Associate Surface Operations Specialist

Associate Surface Operations Specialist The Reserves Network Inc
• Midland, TX, US

Associate Surface Operations Specialist |$47-50/hr | 8:00am – 5:00pm / Contract

What Matters Most

• Competitive Pay of $47-$50 per hour
• Schedule:
  
  Mon – Fri / 8:00am – 5:00pm
• Location:
  
  Midland, TX 79705
• Contract with career growth and stability
• Potential for permanent placement
• Weekly Pay with direct deposit or pay card
• When you work through The Reserves Network, you are eligible to enroll in dental, vision, and medical insurance as well as 401K, direct deposit, and our referral bonus program

Full-time, onsite contract role in Midland, TX supporting oil and gas surface operations and lease compliance. Responsible for field inspections, well plugging and abandonment oversight, surface restoration, and coordination with operators and regulatory agencies to ensure environmental and lease compliance. Requires hands‑on oil and gas operations experience, strong field inspection skills, and the ability to work independently; 12‑month contract with potential conversion to full‑time.

• Ensure oil and gas lease compliance and responsible surface land stewardship
• Inspect active, inactive, and terminated oil and gas leases and wells
• Oversee well plugging and abandonment activities in compliance with Texas RRC requirements
• Coordinate surface restoration and reclamation of end‑of‑life leases
• Identify and evaluate low‑producing, shut‑in, or abandoned wells
• Conduct field inspections, generate reports, and issue restoration notices
• Document field observations and communicate findings to internal departments and operators
• Monitor drilling, completion, production, and storage operations for regulatory compliance
• Witness and inspect well‑plugging operations
• Report spills and environmental concerns to appropriate internal teams
• Coordinate audits and educate internal teams on production and surface equipment
• Conduct aerial surveillance via contracted helicopters
• Use drones and technology systems to collect and report field data
• Oversee and coordinate third‑party service providers
• Engage with operators and regulatory agencies to resolve compliance and surface issues

• Working knowledge of oil and gas surface operations, land management, and reclamation
• Experience with oil and gas lease inspections, terminations, and surface restoration
• Ability to identify non‑productive, shut‑in, abandoned, or terminated wells
• Understanding of Texas oil and gas regulations and well plugging requirements (Texas RRC)
• Strong field observation, documentation, and reporting skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong professional judgment and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to use GIS systems and mapping tools for navigation and documentation
• Experience coordinating with operators, regulatory agencies, and service providers
• Valid driver’s license
• High school diploma with relevant oil and gas technical experience

• Bachelor’s degree in energy management, land management, engineering, technology, or related field
• Permian Basin oil and gas experience
• Experience with aerial surveillance and drone technology
• Familiarity with surface management policies and procedures for large landowners or institutions

• Minimum:
  High school diploma with technical experience in oil and gas operations (upstream or midstream)
• Preferred:
  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, ideally in energy management, land management, engineering, technology, or a related field

• $47-$50 per hour
• Medical Benefits via agency
• Holidays
• Training & Growth

Well‑established public land management organization responsible for overseeing energy development on extensive state‑owned lands. The organization partners with oil and gas operators to ensure regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and sustainable land use, while generating long‑term revenue to support public education initiatives. Known for professional, collaborative operations and a commitment to…