Optimization Operator

Oil Authority; Carlsbad (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Devon in Carlsbad, NM seeks an Optimization Operator to analyze real-time data via SCADA, collaborate with engineers and foremen, and optimize wells and lease operations. You will perform subsurface maintenance, conduct dynamometer surveys, support regulatory and safety compliance, and identify cost reductions while improving efficiency and safety.

Strong problem-solving, field operations knowledge, and the ability to stop work in unsafe conditions are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED required.
• 3–5 years of relevant operations experience preferred, especially in E&P or lease operations.
• Experience with SCADA data analysis and well optimization is expected.

Responsibilities

• Analyze real-time data via SCADA to support decision-making and control complex processes.
• Collaborate with Engineers, DSC/PA, Foremen, and Lease Operators on wells and lease activities.
• Perform subsurface maintenance (non-BOPE) and conduct dynamometer surveys and FBHP measurements as needed.
• Serve as SME for field operations, including surface facilities, equipment, and test gear.
• Maintain regulatory, environmental, and safety compliance in coordination with EHS and Operations.
• Participate in training and promptly report incidents or near misses.
• Possess the authority to stop work in unsafe conditions to ensure safety.

Skills

SCADA

RCA

SPC

Troubleshooting

Simulation

Equipment maintenance

Data analysis

XSPOC

Pi knowledge

Data visualization

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

At Devon, we will offer you a career full of energy and unmatched opportunities to solve today’s greatest challenges. Innovation, creative problem-solving and positive change happen when people step out of their comfort zone and think differently. Our values, workplace practices, wellness programs, benefits and compensation are aimed at helping employees manage their unique personal life and care for their families so they can focus on contributing to the fullest.

*This position is located in Carlsbad, NM*

Job Profile Summary:

Working under general supervision, the Optimization Operator is responsible for analyzing real-time data through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) monitoring. The role collaborates with engineers, operators, and foremen for wells and lease activities, troubleshooting and optimizing producing and underperforming wells. The operator conducts minor subsurface well maintenance, performs dynamometer, fluid shots, and Formation Bottomhole Pressure (FBHP) surveys, and maintains regulatory, environmental, and safety compliance. The role identifies opportunities for operations cost reductions, reducing production variance, and improving job efficiency and safety based on subject matter expertise in field operations. The operator recognizes, analyzes, and resolves complex issues in production operations, takes corrective action in emergency and non-emergency situations, and contributes to operational efficiency and safety.

• Analyzes real-time data through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) monitoring to facilitate informed decision-making and control complex processes efficiently.
• Collaborates with Engineers, DSC/PA, Foremen, and Lease Operators for wells and lease activities, participates in well reviews and route reviews, and troubleshoots and optimizes producing and underperforming wells.
• Conducts minor subsurface well maintenance limited to non-BOPE jobs (e.g., swab, slickline, plunger maintenance, hot oil/water, regulatory, routine testing, batch/chemical/scale jobs, long stroke/respace, cap string inspection, fluid levels, dynamometer) and performs dynamometer, fluid shots, and Formation Bottomhole Pressure (FBHP) surveys where applicable as planned or needed.
• Serves as a subject matter expert in field operations, encompassing artificial plunger lift, surface facility equipment, including computers, vehicles, and analysis or test equipment, and represents the company in the delivery/receipt of materials and equipment.
• Maintains regulatory, environmental, and safety compliance in conjunction with and through close coordination with the Operations Engineers, Superintendents, Foremen, and the Environmental Health and Safety Department.
• Actively participates in training programs to enhance skills and knowledge in lease site operations and reports incidents, accidents, or near misses promptly to supervisors.
• Possesses the right and obligation to stop work in unsafe conditions, contributing to a safe and secure working environment for all personnel.

Education:

• High School Diploma/General Education Diploma (GED) is required.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of relevant experience, preferably in E&P Operations specializing in areas such as Lease Operations, Process Optimization, Equipment Operations and Repair or a related field. Industry experience is preferred.

Competencies:

• Oral & Written Communication
• Results Oriented
• Active Learning
• Digital Literacy
• Business Acumen

Skills:

• SCADA Systems
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Troubleshooting
• Simulation Software and Modeling
• Equipment Maintenance
• Data Analysis
• XSPOC or equivalent
• Knowledge of Pi
• Data Visualization

Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

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