RRC - Engineering Specialist II - Oil & Gas IIJA Federally Funded Plugging Inspector - FFP - Technical Specialist - Austin

The Railroad Commission of Texas is a state agency with primary regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and natural gas industry; pipeline transport and pipeline safety; natural gas utilities; the LP-gas industry, and surface mining operations. You can find more details about us on the Railroad Commission of Texas’ website here https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.  

To support our mission to serve Texas, we need great people to join our team. We provide a great working environment along with outstanding benefits, including:  

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick time, and at least 12 paid holidays per year
• Telework options for eligible positions
• Flexible work schedules
• Retirement pension with a 150% agency match – you can watch this YouTube video that describes this amazing benefit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJI6M7g73-w
• 401(k), 457(b) and Roth
• Health premiums 100% paid for full-time employees
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness and Exercise Leave
• Career development programs/opportunities for advancement   

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/jobs/. To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit the Employee Retirement Systems website at https://ers.texas.gov/benefits-at-a-glance. 

Job Description

The Railroad Commission of Texas, recognized as a worldwide leader in the regulation of oil and gas exploration and production, seeks an Oil and Gas Technical Staff member to review and assess oilfield operations for designated Field Offices for the Field Operations Section of the Oil and Gas Division.  

The Railroad Commission (RRC) will receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) under Title VI – Methane Reduction Infrastructure section of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to plug orphaned wells. RRC could potentially receive grant funds from other sections of the IIJA.  This position is temporary for the duration of the IIJA federal funding which is scheduled to be four to seven years.

Primary responsibilities include advanced-level technical and administrative monitoring and review of plugging, salvage, and associated routine site cleanup operations for the State Managed Plugging Program to ensure the isolation of productive zones, potential flow zones, corrosive zones, and protection of the State Usable Quality Waters for orphaned wells plugged under IIJA federal funding.  May also be responsible for collecting additional data related to plugging activities as required by IIJA federal grant.

This position offers the opportunity to learn up-to-date oil and gas operations and procedures, regulatory well plugging requirements, well plugging techniques, and equipment. This role will also enhance skills in identifying downhole well production equipment, the associated usage, and removal procedures and will enhance skills needed to solve complex well drilling and plugging problems.  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Field Operations.

Essential Job Functions

• •    Process and review recommendations from the District Offices for Legal Enforcement Action to be referred to the Commission’s Office of General Counsel, Enforcement Section.
• •    Process and review State Managed plugging recommendations and contracts.
• •    Process and review invoices and vouchers for State Managed Pluggings.
• •    Process and review well salvage reports and claims.
• •    Participate in meetings with Industry Technical Staff members discussing compliance issues.
• •    Communicate, via phone, e-mail, or in-person with industry staff and the general public.
• •    Generate reports on various Field Operations activities.
• •    Review reports filed by the District Offices
• •    Provide technical assistance to District staff in evaluating field problems and offering possible solutions as they relate to Commission rules, policies, and procedures.
• •    Provide technical and administrative assistance to the oil and gas regulated community and the general public.
• •    Assist in developing Field Operations procedures and training.
• •    Evaluate fluid level tests on wells to ensure protection of the State’s usable quality water.
• •    Evaluate engineering and geological data.
• •    Communicate technical information to industry employees and the public. 
• •    Perform related essential tasks as assigned to maintain workflow.

For Military Crosswalk information please visit: Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Engineering and Design (texas.gov)

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering, Geology, or other scientific degree from an accredited four-year college or university OR Associate’s Degree or technical certification from an accredited technical institute/college plus two years' work experience.
• Twelve (12) months of experience related to the field of study or job assignment. 
• Experience and education may be substituted on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• •    Industry experience in oilfield operations is preferred.   
• •    Experience in oil and gas regulatory functions.
• •    Knowledge of the Railroad Commission's rules, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• •    Knowledge of higher-level/college level mathematics principles.
• •    Knowledge of generally accepted engineering and geological techniques, principles, theories, and practices.
• •    Skill in the application of engineering and geological concepts. 
• •    Skill in conducting surveys, making inspections, and investigating complaints in a professional and tactful manner.
• •    Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• •    Skill in organization and maintenance of paperwork related to assignments.
• •    Skill in attention to detail and accuracy of work.
• •    Ability to understand, apply, and interpret engineering and geological concepts, techniques, and theories. 
• •    Ability to utilize Microsoft Office computer systems.
• •    Ability to write reports.
• •    Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in working with colleagues, industry, and the general public.
• •    Ability to change tires on a car or truck. 
• •    Ability to walk up to two miles in varying weather conditions as required to perform inspection work. 
• •    Ability to discern colors.
• •    Ability to lift and/or carry oilfield or safety equipment, up to 30 pounds. 
• •    Ability to work independently as required and as a member of a team. 
• •    Possess a valid Texas Driver’s License and a good driving record.
• •    Ability to maintain professional appearance and demeanor when investigating complaints.
• •    Ability to work independently for long periods of time while meeting workload demands.

Work Hours and Telework: Standard office hours for Commission employees are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our agency offers alternate schedules for employees, as long as it does not adversely affect operations and service levels, and standard hours of operation are maintained. The Commission may also offer telework based on the agency’s approved Telework Plan. Alternate work schedules may be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the CAPPS Recruit Prescreening Questionnaire to be considered for the posting. To complete the Prescreening Questionnaire, go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

Remarks:

• There is one available position.
• Official transcripts, DD214 or DD1300, copies of license/certifications, or other minimum requirement validations will be requested at the time of the job offer.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
• Criminal background checks will be conducted on all final candidates. An applicant who has been convicted of a criminal offense relevant to the position may be disqualified from employment.

THE RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS ONLY ACCEPTS ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSTING.  

Due to the high volume of applications we do not accept telephone calls. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.  Notifications to applicants are sent electronically to the email address you provide.
 

• The Railroad Commission of Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not
• discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age
• or disability in employment or in the provision of services.
• The Railroad Commission of Texas is a tobacco-free workplace.