Lease Operator III

Danos, LLC; Carlsbad (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Danos, LLC is seeking a Lease Operator to safely operate and monitor wells and processing units, ensuring efficient production and environmental compliance. This role emphasizes gas testing, permit issuance, and collaboration with the Production Foreman in a dynamic oil and gas setting.

Candidates should have a college degree or trade school certificate, strong computer and communication skills, and the ability to lift over 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• Requires college degree or trade school certificate.
• Experience in oil & gas operations.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and repairing surface equipment.
• Knowledge of production processes, safety and environmental procedures.
• Strong computer and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team and in rotating shifts.
• Must be able to lift over 50 lbs. and climb stairs.
• Must meet background, drug, MVR and fitness-for-duty requirements.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and monitor wells, processing units, and related production equipment.
• Monitor temperature, pressure, levels, flow rates, vibration, differential pressure and chemical injection rates.
• Gauge tanks, read meters, take samples, maintain production/gauge records.
• Inspect equipment for leaks, freezing, overheating, and abnormal conditions.
• Adjust operating parameters to optimize production and meet specs.
• Issue Safe Work Permits and perform gas testing for maintenance.
• Coordinate oil sales and saltwater hauling as needed.
• Perform basic maintenance: lubricants, valves, filters, and positions.
• Monitor equipment using handheld/computer systems.
• Ensure safety equipment and detectors are in good condition.
• Communicate production conditions with the Production Foreman.
• Follow environmental procedures to minimize spills and emissions.
• Support startup, winterization, and equipment efficiency.
• Maintain attendance and safe work practices in independent/team settings.

Skills

Computer skills

Written/verbal communication

Teamwork

Safety procedures

Ability to work in rotating shifts

Physical fitness

SCBA/safety equipment familiarity

Education

College degree or trade school certificate

Job description

Overview

Lease Operator is Responsible for the safe and efficient operation, monitoring, and maintenance preparation of wells, processing units, and related production facilities. This role focuses heavily on oil, gas, and water separation facilities, process monitoring, equipment optimization, safety, environmental compliance, and production operations. The position also supports facility startup, work permitting, gas testing, oil sales, saltwater hauling, and routine equipment maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and monitor wells, processing units, separation facilities, and related production equipment.
• Monitor temperature, pressure, levels, flow rates, vibration, differential pressure, and chemical injection rates.
• Gauge tanks, read meters, take product samples, and maintain accurate production/gauge records.
• Inspect equipment for leaks, freezing, overheating, and other abnormal operating conditions.
• Adjust operating parameters to optimize production and maintain product specifications.
• Issue Safe Work Permits and perform gas testing for maintenance activities.
• Coordinate oil sales and saltwater hauling as needed.
• Perform basic maintenance, including adding lubricants, tightening valve packing, changing filters, and checking valve positions.
• Monitor equipment using handheld and computer-based monitoring systems.
• Inspect and maintain awareness of safety equipment, including valves, extinguishers, hoses, breathing apparatus, and detectors.
• Communicate production conditions and operational changes with the Production Foreman.
• Follow environmental procedures to minimize spills, flaring, emissions, and other environmental impacts.
• Support facility startup, winterization, and equipment efficiency.
• Work independently and as part of a team while maintaining reliable attendance and safe work practices.

Qualifications

• College degree or trade school certificate required.
• Previous experience in a closely related oil & gas operations position.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and repairing surface equipment associated with oil & gas production.
• Strong understanding of production processes, equipment monitoring, safety, and environmental procedures.
• Strong computer skills and written/verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Must be willing to work a rotating shift and be available for call-outs.
• Must be able to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Must be able to lift more than 50 lbs. and climb ladders/stairs.
• Must be able to use SCBA, safety detectors, and other required safety equipment.
• Facility startup/operations experience is highly desirable.
• Must be able to meet all conditional job offer requirements including background, drug, MVR, agility and fit for duty.