Lease Operator
Carlsbad, NM
Full Time
Mid Level
Job Title: Lease Operator
Location: Carlsbad, New MexicoSchedule: 8 Days On / 6 Days Off
Hours: 56 hours per week
Pay Rate: $37–$47/hr (dependent on experience)
Position Overview
The Lease Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient operation, monitoring, and maintenance preparation of wells, processing units, and related oil & gas facilities. This role places a strong emphasis on oil, gas, and water separation operations, utilities, and facility optimization. The position supports a large-scale project environment that includes new facility start-ups, operating tools, permitting processes, and required training.Candidates with experience in new facility commissioning, startup operations, and production operations are strongly preferred.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Safety
- Ensure personal and coworker safety; follow and enforce all safety policies and procedures
- Serve as the primary operations contact for assigned facilities
- Participate in daily safety meetings, toolbox talks, and continuous improvement efforts
- Issue Safe Work Permits with a thorough understanding of operational risks
- Conduct gas testing to ensure safe work conditions
- Support emergency response activities as required
Facility Monitoring & Process Control
- Monitor wells, processing units, and surface facilities for proper operation
- Inspect equipment using sight, sound, smell, and touch
- Review computer data and schematics to optimize process flow
- Gauge tanks, read meters, collect samples, and record production data
- Monitor temperatures, pressures, levels, flows, vibrations, and chemical injection rates
- Adjust operating parameters to maintain product specifications
- Maintain accurate gauge sheets and document production changes
Maintenance & Coordination
- Perform basic maintenance (filters, lubrication, valve packing, steam traps, etc.)
- Ensure wellhead and surface equipment readiness prior to workover activities
- Coordinate oil sales and saltwater hauling
- Communicate operational status and issues to Production Foreman
- Perform seasonal equipment preparation (winterization/summerization)
- Maintain company vehicle in safe operating condition
Environmental & Compliance
- Execute work in compliance with environmental policies and regulatory requirements
- Minimize environmental impacts such as spills and emissions
- Inspect and maintain safety equipment (fire extinguishers, breathing apparatus, safety valves)
- Support environmental and regulatory compliance initiatives
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma (college degree or trade certification preferred)
- Prior experience in a closely related oil & gas operations role
- Strong understanding of surface production equipment
- Knowledge of oil & gas process flow and facility operations
- Strong computer skills and data entry capability
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work rotating schedules and respond to call-outs
- Physically capable of lifting over 50 lbs and climbing ladders/stairways
- Ability to wear SCBA and use safety detection equipment
- Proven teamwork and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Preferred Experience
- Lease operating or pumper experience
- New facility startup or commissioning experience
- Permitting experience
- Oversight of small field crews (2–3 personnel)
- Multicultural work environment exposure
Additional Information
- Safety-sensitive role
- Company-provided gas monitor, computer, and phone
- Truck allowance included
- Open to a range of experience levels, with a focus on quality candidates
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