Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Field Operator

🎯 Role Definition

The Field Operator is the hands-on backbone of our site operations, serving as the frontline expert for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable functioning of all field equipment and production systems. This critical role involves a dynamic blend of proactive monitoring, preventative maintenance, and rapid troubleshooting to maintain production targets, uphold the highest safety standards, and execute essential on-site diagnostics. You are the individual on the ground who guarantees that our operations run smoothly and effectively, making you an indispensable part of our success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Field Technician Trainee
Roustabout / Lease Operator Assistant
General Laborer in an industrial or energy setting

Advancement To:

Senior Field Operator / Lead Operator
Field Supervisor / Operations Foreman
Control Room Operator

Lateral Moves:

Maintenance Technician
Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Coordinator
Logistics or Production Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct routine operator rounds and surveillance of assigned field equipment and systems, including wells, compressors, pumps, separators, and pipelines, to ensure normal operating conditions.
Proactively monitor process variables, system pressures, temperatures, and flow rates using SCADA, HMI, and other distributed control systems, making necessary adjustments to optimize performance.
Perform first-line maintenance, including preventative and minor corrective tasks on mechanical equipment, to minimize downtime and ensure operational integrity.
Execute Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), permitting, and other safe work procedures meticulously before performing any maintenance or non-routine operational tasks.
Collect and record accurate operational data, production volumes, and equipment readings in daily logs and digital reporting systems for analysis and compliance.
Identify, diagnose, and troubleshoot operational upsets, equipment malfunctions, and process deviations, taking immediate corrective action to restore stable conditions.
Safely start-up and shut-down equipment and process units according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) for planned maintenance or emergency situations.
Manage and optimize chemical injection systems, conducting regular checks on tank levels, pump rates, and treatment effectiveness to ensure asset integrity.
Perform regular inspections and testing of safety and emergency systems, including emergency shutdown devices (ESDs), fire and gas detectors, and safety showers.
Maintain a high standard of housekeeping at all assigned work areas, including well sites, facilities, and compressor stations, to ensure a safe and organized environment.
Respond effectively to alarms and emergency situations, assessing the condition, executing initial response actions, and communicating clearly with the control room and supervision.
Obtain and analyze fluid samples (e.g., oil, water, gas) using appropriate testing equipment to monitor quality and ensure it meets required specifications.
Actively participate in and contribute to daily operational meetings, safety briefings, and job safety analyses (JSAs) to promote a proactive safety culture.
Provide detailed and clear shift handovers, effectively communicating the status of equipment, ongoing activities, and any potential issues to the incoming shift.
Support the commissioning and startup of new equipment and facilities, working alongside engineering and project teams to ensure a smooth transition to full operation.
Monitor and manage inventory levels for essential chemicals, lubricants, and spare parts at field locations, initiating requests for replenishment as needed.
Interface with third-party contractors and vendors on-site, ensuring their work is performed safely and in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Operate and maintain company vehicles and other mobile equipment safely, conducting pre-use inspections and reporting any maintenance needs.
Uphold all environmental regulations by monitoring for potential leaks or spills, managing waste correctly, and reporting any environmental incidents immediately.
Assist in the development and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and maintenance routines by providing practical, field-level feedback and insights.

Secondary Functions

Provide on-the-ground data and operational insights to support ad-hoc requests from engineering, geology, and management teams.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of operational procedures and safety protocols by providing firsthand field-level feedback.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including maintenance, engineering, and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), to resolve complex operational issues.
Participate in daily operational meetings, safety briefings, and planning sessions to align on team objectives and priorities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

SCADA & HMI Operation: Proficiency in monitoring and controlling processes through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems.
Mechanical Aptitude: Strong hands-on ability to work with pumps, valves, compressors, and engines.
Process Troubleshooting: Systematic ability to diagnose and resolve operational and equipment issues in a live production environment.
P&ID Literacy: The ability to read and interpret Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams to understand process flow and equipment layout.
Safe Work Procedures: Expert knowledge and application of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Job Safety Analysis (JSA), and Permit to Work systems.
Data Logging & Reporting: Competency in using digital and manual logs to accurately record operational data.
Basic Maintenance Skills: Ability to perform minor mechanical repairs, lubrication, and preventative maintenance tasks.
Production Chemistry: Understanding of chemical treatment programs, including dosage rates and their impact on the process.

Soft Skills

Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to personal and team safety above all other priorities.
Independent Problem-Solving: The ability to work autonomously, make sound decisions under pressure, and take ownership of issues.
Clear & Concise Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective shift handovers and reporting.
Adaptability & Resilience: Capacity to work effectively in challenging weather conditions and adapt to changing operational priorities.
Strong Work Ethic: A reliable, self-motivated individual who can work long hours or rotating shifts as required.
Team Collaboration: Ability to work constructively with other operators, maintenance staff, and supervisors to achieve common goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or Technical/Vocational Certificate in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Process Technology (PTEC)
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Instrumentation Technology
Petroleum Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-5 years of experience in a field operations environment, preferably within the oil & gas, energy, chemical processing, or water treatment industry.

Preferred:

Direct experience with specific equipment types (e.g., reciprocating compressors, artificial lift systems, dehydration units) and control systems is highly desirable. A valid driver's license with a clean driving record is typically required.