Lease Operator III

Danos; Carlsbad, Northern (NM, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Danos is hiring a Lease Operator in New Mexico to safely operate wells and processing units, monitor production parameters, and ensure environmental compliance. You will handle gas testing, sampling, and maintain production records, while supporting startup and routine maintenance.

The role requires a college degree or trade school certificate, plus prior oil & gas experience. You must be able to lift 50 lbs, rotate shifts, and work in a multicultural environment.

Qualifications

• College degree or trade school certificate is required.
• Experience in oil & gas operations and ability to operate, maintain and repair surface equipment.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and monitor wells, processing units, and separation facilities.
• Monitor temperature, pressure, levels, flow, and other process parameters.
• Gauge tanks, read meters, take samples, and maintain production records.
• Inspect equipment for leaks and abnormal conditions; adjust parameters to optimize production.
• Issue Safe Work Permits, perform gas testing, and coordinate oil sales and saltwater hauling.

Skills

Computer skills

Team player

Safety awareness

Communication

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.