Senior Field Operator — Production Operations

Employ Africa Group; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 992,719 - 1,323,626; Full time

Job summary

Employ Africa Group is seeking two Senior Field Operators for a 28/28 rotation at the South Lokichar Basin in Turkana, Kenya. Candidates must have over 10 years of experience in wellsite operations, with hands-on ESP/PCP experience. Responsibilities include operating production equipment, monitoring performance via SCADA, and ensuring safety practices. This role prioritizes Kenyan nationals and East/West African candidates, and offers the chance to work on early production in a dynamic environment with strong support from the production team.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in wellsite operations, commissioning, and production start-up.
• Hands-on ESP and/or PCP artificial lift experience.
• Competent with SCADA surveillance systems and leak detection protocols.
• Strong troubleshooter; committed to safe working practices in remote environments.

Responsibilities

• Commission, start up, operate and maintain wellhead and production equipment (ESP/PCP).
• Monitor well performance via SCADA; detect and report leaks and operational anomalies.
• Test safety systems and manage chemical usage daily.
• Troubleshoot well performance issues and support the production engineer with optimisation.
• Maintain accurate operational records and mentor junior operators on site.

Skills

Wellsite operations

ESP artificial lift experience

PCP artificial lift experience

SCADA systems

Troubleshooting

Education

Diploma in petroleum operations or mechanical systems

Job description

Our client is a global energy technology company recruiting two Senior Field Operators for a 28/28 rotation at the South Lokichar Basin — a remote onshore site in Turkana, Northern Kenya targeting first commercial oil in late 2026. These are new positions. Kenyan nationals and East/West African candidates are given first priority.

The role

You’ll operate and maintain wellhead and production equipment across up to 50 wells running ESP and PCP lift systems, monitor performance via SCADA, and respond to anomalies at the Lokichar field site. You'll work closely with the Nairobi-based Production Engineer, with a 2-day paid handover at each rotation change to ensure continuity.

Responsibilities

• Commission, start up, operate and maintain wellhead and production equipment (ESP/PCP).
• Monitor well performance via SCADA; detect and report leaks and operational anomalies.
• Test safety systems and manage chemical usage daily.
• Troubleshoot well performance issues and support the production engineer with optimisation.
• Maintain accurate operational records and mentor junior operators on site.

Requirements

Essential

• 10+ years in wellsite operations, commissioning, and production start-up.
• Hands-on ESP and/or PCP artificial lift experience.
• Competent with SCADA surveillance systems and leak detection protocols.
• Strong troubleshooter; committed to safe working practices in remote environments.
• Diploma or equivalent in petroleum operations or mechanical systems.

Desirable

• East Africa upstream experience, particularly early production or ramp-up assets.
• H2S, BOSIET, OPITO or equivalent safety certifications.