Utility Lease Operator

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

Reporting to the Production Foreman, the Utility Lease Operator is a highly experienced field leader responsible for optimizing production across multiple routes, training lease operators, and managing complex troubleshooting and special projects. This role requires in-depth technical expertise in oil, gas, and water systems, as well as artificial lift methods and production optimization tools. The Utility Lease Operator leads cross-departmental collaboration, ensures safety and compliance, and fosters a culture that is selfless, accountable, and never settling, aligning field operations with company goals.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee production operations across multiple routes, identifying inefficiencies and implementing corrective actions to maximize output.
• Perform advanced diagnostics and adjust SCADA and XSPOC systems to ensure cost-effective production.
• Troubleshoot complex issues in oil, gas, and water systems, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
• Serve as the primary trainer for new and existing lease operators, conducting peer route assessments and reinforcing best practices.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and operational excellence through structured training and feedback.
• Mentor operators to enhance technical skills and align performance with company standards.
• Lead special projects, including Flow Back operations, and supervise small crews to ensure timely and accurate execution.
• Coordinate with production, construction, maintenance, measurement, and automation teams to align project efforts.
• Provide detailed reporting on project progress and outcomes to support operational goals.
• Maintain expertise in instrumentation and diagnostics, performing advanced troubleshooting and routine preventive maintenance (PM) tasks.
• Support commissioning, Process Safety System Reviews (PSSRs), and compliance inspections to ensure equipment reliability and regulatory adherence.
• Ensure optimal performance of artificial lift systems, including rod pumps, plungers, ESPs, and gas lift systems.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of production data using tools like Wellview, scan reports, and failure analysis systems.
• Analyze trends, identify opportunities for improvement, and communicate findings to management and engineering teams.
• Recommend enhancements to artificial lift systems and operational processes based on data insights.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• 5-7 years of lease operating experience in the oil and gas industry.
• Experience with special projects and crew leadership preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb stairs, as required on 10-, 15-, 20- & 25-foot production tanks.
• Ability to lift 55 lbs 3 feet above ground level.
• Possible exposure to numerous oil field chemicals.
• Ability to work with pumping units which may be 15 to 20 feet above ground.
• Periodic exposure to all types of weather conditions for long periods of time.
• Ability to hear over loud background noises.
• Ability to regularly work in a fast-paced environment full of risks. 

Skills and Knowledge

• This role requires a leader who embodies our Core Value; Safety, People, Integrity, Accountability, Innovation, Community, Teamwork, and inspires others to uphold the same standards
• Deep technical expertise in oil, gas, and water systems, artificial lift methods (rod pumps, plungers, ESPs, gas lift), and instrumentation.
• Proficiency in SCADA, XSPOC, Wellview, and other production optimization and reporting tools.
• Strong analytical skills for production data analysis and trend identification.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to train operators and collaborate across departments.
• Ability to lead small crews and manage complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with state and federal oil and gas regulatory obligations.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record, with the ability to safely operate a vehicle in rural and variable weather conditions.

* 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 is required.