering to and enforcing all safety rules and procedures
• Serve as the primary operations contact for assigned facilities, with strong understanding of process flow, unit chemistry, system line-ups, and safety equipment, including isolation points
• Monitor and optimize process performance using control systems, computer data, and unit schematics
• Conduct routine field inspections using sight, sound, smell, and touch to verify proper equipment operation
• Issue Safe Work Permits and assess chemical, personnel, and process safety risks associated with maintenance and operating activities
• Perform gas testing to verify safe conditions for maintenance or operational work
• Execute process monitoring activities including tank gauging, meter readings, sample collection, pressure differentials, chemical injection rates, and leak detection
• Perform visual and operational checks of critical parameters such as temperature, pressure, level, flow, and vibration
• Adjust local operating parameters to maintain product quality within defined operating limits
• Coordinate oil sales activities and saltwater hauling as required
• Maintain accurate gauge sheets and electronic records, documenting causes for production changes
• Verify correct control valve positioning and system alignment
• Perform basic equipment maintenance tasks including lubrication, filter changes, packing adjustments, trap replacement, and equipment clearing
• Communicate operating conditions, issues, and changes with the Production Foreman
• Execute winterization and summerization practices to ensure seasonal operating efficiency
• Monitor field equipment using handheld testing devices and computer-based monitoring systems
• Inspect and maintain safety equipment including relief valves, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, breathing apparatus, and detection systems
• Perform all work in accordance with environmental policies, minimizing emissions, spills, and other environmental impacts
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and ongoing skill development
• Work independently as required while supporting overall team objectives
Required Skills and Qualifications
• College degree or accredited trade school certificate
• Prior experience in a closely related oil and gas operations role
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Demonstrated initiative and commitment to operational excellence
• Ability to work rotating shifts and respond to call-outs as needed
• Experience operating and maintaining surface production equipment
• Proficiency with computerized systems and electronic data entry
• Physical capability to lift more than 50 lbs and climb ladders and stairs
• Ability to use SCBA equipment and gas detection devices
• Experience with ESP and gas lift systems
• Familiarity with flaring operations and emissions control
• Experience working on high-volume wells
• Vertical facility experience preferred
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment
Allowances and Additional Information
• Company-provided ½ ton truck and basic tools (tool list to be provided)
• This position is intended for local candidates; no per diem is offered

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.