09/20/2011 12991

DIRECTOR, DISTRICT OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS

DEFINITION: This is professional managerial work directing the District Oil and Gas Operations in the Department of Environmental Protection.

The employee in this job directs, through subordinate managers and supervisors, the activities of a professional and administrative staff engaged in a variety of duties involving the permitting, inspection, enforcement, and compliance activities of the statewide oil and gas program. Work involves developing policy and coordinating the activities of multiple district offices to ensure the consistent application and enforcement of program guidelines; resolving conflicts between different offices or units; providing input into the development of program policy and technical guidance documents; and evaluating program effectiveness. Work requires the employee in this job to develop policy, goals, objectives and priorities; evaluate program effectiveness; recommend or implement changes to rules, regulations and procedures; and review proposed legislation for possible impact on the oil and gas management program. An important aspect of the work involves working with federal, state, local, and private industry officials concerning oil and gas issues. Work is assigned in the form of broad goals and objectives, and the employee exercises considerable independent judgment in determining specific goals, objectives, priorities, and evaluating program effectiveness and consistency. Work is reviewed upon completion by the Deputy Secretary for Oil and Gas Management through reports and conferences for attainment of goals, objectives and overall program quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs the activities of multiple units engaged in the permitting, inspection, and enforcement of oil and gas regulations.

Ensures the consistent application and enforcement of Commonwealth oil and gas management policies.

Develops policy for oil and gas permit review, compliance, inspection, and monitoring policy to ensure statewide consistency.

Reviews and analyzes activity reports to determine work being performed, program trends and effectiveness; conducts program evaluations; and provides advice to staff on unusual or difficult technical and managerial problems.

Manages District operations to meet and adapt to oil and gas industry needs.

Directs staff engaged in the review and approval or disapproval of permit applications by ensuring technical requirements and established procedures have been met and that approvals have been coordinated with the appropriate programs and agencies.

Directs staff engaged in the inspection of oil and gas extraction sites and storage sites.

Approves major enforcement actions taken against oil and gas operators involved in the extraction or storage of oil and gas and reviews enforcement cases settled out-of-court for uniformity and appropriateness.

Testifies as an expert or material witness before district magistrates, the Environmental Hearing Board and the Courts.

Provides advice and information to oil and gas well operators, municipal officials, planning commissions, engineering consultants and the public regarding Departmental functions, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Represents the agency, bureau or region in dealing with federal officials and other Commonwealth agencies and serves as liaison with central office staff, regional programs and other state and federal agencies.

Prepares program budget and re-budget requests.

Travels to various field sites.

Participates on special committees to provide technical advice and to ensure that recommendations meet program needs.

Provides information to the media on programs and enforcement of cases.

Travels to various field sites.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

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

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines governing the oil and gas management program and the regulation of permitted activities.

Knowledge of the physical and geological sciences as they relate to oil and gas management.

Knowledge of the production methods and practices of the oil and gas industry.

Knowledge of the procedures and techniques utilized in the inspection of oil and gas well sites for compliance with permit conditions.

Knowledge of the standard enforcement procedures and appropriate policies for ensuring compliance with environmental protection rules and regulations.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

Knowledge of the safety precautions required in the oil and gas industry set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Knowledge of programmatic conflict resolution techniques.

Knowledge of enforcement conference or administrative hearing techniques.

Ability to analyze and interpret administrative rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Nine years of professional experience coordinating oil and gas management programs including four years of managerial experience and a bachelor’s degree;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training including four years of managerial experience with oil and gas management programs.