Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Experience Field Operator

🎯 Role Definition

We're looking for a proactive and safety-conscious Experience Field Operator to join our dynamic team. In this pivotal hands-on role, you will be the frontline authority for our field assets, responsible for the daily monitoring, maintenance, and optimization of production equipment and facilities. You will operate within a culture that prioritizes safety and environmental stewardship above all else. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot complex operational issues independently. Your expertise will directly impact our ability to meet production targets safely and efficiently, making you a key contributor to our operational success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Field Technician
Junior Operator / Operator in Training
Roustabout or other Oilfield Services Roles
Relevant Military Occupational Specialty (e.g., Machinist's Mate, Engineman)

Advancement To:

Senior Field Operator / Lead Operator
Field Supervisor / Operations Foreman
Control Room Operator
Maintenance Planner / Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Maintenance Technician
EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) Specialist
Logistics Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Proactively monitor, inspect, and maintain a wide range of production and processing equipment, including separators, compressors, pumps, and dehydration units, to ensure optimal and reliable performance.
Conduct comprehensive daily operational checks of well sites, central facilities, and associated pipeline systems to swiftly identify and address potential safety, environmental, or production issues.
Perform routine surveillance and data gathering across assigned wells and facilities, making necessary adjustments to controls and equipment to manage and optimize production volumes.
Diagnose and troubleshoot equipment failures and operational abnormalities, executing minor mechanical repairs and effectively coordinating with dedicated maintenance teams for larger-scale jobs.
Diligently and accurately record all production data, operational parameters, and maintenance activities into digital logbooks and company reporting systems.
Execute established chemical treatment programs by meticulously monitoring injection rates, managing chemical inventories, and verifying system effectiveness to ensure asset integrity and flow assurance.
Strictly adhere to all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) policies and procedures, actively participating in safety meetings, job safety analyses (JSAs), and exercising Stop Work Authority when necessary.
Prepare equipment for maintenance activities by flawlessly executing Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and issuing safe work permits to ensure the safety of all personnel.
Collect and analyze fluid samples (oil, gas, water) according to prescribed schedules and testing procedures, interpreting results to make informed operational adjustments.
Respond decisively and effectively to system alarms and emergency situations, taking immediate corrective actions to safeguard personnel, the environment, and company assets.
Perform regular pigging operations on pipelines to maintain flow assurance, prevent blockages, and ensure long-term pipeline integrity.
Interface with SCADA, PLC, and other remote monitoring systems to oversee field-wide operations, analyze trends, and respond to alerts.
Calibrate, test, and document the functionality of critical safety devices, including emergency shutdown (ESD) systems, gas detectors, and pressure safety valves.
Provide clear, detailed, and accurate shift handovers to ensure seamless continuity of operations and effective communication of ongoing tasks and potential issues.
Witness, verify, and document custody transfer activities, ensuring precise measurement and reporting for all oil, gas, and water sales or transfers.
Act as a professional and responsible company representative when interacting with landowners, regulatory agencies, and third-party contractors.
Participate actively in incident investigations and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) exercises to identify contributing factors and help implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Support the startup and commissioning of new wells, facilities, and production equipment, ensuring they are brought online safely and efficiently.
Utilize the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to generate work orders, document performed work, and review equipment history.
Maintain an exceptional standard of housekeeping at all work sites, ensuring a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
Support environmental compliance initiatives by conducting regular site inspections for potential leaks or spills and assisting in any required remediation efforts.

Secondary Functions

Provide operational data and field-level insights to support engineering and production analysis.
Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of operational procedures and safety best practices.
Collaborate effectively with maintenance, engineering, and EHS teams to ensure safe and efficient project execution.
Participate in daily operational meetings, pre-job safety planning, and formal risk assessments.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Strong mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting and performing minor repairs on pumps, compressors, and engines.
In-depth knowledge of wellhead operations and various artificial lift systems (e.g., Rod Pump, ESP, Gas Lift).
Proficiency in operating and optimizing process separation equipment like heater treaters, separators, and dehydration units.
Competency in reading and interpreting technical documents, including P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams) and process flow diagrams.
Advanced understanding and practical application of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and safe work permitting procedures.
Experience with SCADA, PLC, and other remote operations monitoring systems.
Familiarity with the use and calibration of gas detection and critical safety monitoring equipment.
Understanding of flow measurement principles and custody transfer standards.
Proficient in using the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) for daily reporting and communication.
Experience with chemical treatment programs, including dosage calculation and injection system maintenance.
Knowledge of relevant environmental and pipeline regulations (e.g., EPA, DOT, PHMSA).

Soft Skills

An unwavering commitment to safety and environmental stewardship in every task.
Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities in high-pressure situations.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing time and priorities effectively.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly for shift handovers and reporting.
Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills for collaborating with diverse teams.
High level of attention to detail and accuracy in data collection and record-keeping.
Adaptability to work in challenging weather conditions and respond to changing operational needs.
Proactive mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or a certificate from a technical/vocational program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Process Technology (PTEC)
Petroleum Engineering Technology
Industrial Maintenance or Instrumentation
Natural Gas Compression

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-8 years of direct experience in a field operator role within the oil and gas, chemical processing, or a related industrial environment.

Preferred:

Proven experience operating in the specific basin or environment (e.g., Permian, Marcellus, offshore platform).
Experience with high-pressure gas, sour gas (H2S), or complex water flood systems is highly desirable.