01/08/2009 71810

OIL AND GAS INSPECTOR

DEFINITION: This is technical work in the inspection of oil and gas drilling and underground storage operations.

An employee in this job is responsible for inspecting oil and gas drilling and underground storage operations within an assigned area of the state to determine and enforce compliance with state laws and regulations. Work includes the inspection of underground gas storage reservoirs and abandoned wells to ensure conformance with established safety requirements. Employees give assistance and advice to representatives of the oil and gas industry on such technical matters as the proper methods of casing, drilling, and plugging wells. Inspections are performed independently in accordance with laws and departmental policies, with general supervision received through written and oral instructions and a review of written reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Inspects oil and gas drilling operations within an assigned area of the state to determine and enforce compliance with state laws and regulations and determines whether all necessary precautions have been taken to ensure the health and safety of workers.

Inspects methods used in plugging abandoned wells or reconditioning old wells for conformance with specified safety requirements.

Checks locations of gas wells and underground storage reservoirs in relation to nearby coal mines and advises operators of coal mines adjacent to wells and reservoirs on proper and effective precautionary measures.

Meets with representatives of the oil, gas and coal industries to explain and interpret state safety requirements and provides technical assistance on such matters as the proper methods of casing, drilling and plugging wells.

Prepares periodic reports of activities and keeps related records.

Travels to various work sites to conduct inspections and investigations.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of oil or natural gas extraction methods and practices.

Knowledge of laws and regulations related to the oil or natural gas extraction industry.

Knowledge of oil or natural gas drilling techniques including air drilling, fluid drilling, cable tool drilling, and directional drilling.

Knowledge of the specialized equipment associated with oil or natural gas drilling techniques.

Knowledge of oil or natural gas well production phases including site development, drilling, casing, cementing, fracing, production, andplugging.

Knowledge of hazardous conditions in oil or natural gas drilling.

Knowledge of the geological formations and strata from which oil or natural gas is extracted.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years of technical experience in well design, drilling, completion, production, plugging, or underground storage operations in the oil or natural gas industry;

                                                                                                                                                                         or

An associate's degree in Petroleum Technology or closely related field, and one year of technical experience in well design, drilling, completion, production, plugging, or underground storage operations in the oil or natural gas industry.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid driver’s license.