Automation Supervisor

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Automation Supervisor is responsible for leading and supervising automation and instrumentation personnel supporting oil and gas production facilities and pipeline operations. This role ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of automation systems including PLCs, SCADA platforms, field instrumentation, and LACT (Lease Automatic Custody Transfer) units used for crude oil measurement and transfer.

The Automation Supervisor manages the day-to-day activities of automation technicians, provides technical support in the field, and oversees troubleshooting, maintenance, and commissioning of control systems. This role works closely with operations, measurement, and engineering teams to maintain system reliability and ensure accurate custody transfer measurement.

Key Responsibilities

Supervision & Leadership

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of automation and instrumentation technicians across multiple field locations.
• Plan and assign technician work schedules including maintenance, troubleshooting, installations, and commissioning.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and training to automation technicians.
• Ensure all work is performed in compliance with company safety policies and industry standards.
• Conduct job planning, safety meetings, and field coordination with operations personnel.

Automation & Control Systems

• Oversee installation, configuration, and maintenance of PLC, RTU, and SCADA systems used for facility control and monitoring.
• Ensure proper operation of communications systems including cellular, radio, fiber, and satellite networks used for remote monitoring.
• Support system integration between production equipment, measurement systems, and centralized control platforms.
• Troubleshoot automation and communication issues impacting production operations.

LACT Units & Measurement Systems

• Oversee installation, configuration, and maintenance of LACT units used for crude oil custody transfer .
• Ensure automation systems supporting LACT units, including flow computers, pumps, and valve control systems, are functioning properly.
• Support technicians in troubleshooting flow meters, BS&W monitors, prover systems, and related measurement instrumentation .
• Coordinate with measurement teams to ensure custody transfer systems maintain accuracy, calibration, and regulatory compliance .
• Assist in diagnosing issues affecting ticketing systems, meter proving, and automated measurement reporting.

Field Operations Support

• Work closely with operations teams to support well sites, tank batteries, saltwater disposal facilities, and pipeline transfer stations.
• Oversee startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting of new automation installations and facility upgrades.
• Ensure proper documentation of control logic, network configurations, and equipment changes.
• Assist with system upgrades, software updates, and automation project implementation.
• Interface with customers through email, phone and in-person contact and provide solutions to their needs whenever possible.
• Assist in development of Standard Operating Practices,( SOPs), with attention to Hoover Energy standards and API or other regulatory standards, where applicable.

Technician Day-to-Day Activities (Oversight)

The Automation Supervisor manages and supports technicians performing tasks such as:

• Installing and wiring instrumentation, PLC panels, RTUs, and control equipment
• Troubleshooting field instruments, pressure transmitters, level controllers, and valve actuators
• Maintaining LACT units, flow computers, and measurement systems
• Supporting SCADA communications and remote telemetry equipment
• Diagnosing control system faults impacting pumps, separators, and tank batteries
• Calibrating instrumentation and verifying signal integrity
• Commissioning new automation equipment and integrating systems into SCADA platforms

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation, Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related field , or equivalent industry experience.
• 5+ years of automation or instrumentation experience in oil & gas operations.
• 2+ years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Strong experience with PLC programming, SCADA systems, RTUs, and field instrumentation .
• Experience with LACT units, flow measurement systems, and custody transfer equipment .
• Ability to troubleshoot automation systems, communications networks, and control equipment.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Schneider .
• Experience with flow computers (Emerson ROC, Totalflow, etc.) .
• Knowledge of Modbus, Ethernet/IP, and industrial communication protocols .
• Familiarity with pipeline and production facility automation systems .

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to travel frequently to field locations.
• Work in outdoor industrial environments including production facilities and pipeline stations.
• Ability to lift equipment and work around energized systems and rotating machinery.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement with company match
• Paid time off
• Career advancement opportunities

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