Lead Operator

Job DetailsJob Location: Lea County - Lea County, NM 88252Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $80,971.73 - $121,457.60 SalaryPOSITION SUMMARY Under limited supervision of the Foreman, the Lead Operator is fully competent in all operational areas and serves as a subject-matter expert across multiple well routes. This role fills in for the Foreman during periods of PTO and acts as a key liaison with the Operations Foreman to communicate operational issues, successes, and opportunities to improve efficiency.   The Lead Operator is responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of a designated group of oil and gas wells, ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant operations while maximizing production and sales volumes. This position independently resolves most operational issues, escalating only those requiring engineering support. As the Lead Operator provides guidance, training, and best-practice leadership to less experienced Lease Operators.   This role requires the ability to coordinate, plan, and execute short- and long-term work activities to meet production and LOE goals while multitasking across multiple assignments and performing effectively under pressure.  Schedules will be assigned as needed by Foreman's, which may include OT, night & day work schedules.  ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure the safe, efficient, and environmentally sound operation of leased equipment and production facilities.    Perform daily operational checks of assigned wells and production/injection facilities as scheduled.  Supervises well work to the level assigned by the Foreman or Operations Foreman.   Operate and perform advanced troubleshooting on production equipment, compressors, and standard artificial lift systems.  Maintain regulatory, environmental, and safety compliance in close coordination with Foreman's, Production Coordinators, and the EHS Department.   Support and comply with all company policies and procedures.  Secure, maintain, and properly utilize all company-issued equipment, including vehicles, computers, and testing/analysis equipment.   Capable of climbing stairs, ladders and various equipment during production and drilling operations as required.  Operate and maintain assigned wells to maximize profitability while ensuring safe and environmentally sound conditions.   Actively participate in company safety programs and initiatives.  Exercise authority to stop unsafe work by employees or contractors at any time.   Collaborate with engineering, accounting, completions, construction, EH&S, planning, land, and regulatory teams to improve operations, reduce operating expenses, implement recent technologies, and mitigate safety and environmental risks.  Assist the production team with maintenance, operations, field measurement, and accurate production reporting.   Train, mentor, and develop less experienced operators in all aspects of their responsibilities.  Supervise roustabouts and service crews as needed, ensuring proper work execution and adherence to procedures.   Maintain positive working relationships with vendors, contractors, landowners, and community stakeholders.  Perform and ensure completion of all required maintenance tasks using internal resources when possible, engaging contractors only when necessary.    Demonstrate a strong working knowledge of oil and gas production operations, including surface equipment, surface electrical systems, electronic controls, and gas flow measurement.   OTHER DUTIES Work extended hours and overtime as required, in accordance with company policy.   Serve as a field-wide point of contact during emergencies or significant operational events.   Perform additional duties and special projects assigned to support departmental and company objectives.  SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES   Serve as acting Foreman when required.   Mentor and train new operators, documenting performance issues, or concerns as appropriate. QualificationsREQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Demonstrated commitment to safe work behaviors and practices.   Proficient computer skills with the ability to use multiple software applications.  Ability to maneuver heavy objects and operate machinery safely and effectively.   Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels.  Elevated level of professional integrity, accountability, and reliability   Ability to write legibly and clearly.  Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions.   Ability to safely operate a vehicle in all weather conditions and travel to remote oil and gas locations.   Willingness and ability to work in hazardous driving conditions year-round.   Understand the safe operation of valves and facilities operating under high pressure/temperature.    Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.   You must be clean-shaven and able to wear a full-faced respirator.  REQUIRED EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS High School Diploma or GED or equivalent related work experience    5-10 years general Oil/Gas field and Lease Operator experience   REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES Current valid driver’s license   PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Previous experience in Oil and Gas Exploration & Production   PREFERRED EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS 5-10 years’ experience in Oil and Gas Production and Optimization   PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES None   POSITION SCOPE & IMPACT  Individual contributor with impact on assigned field operations and production.   TRAVEL Up to 5%, as business requires.   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  Physical Demand NA Rare 0-30% Occasional 30-60% Frequent 60-90% Constant 90-100% Weight Standing       X     Walking       X     Sitting     X       Lifting       X   Up to 80 lbs. Carrying       X   Up to 80 lbs. Pushing       X     Pulling       X     Climbing       X     Balancing       X     Stooping     X       Kneeling     X       Crouching       X     Crawling   X         Reaching     X       Handling     X       Grasping     X       Feeling     X       Talking       X     Hearing       X     Repetitive Motions       X     Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination       X     WORK ENVIRONMENT Working Condition NA Rare 0-30% Occasional 30-60% Frequent 60-90% Constant Extreme cold       X   Extreme heat     X     Humidity     X     Wet     X     Noise       X   Hazards       X   Temperature Change       X   Atmospheric Conditions       X   Vibration     X     Other:           Jonah Energy determines the salary level for potential new employees by considering a candidate's experience, skills, and education, along with the position's work location, external market conditions and internal pay equity. We offer a comprehensive benefit package including generous PTO, 401k match and discretionary profit sharing, tuition assistance, professional development, and eligibility for short term incentive program.  Additionally, eligible employees may enroll in health, dental, vision and life insurance on their first day of employment and elect from several voluntary group benefits.  As an employee you have the opportunity to make a difference in a company where your position is critical to project success! It has been and will continue to be the policy of Jonah Energy LLC not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.  Employment is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screenings.