Operations Specialist - Automation

Under general supervision, assists professionals in the field with routine operations specialist duties per role specific knowledge. Responsible for oil and gas well operations, well testing, operating and maintaining field equipment and facilities. Provides operational assistance to personnel based on specialty. Some duties may include, but not limited to, calibration of equipment, routine troubleshooting, basic understanding of POC and Well Analyzer. Working independently or in a collaborative team to optimize production in a safe, cost effective and efficient manner. Based on data, be able to make recommendations for well optimization.

Essential Roles & Responsibilities

• Responsible for surveillance of general field operations and maintenance of various databases regarding production operations
• Basic ability to provide basic technical and mechanical assistance to production operations personnel
• Prepare various tickets, work orders, records and other administrative reports to manage trends and to support recommendations
• Collect field data, evaluate, and make recommendations for well optimization
• Understanding of oil and gas flow operations and relative equipment
• Ensure work assignments are carried out in highest level of quality and safety precautions
• Assist and communicate with operators to schedule and review specialist duties
• Implement quality assurance process with contractors on site
• Prepare and manage work orders in a timely manner
• Observe and report abnormal or dangerous conditions pertaining to surface production equipment
• Conduct business with the highest ethical standards; demonstrate decision-making skills that ensure the safety of all persons associated with SM facilities
• Other duties as assigned

Computer/Software Applications:

• Basic level of skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office. 
• Basic knowledge of the following discipline specific programs as required by specific specialty: Reservoir: Aries, HIS; Drilling: Well View, AFE Navigator; Completions: Well View; Facilities: Oceaneering ACET, eMaint CMMS; SCADA 
• Technical skills that allow easy adaptation to other related applications (AVM, SAP, Spotfire).

Role-Specific Technical Knowledge & Skills:

• Maintain and Install Instrumentation device, Calibrate/Scale/Verify input/output devices for accuracy.
• Support field operations with Preventive Maintenance and Inspection or Instrumentation and Low Voltage Electrical components.
• Track workload and document troubleshooting, and corrective actions taken to resolve issues.
• Supported equipment: Tank Level Monitoring Devices (Guided Wave Radar and Dual Float Probes), Pressure Transmitters, O2 and H2S Analyzers, PLC Back Plates and Power supplies to include relays and fuse replacement, 900 MHz and 2.4-5.0 GHz frequency radios and Various Cell Modems.
• Software Applications – Ability to download and navigate supporting device software and apply software tools to setup, troubleshoot and configure a variety of electronic and measurement device types.
• Intermediate Communications understanding/troubleshooting –TCP/IP and RTU RS485 Modbus Network Connectivity, modem configurations, radio configurations, Network settings and IP, gateway, subnet mask understanding and RTU Slave and Master configurations with limited to no supervision.
• Instrumentation – Hart Communicators, Configuration, and device Calibration/Scaling. 4-20mA Input/Output, Phone-out and/or ohm out of wiring and device repair/replacement with no supervision.
• Electrical – 110VAC and lower, 24-48 VDC, Amperage requirements and Power supply sizing. Understanding of Relay contact controls and wiring diagrams. Ability to troubleshoot wiring schematics for low voltage control panel backplates and power supplies. Identify wire compliance issues to include grounding and drain loop wiring deficiencies and other root cause issues with relay and fuse block performance.
• Entry Level Automation understanding to correlate end device configuration and Graphical Interfaces and control narrative cause and effect logic/functions.
• Can consistently identify “What a device is, how it is being used, and why it is important to the Facility Process”.

Typical Experience:

Minimum 2+ years of work experience required. Oil and gas industry experience a plus.

Typical Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Work in various weather conditions and environments
• Move, transport, and position equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Manipulate valves, gauges, and other control mechanisms
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle to travel between well sites**
• Ability to climb up to 30 feet in height and function without fear
• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time
• Must meet and maintain eligibility requirements to drive a company vehicle OR valid state driver’s license and clean driving record

SM Energy offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which include, but are not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations. Details are available at Careers :: SM Energy Company (SM) (sm-energy.com).

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.