Lease Operator

Discovery Natural Resources LLC is a domestic, onshore exploration and production company with over 1,000 wells in operation in Texas.

Under the direction of the Production Foreman, the Lease Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant operation of oil and gas wells, water resource systems, and associated infrastructure within an assigned route. This role focuses on maximizing daily production, operate SWD systems, performing routine equipment maintenance, and accurately reporting production data using systems such as SCADA, Field Operator, and Carte. The Lease Operator plays a key role in achieving company goals related to production optimization, cost control, regulatory compliance, and safety performance, while fostering a culture that is selfless, accountable, and never settling.

Primary Responsibilities

Production Operations

• Monitor and record daily production metrics including gas charts, meter readings, wellhead pressures, and tank levels.
• Use SCADA, Field Operator, Carte, and eVIN systems to monitor and validate well and facility data.
• Diagnose and report production issues such as tubing leaks, rod failures, pump malfunctions, and gas locks.
• Perform minor maintenance on production equipment including treaters, separators, engines, pumping units, and electrical panels.
• Operate and optimize various artificial lift systems:
  • Rod Pumps: Monitor stroke length, speed, and fluid levels; inspect rods and pumps for wear.
  • Plunger Lift: Track cycle times, arrivals, and adjust settings to maximize production; inspect and replace plungers.
  • Gas Lift: Monitor injection rates and pressures; identify and report valve or tubing issues.
  • Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs): Monitor motor performance, intake pressure, and fluid levels; report anomalies.
• Manage oil recycling processes to ensure saleable product quality.
• Monitor and maintain chemical injection systems; order supplies as needed.
• Change and troubleshoot gas charts; report meter issues to appropriate personnel.

Water Resource Management

• Operate, maintain, and repair saltwater disposal (SWD) facilities, freshwater wells, recycle ponds, booster stations, and transfer pumps.
• Monitor tank fluid levels and switch settings to maintain safe operating conditions.
• Prevent hazardous materials from entering disposal wells; verify load readiness for disposal.
• Monitor truck loading/offloading procedures to ensure compliance with safety policies and PPE requirements.
• Collect, monitor, and sell skim oil in accordance with company procedures.
• Troubleshoot SWD injection facilities and operate hand tools safely under pressure and stored energy conditions.
• Coordinate and manage high-rate water transfers for hydraulic fracturing operations.
• Complete required documentation for skim oil and water collection daily and monthly.
• Report safety and environmental concerns promptly to management.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED or a minimum of 4 years industry experience required
• Minimum 3 years of lease operating experience; water resource experience preferred.
• 4+ years of oilfield industry experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb stairs on tanks up to 25 feet.
• Lift up to 55 lbs to a height of 3 feet.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions for extended periods.
• Exposure to oilfield chemicals including methanol, paraffin inhibitors, and scale inhibitors.
• Operate equipment at heights up to 20 feet.
• Tolerate loud environments and physically demanding tasks.

Skills and Knowledge

• Commitment to Discovery Natural Resources expectations and core values.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Basic computer proficiency; experience with eVIN, SCADA, Field Operator, or Carte preferred.
• Understanding of pump and motor operations for both production and water systems.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing schedules.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Complexity of Duties

• Identify and mitigate safety hazards.
• Operate and maintain a variety of oilfield and water management equipment.
• Analyze production and water system data to recommend operational improvements.
• Respond to off-duty callouts and work overtime as needed.

Majority of work will be outdoors under variable weather conditions. May require occasional lifting of heavy objects. Physical ability to perform routine maintenance on oil and gas wells as required.

NOTE: This job description is NOT intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the Company