Lease Operator I or II

Job Title
Lease Operator I or II
Compensation
LO I – $31.60/hr
LO II – $39.50/hr
Location
Big Lake, TX 76932
Schedule
Nights | 7/7 Rotation | 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Start Date
ASAP

Scope / Overview
Responsible for the safe and efficient operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance preparation of wells, production equipment, oil, gas, and water separation facilities, and associated surface equipment. This position supports field operations with a strong emphasis on facility operations, process optimization, alarm response, equipment reliability, and safe work execution.
This role is highly hands-on and requires independent decision-making during night shift operations. Candidates with experience in new facility startup, troubleshooting production equipment, and working independently in oil and gas operations environments are highly desirable.
Main Functions

• Safely operate and monitor oil, gas, and water production facilities.
• Monitor production processes and optimize operating conditions.
• Troubleshoot production equipment and facility alarms.
• Support facility startup and ongoing operations activities.
• Issue Safe Work Permits and perform gas testing activities.
• Coordinate oil sales and saltwater hauling activities.
• Maintain accurate production and operating records.
• Monitor facility performance using field instrumentation and SCADA systems.
• Perform basic maintenance and equipment care activities.
• Ensure environmental compliance and adherence to company procedures.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Responsible for personal safety and the safety of coworkers while enforcing all safety requirements.
• Serve as the primary operations contact for assigned facilities.
• Understand process flow, unit chemistry, operating lineups, isolation points, and safety systems.
• Review computer data and system schematics to optimize operations.
• Conduct routine inspections using sight, sound, touch, and smell to verify proper equipment operation.
• Issue Safe Work Permits and assess operational, personnel, and process safety risks.
• Perform gas testing to support maintenance and operational activities.
• Monitor tanks, meters, differential pressures, chemical injection rates, temperatures, pressures, levels, flow rates, and equipment performance.
• Collect product samples and accurately record production data.
• Identify leaks, freezing conditions, overheating issues, and abnormal operating conditions.
• Adjust process parameters to maintain product specifications and optimize production.
• Maintain company vehicle in good operating condition.
• Coordinate oil sales and saltwater hauling activities as required.
• Maintain accurate electronic and paper gauge records and document production changes.
• Verify proper control valve positioning.
• Perform basic maintenance activities including lubrication, filter changes, packing adjustments, steam trap maintenance, and equipment clearing.
• Communicate operational conditions and equipment concerns with Production Foreman.
• Perform seasonal equipment winterization and summerization activities.
• Utilize handheld electronic testing equipment and computer monitoring systems.
• Inspect safety equipment including relief valves, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, and breathing apparatus.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Execute work in accordance with environmental policies and procedures.
• Support team objectives while maintaining reliable attendance and independent work performance.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in a closely related oil and gas production operations position.
• Ability and willingness to work a rotating shift schedule.
• Ability to respond to call-outs as operational needs dictate.
• Ability to maintain, operate, troubleshoot, and repair production surface equipment.
• Computer proficiency with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lift more than 50 pounds and climb ladders and stairways.
• Ability to wear and utilize Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and other safety equipment.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with oil, gas, and water separation facilities.
• Experience supporting new facility startup and commissioning activities.
• Experience issuing Safe Work Permits and performing gas testing.
• Experience using SCADA systems for monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills related to production surface equipment.
• Experience diagnosing and resolving production alarms.
• Experience reviewing and utilizing production data trending.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Experience coordinating oil sales and saltwater hauling activities.

Manager Notes

• Hands-on troubleshooting role with less paperwork during night shift operations.
• Strong troubleshooting capability on surface production equipment is critical.
• Experience diagnosing and resolving alarms is highly preferred.
• SCADA data trending and monitoring experience is desired.
• Must be comfortable working independently during night operations.