JOB TITLE: OIL AND GAS PROGRAM SPECIALIST

JOB CODE: 71820

DEFINITION: This is professional work in the development and evaluation of a statewide oil and gas management program in the Department of Environmental Protection.

An employee in this job performs technical and administrative duties for the environmental regulatory program governing oil and gas operations in Pennsylvania. Work involves developing, interpreting, and recommending changes to rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for the oil and gas management program; conducting evaluations of regional or district programs for consistency and attainment of program goals and objectives; and developing technical program guidance. Work includes conducting technical investigations of issues with significant statewide impact, conducting training for field staff and the regulated community, and coordinating with federal and state agencies. Work is assigned in the form of goals and objectives and is reviewed upon completion by a professional supervisor for technical accuracy and quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Develops and evaluates rules, regulations, policies, and procedures associated with oil and gas activities.

• Conducts surveillance and enforcement activities, evaluates compliance, and reports on the statewide oil and gas environmental regulatory program.

• Prepares, reviews, and analyzes reports to determine program work, trends, and effectiveness.

• Compiles and presents data for use in program planning, evaluation, and budget preparation.

• Develops methods and procedures for conducting field investigations, collecting samples, and performing field testing and related surveillance.

• Evaluates the training needs of staff and recommends, develops, or obtains training materials to address deficiencies in knowledge or skills.

• Provides expert testimony at administrative hearings and other legal proceedings.

• Reviews and analyzes proposed legislation and regulations affecting program operations, provides feedback, and conveys anticipated impacts to the oil and gas program.

• Prepares technical reports and articles for publication in professional or trade journals.

• Prepares interagency agreements or memoranda of understanding to accomplish program objectives.

• Plans and conducts special studies at the direction of management and prepares reports of findings and recommendations.

• Conducts surveys of industry practices and trends.

• Conducts public and industry outreach and develops public information documents such as fact sheets, newsletters, and brochures.

• Coordinates with departmental programs and other state and federal agencies regarding issues relevant to oil and gas operations.

• Advises operators, consultants, public officials, commonwealth agencies, and the public on department programs, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Prepares and delivers formal presentations to special interest groups and the public on departmental functions and programs.

• Operates a motor vehicle to travel to various work sites.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing environmental protection.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices used in environmental protection compliance and enforcement.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to prepare technical reports of findings and recommendations to document the results of a study or investigation.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Ability to operate motor vehicles.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year of experience as an Environmental Protection Specialist or Environmental Protection Compliance Specialist (commonwealth titles);

or

• Two years of experience as an Oil and Gas Inspector, Water Quality Specialist, or Solid Waste Specialist (commonwealth titles);

or

• Three years of professional environmental protection experience and a bachelor's degree in biological, physical, or environmental sciences, or closely related field;

or

• Three years of professional environmental protection experience and four years of technical experience in well design, drilling, completion, production, plugging, or underground storage operations in the oil or natural gas industry;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license