Oil and Gas Field Inspector

Basic Purpose

Positions in this job family are involved in the regulation, inspection and investigation of oil and gas exploration and production facilities and operations. This includes enforcement of state and federal laws and Commission rules through inspections, investigations, and complaint response related to pollution control, environmental protection and production of oil and gas reserves.

The functions performed in this job family will vary by level, unit and organization, but may include the following:

• Performs investigations in response to complaints of rule violations and environmental pollution to determine sources and identify possible causes.

• Performs inspections of drilling, transportation and production facilities in order to determine compliance with Commission rules pertaining to environmental protection and waste management.

• Responds to and investigates threats to public safety resulting from well blowouts and other hazards.

• Oversees environmental remediation efforts and performs follow up inspections to ensure compliance with guidelines and instructions.

• Walk up and down stairs, walk and climb uneven terrain, walk along creeks, rivers, tall weeds and brush. Along with climbing fences and brush piles.

• Witnesses' tests and records data on well production potential, gas/oil ratios, bottom hole pressure, mechanical integrity, fluid levels or other tests required to ensure compliance.

• Researches the history of specific abandoned wells to determine responsibility for plugging; may determine priority and placement on state funded plugging list.

• Provides testimony in Commission hearings regarding findings of investigations and actions taken.

This is the basic level of the job family where employees are assigned responsibility for performing routine entry level work in a training status to build their skills in conducting inspections and investigations, responding to releases and complaints, and acting as a liaison between the Corporation Commission, the industry and the public.

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

required at this level include knowledge of basic oil field drilling, production and plugging practices and methods; of investigative methods and procedures; of environmental and health protection related to oil and gas industry activities; of recordkeeping; and of rules pertaining to oil and gas production and pollution abatement. Ability is required to conduct routine investigations; to obtain and present routine evidence;

and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Education and Experience requirements at this level are mandated by statute. 52 O.S. SS 149 (8) (1999 Supplement) states applicants "…shall have four (4) years practical experience in oil field production and drilling operations…".