oil and gas specialist

BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions in this job family are involved in performing professional geological, hydrological and/or engineering duties involving the enforcement of laws and rules in oil and gas exploration and production and pollution abatement and environmental programs. This includes review of applications, permits, inspection reports, test results, sample analysis and other documents in order to determine compliance with rules and laws of pollution abatement and reclamation, production allowables, density, location, well plugging, correlative rights and spacing.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

· Conducts reviews to determine accuracy of hydrological and engineering data; notifies industry personnel of deficiencies and provides assistance in correcting errors.

· Evaluates data on Commission proceedings to determine compliance with rules and laws.

· Interprets state and federal laws and commission rules for staff, industry personnel and the public.

· Investigates oil and gas pollution sites and exploration, production and pipeline safety transportation facilities and provides technical and professional recommendations.

· Prepares geological, hydrological and engineering reports; reviews information and exhibits used in hearings; and testifies at Commission hearings as an expert witness.

LEVEL DESCRIPTORS:

The Oil and Gas Specialist job family has four levels which are distinguished by the complexity of assignments, the level of expertise required to perform the duties assigned, and the responsibility assigned for providing leadership to others.

LEVEL I: Code: M31A Salary Band: I

This is the basic level of this job family where employees are assigned routine entry-level work in a training status to build their skills in reviewing geological, hydrological and engineering information including reports, applications, permits, sample analysis, and rules and commission orders. In this role they will assist with complex review and evaluation, and may assist in preparing or reviewing exhibits and information for Commission hearings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of current geological, hydrological and engineering principles and practices related to oil and gas exploration, drilling, production, pipeline transportation and plugging; of state and federal laws and Commission rules regarding pollution abatement and remediation practices, production allowables, spacing, permitting and cementing; of hazardous materials and pollution control; and of report writing and record keeping. Ability is required to analyze geological and hydrological maps and reports; to interpret engineering data and reports; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in geology, geography, hydrology, environmental science, petroleum engineering, or geological engineering or a closely related field.

LEVEL II: Code: M31B Salary Band: K

This is the career level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibility for performing a full-range of duties in the review, examination, approval or disapproval of reports, tests, applications, permits and other documents, and in determining necessary environmental actions and reclamation procedures at pollution sites. This includes making recommendations for revisions to existing rules and regulations, making recommendations for professional geological, hydrological and engineering information and exhibits used in hearings, and providing expert testimony. Some employees may be assigned limited guidance and technical assistance to other Oil and Gas Specialists during more complex or difficult examinations, reviews, or investigations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level I plus ability to review information and make appropriate recommendations.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus three years of experience in environmental science, geology, hydrology, petroleum engineering, petroleum land management or a closely related field.

LEVEL III: Code: M31C Salary Band: L

This is the specialist level of this job family where employees are routinely assigned independent responsibility for review and examination of highly complex and/or difficult geological, hydrological and engineering data, development of pollution remediation plans, and review of staff and industry recommendations and findings. Work is generally performed with a high degree of technical and administrative freedom to plan, develop and organize all phases of the work necessary for completion within broad program guidelines. Some employees may perform lead-worker functions during highly complex or difficult remediation plan development, reviews or examinations, providing technical guidance to other Oil and Gas Specialists.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level II plus ability to review legal and administrative applications and pollution remediation plans.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level II plus two years in oil and gas regulation.

LEVEL IV: Code: M31D Salary Band: M

This is the leadership level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibility for performing and supervising work involving the review of staff and industry finding and recommendations, review of geological, hydrological and engineering data, pollution remediation processes and technical review of legal and administrative applications. Positions are assigned responsibility for the supervision of other Oil and Gas Specialists, including reviewing and assigning work, providing training and evaluating performance. Some positions may provide direct supervision which includes additional responsibilities for employee development, approving leave and initiating disciplinary actions, as well as performing related administrative functions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level III plus additional knowledge of supervisory principles and practices and ability to supervise the work of others.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level III.