RRC - Engineering Specialist V - Oil and Gas State Managed Plugging Inspector - Kilgore Distric

The Railroad Commission of Texas is a state agency with primary regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and natural gas industry; pipeline transport and pipeline safety; natural gas utilities; the LP‑gas industry; and surface mining operations. You can find more details about us on the Railroad Commission of Texas' website.

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and at least 12 paid holidays per year
• Telework options for eligible positions
• Flexible work schedules
• Retirement pension with a 150% agency match – you can watch this You Tube video that describes this amazing benefit
• 401(k), 457(b) and Roth
• Health premiums 100% paid for full‑time employees
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness and Exercise Leave
• Career development programs/opportunities for advancement

The Railroad Commission of Texas, recognized as a worldwide leader in the regulation of oil and gas exploration, seeks a State Managed Plugger to perform advanced technical fieldwork in the State Managed Well Plugging Program in the Kilgore District Office of the Oil & Gas Division. Responsibilities include supervising plugging and salvage operations for the State Managed Plugging Program and formulating well‑plugging procedures to ensure the isolation of productive zones, potential flow zones, and corrosive zones, and the protection of the State Usable Quality Waters.

The following link District Map shows the counties associated with each region. Please reference Regions 5 & 6 for these positions.

This position offers the opportunity to learn up‑to‑date oil and gas operations and procedures, regulatory requirements for well plugging, well‑plugging techniques, and equipment. This role will also enhance skills in identifying downhole well production equipment, the associated usage, and removal procedures. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Lead Plugger and the District Director.

• Inspects orphan wells to verify the well condition and identify potential access problems and or the need for specialized well plugging equipment.
• Performs and analyzes fluid level tests on orphan wells and makes a determination to plug or salvage.
• Supervises the plugging and salvage operations of orphan wells.
• Prepares requests for the use of state funds to plug abandoned wells and salvage items that become the jurisdiction of the Commission.
• Prepares and evaluates bids, arranges primary contractor and outside services related to state‑managed plugging operations.
• Audits and processes invoices and payment vouchers to ensure compliance with state procurement procedures.
• Gauges storage at the lease battery to determine the amounts of oil, condensate, and produced water on location.
• Utilizes gauge lines, color cut, and other testing equipment (i.e., chloride test kit) for titration of fluids.
• Conducts Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) surveys of salvage items.
• Collects and correlates engineering and geological data.
• Assists and supervises bay and offshore well pluggings, as necessary.
• Digs and collects soil samples to a depth of 30 inches or more to locate lines and wells using a shovel or other tools.
• Performs related essential tasks, as assigned, to maintain workflow.

• B.S. in Engineering, geology, or other scientific degree from an accredited four‑year college or university.
• Four years of industry experience in oilfield operations, including drilling and cementing practices.
• Experience and education may be substituted, on a year‑for‑year basis.

• Industry experience in oilfield and plugging operations.
• B.S. in Engineering, geology, or other scientific degree from an accredited four‑year college or university.
• Experience in oil and gas regulatory functions and knowledge of the Railroad Commission's rules, policies, and procedures.
• Experience in operating a computer and utilizing Microsoft Office applications and database software systems.

• Skill in higher‑level/college‑level mathematics and a working knowledge of engineering techniques and principles.
• Demonstrate understanding and ability to apply geological…