RRC - Engineering Specialist II - Oil & Gas IIJA Federally Funded Plugging Inspector - FFP - Sa

Overview

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. More details are available on the Railroad Commission of Texas website.

Benefits

To support our mission to serve Texas, we offer a great working environment and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 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
• 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

For a complete list of total compensation, visit the agency website. To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees, visit the Employee Retirement Systems website.

The Railroad Commission of Texas seeks a State Managed Plugger to perform advanced technical fieldwork in the State Managed Well Plugging Program in the San Antonio District Office of the Oil & Gas Division. This is a temporary position funded by federal IIJA (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) resources for the duration of the funding, typically four to seven years.

Responsibilities include monitoring plugging, salvage, and related site cleanup operations to ensure isolation of productive, potential flow, and corrosive zones, and the protection of State Usable Quality Waters for orphaned wells plugged under IIJA funding.

The Oil and Gas Division District Map shows region-specific counties; reference Regions 1 & 2 for this position.

This role provides opportunity to learn current oil and gas operations, well plugging regulatory requirements, plugging techniques, and equipment. It also develops skills in identifying downhole production equipment and related removal procedures. Work is performed under the supervision of the Lead Plugger and the District Director.

• Inspect orphan wells to verify condition and identify access problems or need for specialized plugging equipment.
• Perform and analyze fluid level tests on orphan wells.
• Monitor and oversee plugging and salvage operations of orphan wells.
• Conduct Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) surveys of salvage items.
• Collect and correlate engineering and geological data.
• Digs and collects soil samples to locate lines and wells using appropriate tools.
• Perform related essential tasks to maintain workflow.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED.
• Five years of industry experience in oilfield operations, including drilling and cementing practices.
• Experience and education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• Ability to live in or relocate to Williamson, Bastrop, or adjacent counties, Texas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry experience in oilfield and plugging operations.
• B.S./B.A. in Engineering, geology, or related scientific field from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience in oil and gas regulatory functions.
• Knowledge of Railroad Commission rules, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Mathematical proficiency and knowledge of engineering principles.
• Understanding of geological concepts, techniques, theories, and principles.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills.
• Experience with oilfield tools, equipment, and protective gear.
• Proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office, and database applications.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Valid Texas Driver's License and good driving record.
• Professional appearance and demeanor for investigations.
• Ability to interpret engineering and geological concepts, techniques, and theories.
• Ability to drive, perform basic maintenance, and tire changes on a ¾ ton truck.
• Ability to walk up to two miles in varying weather conditions for inspection work.
• Ability to discern colors and operate, lift, and carry oilfield or safety equipment.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move an average of 20–30 lbs daily;…