Lease Operator

Job Title: Lease OperatorLocation: Carlsbad, New Mexico
Schedule: 8 Days On / 6 Days Off
Hours: 56 hours per week
Pay Rate: $37–$47/hr (dependent on experience)

 Position OverviewThe 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 ResponsibilitiesOperations & 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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