Associate Surface Operations Specialist

UTS Associate Surface Operations Specialist

12 Months Contract – W2 (Temp to Hire)

15 Smith Rd, Suite 3000, Midland, TX 79705 (Onsite)

• Hope to have someone in place by Feb/March. We are wanting a 12-month contract with potential to transition to an FTE.
• This position will be onsite in Midland, and the schedule is full-time, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

The Associate Surface Operations Specialist enhances the value and sustainability of University Lands (UL) by ensuring oil and gas lease compliance and fostering responsible land stewardship. Collaborating with multiple internal departments and external Oil & Gas operators, the Associate Specialist oversees all oil and gas lease terminations to ensure wellbores are properly plugged and abandoned, all production equipment removed, and surface sites are returned to native land.

The Specialist will also oversee state‑mandated or voluntary plugging and abandonment by oil and gas operators, review low‑producing wells, and ensure leases are producing in paying quantities. In cases where leases are not economic, the Specialist will coordinate the proper plugging and abandonment procedures and surface restoration activities to maintain Permanent University Fund (PUF) lands in a safe and sustainable condition.

• Develop relationships both internally and externally to ensure lease compliance, environmental sustainability, and the professional management of PUF lands.
• Identify non‑productive, low producing, abandoned, shut‑in, or terminated oil and gas wells, and oversee the proper plugging of wellbores per Texas RRC requirement, and the diligent pursuit of the abandonment and reclamation of end‑of‑life leases.
• Independently schedule and perform oil and gas lease inspections, generate reports and restoration letters, and communicate the findings with operators and stakeholders.
• Create documentation of on‑the‑ground statuses and reports for operator notices and communication. Administer status records with actual field observations and report findings to UL departments, including but not limited to Surface Ops, Environment, Land, Legal, Regulatory, and Commercial Surface.
• Inspect oil and gas drilling, completion, production, and storage operations to determine compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. Witness and inspect well‑plugging operations to ensure compliance with state regulations.
• Record and report field observations to Surface Landmen and Environmental Engineer with specific attention to spills from upstream/midstream oil and gas activity to prevent environmental, livestock, and wildlife damage.
• Coordinate field audits and educate UL Audit and Regulatory Department regarding the purposes and operation of specific production, separation, and storage equipment.
• Conduct aerial surveillance observations using contracted helicopters.
• Utilize drones and technology systems to collect field observations to communicate to lessees and operators.
• Provide solutions for abandoned equipment removal with reclamation service companies.
• Oversee contract service providers conducting business or operations on University Lands.
• Engage with Operators on UL, along with regulatory agencies overseeing O&G operations, to ensure lease compliance.

• High School diploma with oil and gas industry technical experience in upstream or midstream related operations.
• Expertise in surface operations, land management, and reclamation projects.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

• Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited college or university, preferably in energy management, land management, engineering, technology, or related fields.
• Direct experience with an oil and gas exploration and production company or contractor.
• 3 years of professional or technical work in oil and gas operations. Permian Basin experience is preferred.
• A working knowledge of University Land surface management, operations, policies, and procedures.

• Knowledge of surface ownership, operations, and land management.
• The ability to understand and use GIS for navigation and documentation is…