PETROLEUM INDUSTRY REGULATORY TECHNICIAN I8239A3 Pay Grade: 23 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized oil field regulatory and enforcement work. Work involves conducting and supervising or coordinating lease inspections and witnessing well productivity and mechanical integrity testing to determine compliance with state laws and regulations; assisting in data collection for and oversight of contamination cleanup and remediation activities. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction..." Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average - Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level. Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Petroleum Industry Regulatory Technician II class in which the incumbents perform advanced technical or supervisory oil field regulatory and enforcement work. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Writes and prepares technical reports, correspondence, and other related materials validating compliance or noncompliance; advises operators and plant managers of the findings and discusses controls, solutions and actions to be taken; and makes recommendations for legal enforcement actions. Administers and monitors complex inspections and investigations of complaints to detect violations of oil field regulations which could result in water pollution, and waste of hydrocarbon resources. Investigates complaints involving abandoned, unplugged wells, substandard and unreliable saltwater disposal systems, or other waste management practices, contamination of freshwater wells by oil field operations, reports of crude oil and saltwater spills, and allegations of unwarranted wastage of nonrenewable natural resources, such as crude oil, gas condensate, natural gas, and/or helium by way of venting and flaring into the open atmosphere or through wanton leakage. Schedules and conducts productivity tests of oil wells, open flow and deliverability tests on gas wells, and mechanical integrity tests of injection wells. Observes and ensures that procedural guidelines are followed during testing and that all test results are made available to the landowners, offset well operators, the Conservation Division, and various county tax assessors' offices. Trains staff in specialized productivity testing of oil and gas wells. Instructs operators and the general public of underground injection control (UIC) regulations pertaining to construction, operation, maintenance, and provide information to operators in the completion of UIC forms. Reviews and analyzes plans and specifications for plugging abandoned wells in order to determine the condition of the wells and location of fresh or usable water zones and domestic water supply systems, and takes samples of old well workovers for indepth analysis by geologists. Verifies drilling contractor permits for accuracy, completeness of information and compliance to applicable State laws and regulations. Testifies on behalf of investigation conducted in commission or court proceedings. Assists in data collection for and oversight of contamination cleanup and remediation activities. Inspects leases to determine if operators are in compliance with regulations pertaining to saltwater or oil spills, surface ponds, abandoned wells, UIC wells, gas venting, and proper well locations; and prepares field reports outlining events, and evidence of the activity. Computes and compiles data and test forms to assure accuracy of test results utilizing computer expertise and basic mathematical calculations. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of English usage, spelling and written communications. Knowledge of agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures. *Knowledge of the methods and equipment used in drilling, completing, producing and plugging oil, gas and injection wells. Abilities *Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations. *Ability to read and understand legal location descriptions. *Ability to secure and evaluate information and to detect inconsistencies. *Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with co-workers, oil and gas procedures and their representatives, landowners, other agency employees and the general public. Ability to operate and maintain electronic and computer equipment and software systems. *Ability to communicate ideas effectively, orally, and in writing. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Six months of experience in petroleum exploration, production or operation. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. Necessary Special Requirements: NC: 06/93 |