Associate Surface Operations Specialist

Location: Midland, TX (Onsite)
Schedule: Full-Time | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Pay Rate: $45–$47 per hour

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Associate Surface Operations Specialist to support responsible land stewardship and oil and gas lease compliance across large-scale surface assets in the Permian Basin. This role plays a critical part in ensuring environmentally sound operations, regulatory compliance, and the proper closure of oil and gas assets at end of life.

The ideal candidate brings strong field experience, sound professional judgment, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with internal teams and external operators. This position offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on land sustainability, environmental protection, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure oil and gas lease compliance and oversee end-of-life lease activities, including plugging and abandonment, equipment removal, and surface restoration
• Identify non-productive, low-producing, shut-in, abandoned, or terminated wells and coordinate proper plugging and reclamation in accordance with Texas regulatory requirements
• Independently schedule and conduct field inspections; prepare inspection reports, restoration notices, and operator communications
• Document field observations and maintain accurate status records for internal stakeholders across surface operations, environmental, legal, regulatory, and land management functions
• Inspect drilling, completion, production, and storage operations for compliance with state and federal regulations
• Witness and inspect well-plugging operations to ensure regulatory adherence
• Monitor and report environmental risks, including spills or surface disturbances, to protect land, wildlife, and livestock
• Support audits by educating internal teams on production, separation, and storage equipment
• Conduct aerial surveillance using contracted aircraft and perform site monitoring using drones and field technology tools
• Coordinate abandoned equipment removal and reclamation activities with qualified service providers
• Oversee contractors performing work on managed lands
• Maintain active communication with operators and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and resolve issues proactively
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma with technical experience in upstream or midstream oil and gas operations
• Demonstrated expertise in surface operations, land management, and reclamation activities
• Valid driver’s license and ability to perform extensive fieldwork

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in energy management, land management, engineering, technology, or a related field
• Direct experience working for or with an oil and gas exploration and production company or contractor
• Minimum of three years of professional or technical experience in oil and gas operations
• Permian Basin experience strongly preferred
• Familiarity with large-scale surface land management programs and procedures

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of surface ownership, land management, and oil and gas operations
• Proficiency with GIS systems, mapping applications, and Microsoft Office tools
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining a high level of professionalism and organization
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare detailed reports and communicate findings clearly
• Proven ability to evaluate complex operational and environmental risks and implement effective remediation solutions
• Experience with lease inspections, site abandonment, surface restoration, and reclamation projects
• Strong judgment, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and stakeholders

Working Conditions

• Combination of outdoor fieldwork around oil and gas operations, pipelines, and commercial facilities, and indoor office work in a professional office environment
• Use of surveillance technologies, including drones and aerial observation
• Repetitive use of a computer and standard office equipment
• Position is based onsite in Midland, Texas

Why This Role

This position offers competitive hourly pay, long-term stability, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful surface operations and environmental stewardship in one of the most active energy regions in the country. Candidates who value autonomy, responsibility, and making a real impact will thrive in this role.

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