Sr. Operations Specialist - Automation

Leads operations in the field with operations specialist duties per role specific knowledge. Responsible for oil and gas well operations, well testing, operating and maintaining field equipment and facilities. Responsible for surveillance of general field operations and maintenance of various databases regarding production operations. May monitor or lead the work of lower level operations specialists. Provides operational assistance to personnel based on specialty. Some duties may include, but not limited to, calibration of equipment, troubleshooting, understanding of POC and Well Analyzer with ability to interpret results. Responsible for assuring safe and environmentally sound operations, identifying problematic scenarios and implementing preventative measures in the assigned area or responsibility.

Essential Roles & Responsibilities

• Responsible for leading the surveillance of field operations and maintenance of various databases regarding production operations
• Advanced ability to provide basic technical and mechanical assistance to production operations personnel
• Analyze various tickets, work orders, records, reports and other administrative reports to manage trends and to support recommendations to management
• Advanced understanding of oil and gas flow operations and relative equipment
• Train, mentor and coach less experienced employees and conduct job safety analysis
• Attend integrated solutions meetings and interact with engineers
• Manage and support all areas of operations to ensure internal process and daily requirements are fulfilled
• Coordinate with third party contractors to schedule and follow up on installation and preventive maintenance programs
• Ensure all work assignments are carried out with the highest level of quality and safety precautions
• 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

Proficient level of skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office. Advanced knowledge of the following discipline specific programs: 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

Has advanced understanding of industry terminology and technical knowledge. The physical ability to immediately respond to emergency situations, open and close valves and carry tools/equipment necessary to complete job duties. Maintain eligible motor vehicle record and license. Ability to climb up to 30 feet in height. Strong operational and maintenance knowledge of wellhead equipment and accessories. Able to diagnose best fit applications based on well performance. Able to supervise contractors in safe and efficient manner. Has proven ability to perform duties from other levels of Operations Specialist I and II.

SCADA/I&E Specialist:

We are looking for an experienced and skilled Sr. Operations Specialist to join our team and lead our SCADA and Automation projects. As a Sr. Operations Specialist, you will be responsible for:

• Managing and developing SCADA and Automation projects that support all teams within the organization and align with our company initiatives and future states.
• Maintaining and installing instrumentation devices, calibrating and verifying input/output devices for accuracy through HMI, PLC, and SCADA data flow.
• Supporting field operations with preventive maintenance and oversight of corrective actions, as well as mentoring and training team members.
• Working with Information Technology services on network engineering needs for critical field network infrastructure.
• Tracking workload and documenting troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions taken to resolve issues.
• Presenting upward reporting summaries for formal and informal team supervisor review.
• Enhancing our team safety culture and leading team members and peers to achieve safety excellence in every category.
• Demonstrating proficiency and mastery in a variety of automation controls and PLC types, as well as SCADA software systems and programming.

To be considered for this position, you must have:

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in SCADA and Automation project management and development.
• A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent work experience is encouraged.
• A certification in SCADA and PLC programming, or equivalent work experience.
• A strong knowledge of ladder logic, function, and communication blocks, and the ability to read and interpret base code cause and effect.
• A solid understanding of TCP/IP and RTU RS485 Modbus network connectivity, modem and radio configurations, and network settings.
• A high level of skill in instrumentation devices, Hart communicators, configuration, and device calibration/scaling.
• A working knowledge of electrical systems, power supply sizing, relay contact controls, and wiring diagrams.
• A proven track record of successful project delivery, problem-solving, and team leadership.
• A commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Typical Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent Required. Associates or Bachelor's degree in related field preferred.

Typical Experience

Minimum 6+ years of work experience required. Oil and gas industry experience a plus.

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.