RRC - Engineering Specialist II - Oil and Gas Technical Specialist - Wichita Falls (00050637)
Organization: RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS
Primary Location: Texas-Wichita Falls
Work Locations: RRC Wichita Falls 5800 Kell Blvd Wichita Falls 76310
Job: Architecture and Engineering
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-time
Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00
Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time
State Job Code: 2128
Salary Admin Plan: B
Grade: 19
Salary (Pay Basis): 4,600.00 - 5,085.00 (Monthly)
Number of Openings: 1
Overtime Status: Exempt
Job Posting: Jun 18, 2025, 10:08:11 AM
Closing Date: Jul 2, 2025, 11:59:00 PM
Description
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. You can find more details about us on the Railroad Commission of Texas’ website here https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.

To support our mission to serve Texas, we need great people to join our team. We provide a great working environment along with outstanding benefits, including:

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick time, and at least 12 paid holidays per year
• Flexible work schedules
• Retirement pension with a 150% agency match – you can watch this YouTube video that describes this amazing benefit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJI6M7g73-w
• 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 our total compensation package please visit our website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/jobs/. To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit the Employee Retirement Systems website at https://ers.texas.gov/benefits-at-a-glance.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Railroad Commission of Texas, recognized as a worldwide leader in the regulation of oil and gas exploration and production, seeks an Oil and Gas Technical Staff member to complete the review and assessment of oilfield operations in the Wichita Falls District Office, Field Operations Section of the Oil and Gas Division. Major responsibilities involve advanced-level technical and administrative evaluations and reporting of the drilling, production, and transportation of oil and gas operations. In addition, some tasks involve conducting surveys, making inspections, investigating complaints and collecting and analyzing engineering and geological data. This position offers the opportunity to learn up-to-date oil and gas operations and procedures, regulatory requirements, drilling techniques and equipment. This role will also enhance skills needed to solve complex well drilling and plugging problems, conduct bradenhead pressure investigations, and participate in the analysis of water well issues related to oil and gas operations. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Assistant and District Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. in Engineering, geology, or other scientific degree from an accredited four-year college or university OR Associate’s Degree or technical certification from accredited technical institute/college plus two years’ work experience.
• Twelve (12) months experience related to field of study or job assignment.

• Experience and education may be substituted on a year for year basis.

  Preferred Qualifications

• Industry experience in oilfield operations is preferred.

• Experience in oil and gas regulatory functions and knowledge of the Railroad Commission’s rules, policies, and procedures.
• Experience operating a computer and utilizing Microsoft Office applications and database software systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of higher-level/college level mathematics principles.
• Knowledge of generally accepted engineering and geological techniques, principles, theories, and practices.
• Skill in the application of engineering and geological concepts.
• Skill in conducting surveys, making inspections, and investigating complaints in a professional and tactful manner.
• Skill in the knowledge, handling and use of oilfield tools with an ability to supervise.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in organization and maintenance of paperwork related to assignments.
• Skill in attention to detail and accuracy of work.
• Ability to understand, apply, and interpret engineering and geological concepts, techniques, and theories.
• Ability to utilize Microsoft Office computer systems.
• Ability to write reports.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in working with colleagues, industry, and the general public.
• Ability to change a tire on a car or truck.
• Ability to walk up to two miles in varying weather conditions as required to perform inspection work.
• Ability to discern colors.
• Ability to lift and/or carry oilfield or safety equipment, up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders to heights of 16 feet.
• Ability to work independently as required and as a member of a team.
• Possess a valid Texas Driver’s License and a good driving record.
  Work Hours and Telework: Standard office hours for Commission employees are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our agency offers alternate schedules for employees, as long as it does not adversely affect operations and service levels, and standard hours of operation are maintained. Alternate work schedules may be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process.
  APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the CAPPS Recruit Prescreening Questionnaire to be considered for the posting. To complete the Prescreening Questionnaire, go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

• Review and assign daily industry activity notifications to Field Inspectors for areas within your overview.
• Evaluate Field Inspector reports for compliance with Commission rules.
• Generate Operator Notice of Violation letters for review and distribution by District Management.
• Initiate follow-up inspection for leases / facilities in violation of Commission rules.
• Responsible for initiating enforcement actions such as pipeline severances and well seal-ins for operators in violation of Commission rules.
• Prepare operator violation findings for submission to Austin Office for penalty action hearings.
• Potentially participate as a resource witness for the Division during Oil and Gas Enforcement Hearings at the Austin Office.
• Participate in meetings with Industry Technical Staff members discussing compliance issues.
• Compose and submit field inspection reports in Oracle and/or Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Organize and maintain timely submission of reports and paperwork of oil and gas field operations for areas within your overview.
• Communicate, via phone, e-mail, or in-person with industry staff and the general public.
• Walk up to two miles in all types of weather when making inspections in the field. Carry a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for up to 30 minutes in H2S sour gas environments.
• Review and approve alternative casing procedures
• Review and construct well plugging procedures.
• Review permit request associated with land spreading of water base muds.
• Investigate bradenhead pressure issues reported on oil and gas wells.
• Investigate water quality complaints associated with water wells located in Oil and Gas production areas.
• Evaluates fluid level tests on wells to ensure protection of the State’s usable quality water.
• Evaluates engineering and geological data.
• Communicates technical information to industry employees and the public.
• Performs related essential tasks, as assigned to maintain workflow.
• Emergency on-call duty as assigned.
  For Military Crosswalk information please visit: Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Engineering and Design (texas.gov)
  Qualifications