SUMMARY
The Fied Operations Specialist provides advanced technical and operational support for the Company's midstream field operations. This position serves as a subject matter expert and key technical resource for Field Operators, providing operational guidance, troubleshooting support, work review, training, and continuous improvement across field operations.
The Field Operations Specialist works closely with the Field Supervisor, Director Field Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Automation, Measurement, Environmental, Health & Safety, and other departments to support safe, reliable, and efficient field operations.
This position will be focused on training and developing Field Operators. The Field Operations Specialist may provide operational assistance or field coverage when necessary due to staffing needs, significant operational events, emergencies, or other business needs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Serve as a subject matter expert for midstream field operations, including natural gas gathering systems, pipelines, compression facilities, valves, separators, meters, pigging operations, and associated field equipment.
- Provide advanced operational and technical guidance to Field Operators and field leadership regarding field systems, equipment, operating practices, troubleshooting, and operational issues.
- Work closely with the Field Supervisor and Director Field Operations to review Field Operator work, operating practices, field performance, and areas requiring additional development or improvement.
- Train and development Field Operators, including new-hire training, operational procedures, equipment knowledge, troubleshooting techniques, and safe work practices.
- Evaluate Field Operator knowledge and understanding of equipment, procedures, and field operating requirements and provide feedback to field leadership regarding additional training or development needs.
- Assist with developing, reviewing, and improving Field Operator training materials, operating procedures, checklists, job aids, and other operational documentation.
- Provide technical guidance to Field Operators while reinforcing consistent operating practices and Company expectations.
- Review field operating procedures and recommend improvements based on operational experience, equipment performance, safety considerations, and industry best practices.
- Provide technical support for natural gas gathering systems, compression facilities, pipeline systems, pigging operations, valves, separators, dehydration equipment, measurement equipment, and other associated field assets.
- Participate in field walk-downs, inspections, and operational assessments to identify safety, reliability, maintenance, and operational improvement opportunities.
- Review recurring field issues and work with the Field Supervisor, Director Field Operations, Engineering, Automation, Measurement, and other departments to develop long-term solutions.
- Communicate with the Engineering team as needed regarding equipment performance, facility modifications, system improvements, operational concerns, and field projects.
- Provide field operations input for new equipment, pipeline modifications, compression projects, facility expansions, and other engineering or operational projects.
- Support operational readiness, commissioning, startup, and implementation of new or modified field equipment and facilities.
- Assist with identifying and resolving operational, safety, reliability, and compliance-related action items.
- Support the development and implementation of standardized field operating practices.
- Identify opportunities to improve field reliability, equipment performance, operational efficiency, safety, and consistency.
- Serve as a technical resource during abnormal operating conditions, significant equipment issues, system outages, emergencies, or other complex operational events.
- Provide operational assistance or field coverage when necessary due to staffing shortages, call-outs, emergencies, or other business needs. Routine Field Operator coverage is not the primary function of this position.
- Promote strong communication and collaboration between Field Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Automation, Measurement, Environmental, Health & Safety, and other supporting departments.
- Demonstrate strong ownership and accountability for assigned operational initiatives, technical projects, training responsibilities, and improvement opportunities.
- Promote safe, reliable, and efficient field operations through continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and sound operational decision-making.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS - Minimum 10 years of experience in natural gas gathering, midstream field operations, pipeline operations, compression operations, or a closely related field operations role preferred.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or related education preferred.
- Extensive knowledge of midstream natural gas field operations and associated equipment.
- Strong understanding of natural gas gathering systems, pipelines, compression facilities, valves, separators, pigging operations, measurement equipment, and related field assets.
- Demonstrated ability to serve as a subject matter expert, technical resource, mentor, or lead for field operations personnel.
- Experience training Field Operators or other operations personnel.
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to review field operating practices and identify opportunities for improved safety, reliability, efficiency, and consistency.
- Experience troubleshooting operational issues involving gathering systems, compression, pipeline equipment, valves, instrumentation, and associated field equipment.
- Experience working collaboratively with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Automation, Measurement, Environmental, and Health & Safety teams.
- Working knowledge of applicable safety, environmental, regulatory, and Company requirements associated with midstream field operations.
- Experience supporting operational projects, facility modifications, equipment installations, startups, commissioning, or other field initiatives preferred.
- Strong judgment and decision-making skills with the ability to develop practical solutions to complex operational issues.
- Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities without requiring direct supervisory responsibility.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and take ownership of assigned projects and operational initiatives.
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and applicable field operating, maintenance, and monitoring systems.
Ability to:
- Ability to work in natural gas processing plant and field environments.
- Ability to work outdoors in changing weather and climate conditions.
- Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds as required.
- Ability to climb stairs and ladders and access elevated plant equipment.
- Ability to work while standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, or climbing as required.
- Ability to safely perform plant inspections, equipment assessments, and facility walk-downs.
- Ability to wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including flame-resistant clothing, safety footwear, eye and hearing protection, and gas monitoring equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS This position requires regular work within operating natural gas processing facilities and may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions, operating machinery, elevated noise levels, and other conditions typical of midstream oil and gas operations.
The position may require travel, extended work hours, and availability outside of normal business hours to support plant startups, shutdowns, turnarounds, commissioning activities, projects, process upsets, and significant operational events.
