Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Gathering Technician

🎯 Role Definition

At the heart of our energy infrastructure, the Gathering Technician serves as a critical frontline operator responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of our oil and gas gathering systems. This role is the hands-on force ensuring the continuous flow of resources from the wellhead to processing facilities.

A Gathering Technician is a master of their domain—a designated geographical area containing well sites, pipelines, compressor stations, and related surface equipment. They combine a strong mechanical aptitude with a diligent, safety-focused mindset to monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot the equipment that powers our world. This position requires a high degree of independence, technical skill, and problem-solving ability, as technicians often work autonomously in remote locations to ensure production targets and regulatory standards are consistently met.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Roustabout or Lease Operator Helper
Graduate of a Process Technology or related technical program
Experienced Mechanic or Electrician from another industrial field

Advancement To:

Lead Gathering Technician or Senior Operator
Field Operations Supervisor / Foreman
Operations Superintendent

Lateral Moves:

Measurement Technician
I&E (Instrumentation & Electrical) Technician
Maintenance Planner / Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Proactively operate, monitor, and adjust natural gas compressors, engines, and associated dehydration units to ensure optimal performance and meet designated throughput targets.
Continuously monitor pipeline pressures, temperatures, and flow rates using SCADA systems and local gauges to maintain system integrity and operational efficiency.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve mechanical and operational issues with production and gathering equipment to minimize downtime and production losses.
Execute planned and preventative maintenance tasks on pumps, valves, compressors, and other field equipment according to manufacturer specifications and company schedules.
Strictly adhere to and perform Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to ensure equipment is properly isolated and de-energized before maintenance or repair work begins.
Utilize Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems to remotely monitor operations, respond to alarms, and make control adjustments across the assigned field area.
Diligently monitor and manage fluid levels in production tanks, separators, and storage vessels, coordinating with transport services for fluid hauling.
Accurately document and record daily operational data, including production volumes, equipment run times, maintenance activities, and safety observations in a digital log or reporting system.
Systematically collect gas, oil, and water samples from various points in the system for laboratory analysis to ensure product quality and adherence to specifications.
Coordinate and execute pipeline pigging operations to clean and inspect pipelines, ensuring their integrity and efficient flow.
Conduct regular inspections and take necessary actions to ensure all operations comply with state and federal environmental regulations, including SPCC (Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure) plans.
Be available for and respond to after-hours call-outs and operational emergencies in a timely and effective manner to restore normal operations safely.
Maintain and optimize chemical injection systems, ensuring the correct type and volume of chemicals are used for corrosion inhibition, hydration prevention, and other treatment processes.
Regularly inspect, test, and document the functionality of critical safety shutdown devices, emergency systems, and fire protection equipment.
Utilize Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and process flow diagrams to understand system design and effectively troubleshoot operational problems.
Uphold high standards of housekeeping at all assigned well sites, compressor stations, and facilities to promote a safe and professional work environment.
Safely operate a company-provided vehicle to travel between various work sites, often in remote locations and under challenging weather and road conditions.
Monitor critical process variables like pressure, temperature, level, and flow, making necessary adjustments through control systems or manually to maintain stable and efficient operations.
Supervise and monitor the work of third-party contractors on-site to ensure their activities are performed safely and meet company standards.
Actively participate in all safety meetings, tailgate talks, and training sessions, contributing to a strong, proactive safety culture.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis for the operations team.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by providing frontline operational feedback.
Collaborate with engineering and construction teams during new facility commissioning and startup.
Participate in incident investigations and root cause analysis to prevent future occurrences.
Assist in managing inventory of spare parts, consumables, and critical equipment on site.
Provide field-level input for the development of new operating procedures and safety protocols.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Compressor Operation & Maintenance: Deep understanding of the principles and hands-on ability to operate, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance on natural gas compressors (reciprocating and screw).
SCADA System Proficiency: Ability to effectively use SCADA software to monitor real-time data, acknowledge alarms, and control remote equipment.
Process Troubleshooting: A systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving operational upsets within a complex system of pipes, vessels, and rotating equipment.
Pipeline Operations: Knowledge of pipeline hydraulics, pigging procedures, and integrity management practices.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Expertise: Proficient in applying energy isolation procedures to ensure personal and equipment safety during maintenance tasks.
Gas & Liquid Measurement: Familiarity with orifice meters, ultrasonic meters (USMs), coriolis meters, and tank gauging to ensure accurate production accounting.
Mechanical Maintenance: Competency in performing preventative maintenance and minor repairs on pumps, valves, engines, and other mechanical systems.

Soft Skills

Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to performing every task safely and a willingness to stop work if conditions are unsafe.
Independent Work Ethic: The ability to work productively and manage time effectively with minimal direct supervision in a remote setting.
Strong Problem-Solver: A natural curiosity and logical approach to identifying the root cause of a problem and implementing a durable solution.
Mechanical Aptitude: An intuitive understanding of how mechanical systems work and a knack for hands-on repair and maintenance.
Clear Communication: The ability to clearly and concisely communicate operational status, safety concerns, and maintenance needs both verbally and in writing.
Adaptability: The flexibility to respond to changing operational priorities, emergency call-outs, and varying weather conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
A valid driver's license with a clean driving record is required.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or Technical Certificate from a vocational school.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Process Technology (PTEC)
Instrumentation & Electrical Technology
Natural Gas Compression
Petroleum Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-5 years of direct experience in oil and gas field operations, pipeline operations, or gas plant/compressor station environments.

Preferred: Candidates with specific experience on engine and compressor types (e.g., Caterpillar, Waukesha, Ariel, Cooper) and familiarity with common SCADA platforms (e.g., CygNet, Wonderware) are highly desirable.