Lease Operator

Lease Operator III

Compensation $45/hr + Agency Vehicle Location Carlsbad, NM Schedule 8 days on / 6 days off, 10-hour days Rotating shift with callout availability required Target Start Date ASAP Submittal Deadline ASAP Interview Process 30-minute meet and greet Scope Responsible for the safe and efficient operation, monitoring, and maintenance preparation of wells, processing units, and related facilities. The Lease Operator III will serve as the primary operations contact for assigned facilities, with a strong focus on oil, gas, and water separation systems, major utilities, production optimization, and surface equipment maintenance. This is a large project involving facility startup, operating procedures, work permitting, training, and ongoing production operations. Candidates with direct lease operating experience and new-facility startup or commissioning experience are strongly preferred.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Maintain personal safety and the safety of coworkers by following and enforcing all safety requirements.
• Serve as the primary operations contact for assigned facilities.
• Understand process flow, basic process chemistry, major equipment lineups, isolation points, and unit safety systems.
• Review operating data and computer-generated schematics to identify abnormal conditions and optimize production.
• Physically inspect wells, production equipment, processing units, and work areas using sight, hearing, smell, and touch.
• Issue Safe Work Permits based on current operating conditions and associated chemical, personnel, and process-safety risks.
• Perform atmospheric gas testing before and during maintenance activities.
• Gauge tanks, read meters, collect product samples, monitor differential pressure and chemical-injection rates, and accurately record operating data.
• Check facilities for leaks, freezing, overheating, vibration, and other abnormal conditions.
• Monitor temperature, pressure, level, flow, and vibration to ensure equipment remains within its operating limits.
• Adjust process parameters to maintain production and product specifications.
• Coordinate oil sales and saltwater hauling as required.
• Maintain accurate electronic or paper gauge sheets and document reasons for production changes.
• Verify control-valve positions and correct equipment lineups.
• Perform basic maintenance, including adding lubricants or water, tightening valve packing, changing filters and steam traps, and clearing equipment.
• Communicate operating conditions, production changes, and equipment needs to the Production Foreman.
• Perform seasonal winterization and summerization activities.
• Monitor equipment using handheld electronic instruments and computer-based monitoring systems.
• Inspect safety valves, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, breathing apparatus, and other safety equipment.
• Operate, maintain, and perform basic repairs on surface equipment associated with oil and gas production.
• Follow environmental procedures and minimize flaring, emissions, spills, and other environmental impacts.
• Maintain the assigned company vehicle in safe, clean, and reliable working condition.
• Work independently when appropriate while supporting team objectives and continuous-improvement efforts.
• Maintain reliable attendance and respond to callouts as operational conditions require.

Skills and Qualifications

• College degree or trade school certificate required.
• Previous experience in lease operations, production operations, or a closely related position.
• Demonstrated ability to operate, maintain, and repair surface equipment associated with oil and gas production.
• Working knowledge of oil, gas, and water separation facilities.
• Strong understanding of production equipment, process monitoring, safe work permitting, and field safety practices.
• Strong computer skills with effective written and verbal communication abilities.
• High level of initiative and commitment to improving safety, reliability, and production results.
• Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multicultural team.
• Must be willing and able to work the assigned rotating schedule.
• Must be available for callouts as operational conditions require.
• Must be able to lift more than 50 pounds and climb ladders and stairways.
• Must be able to use a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, gas detectors, and other required safety equipment.