Lead Lease Operator

Discovery Natural Resources LLC is a domestic, onshore exploration and production company with over 1,000 wells in operation in Texas.

Under the direction of the Production Foreman, the Lead Operator is a strategic field leader responsible for assisting the foreman in overseeing a team of lease operators and managing production across multiple routes. This role involves high-level planning, forecasting, and coordination of production, maintenance, and compliance activities to ensure operational efficiency and alignment with company goals. The Lead Lease Operator serves as the primary liaison between field operations and management, and ensuring safety and performance excellence, while fostering a culture that is selfless, accountable, and never settling.

Primary Responsibilities

- Oversee a team of lease operators across multiple routes, ensuring production targets are met and resources are allocated effectively.

- Prioritize high-impact tasks and balance workloads to optimize operational efficiency.

- Lead cross-departmental collaboration with production, construction, maintenance, measurement, and automation teams to ensure excellence in project execution.

- Provide structured feedback and training to develop operator skills, adapting coaching methods to individual needs.

- Foster a culture of accountability and excellence, mentoring operators to enhance team performance and career growth.

- Track team progress and implement development plans to maintain high standards.

- Collaborate with engineering teams to forecast production and plan field activities, using historical data and field insights to inform decisions.

- Coordinate maintenance and operational schedules to minimize downtime and maximize production efficiency.

- Align field activities with organizational objectives to support long-term operational goals.

- Champion a proactive safety mindset, leading by example and conducting regular safety meetings and field audits.

- Ensure compliance with Discovery’s HSE policies, state, and federal regulations, maintaining a safe work environment.

- Promote safety awareness and accountability across the team, addressing potential hazards promptly.

- Lead the adoption of new technologies and methods in field operations, championing innovative practices.

- Encourage experimentation and gather feedback to drive continuous improvement in workflows and processes.

- Implement sustainable solutions to enhance operational efficiency and production outcomes.

- Serve as the primary liaison between field operations and management, ensuring clear communication of production data, challenges, and opportunities.

- Build strong relationships with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders to align project goals.

- Maintain accurate documentation and reporting using tools like Siteview, Wellview, Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Education and Experience

- High school diploma or GED preferred

- 8+ years of lease operating experience in the oil and gas industry.

Physical Requirements

- Ability to climb stairs, as required on 10-, 15-, 20- & 25-foot production tanks.

- Ability to lift 55 lbs 3 feet above ground level.

- Possible exposure to numerous oil field chemicals.

- Ability to work with pumping units which may be 15 to 20 feet above ground.

- Periodic exposure to all types of weather conditions for long periods of time.

- Ability to hear over loud background noises.

- Ability to regularly work in a fast-paced environment full of risks.

Skills and Knowledge

- Commitment to Discovery Natural Resources expectations and core values.

- Must be a cultural fit (Humble, Hungry, People Smart).

- Expertise in oil and gas production operations, including well monitoring and optimization.

- Strong understanding of production forecasting, planning, and resource allocation.

- Proven ability to lead and develop teams, fostering accountability and excellence.

- Familiarity with state and federal oil and gas regulatory obligations.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate across departments and with management.

- Proficient in in the use of SCADA, production applications (Field Operator/Evin), and other operational software for reporting and analysis.

- Valid driver’s license and good driving record, with the ability to safely operate a vehicle in rural and variable weather conditions.

- Primarily field-based, working outdoors in variable weather conditions, with frequent travel to well sites and routes. Requires flexibility to manage long hours and respond to operational needs, including occasional emergency situations. May require occasional lifting of heavy objects. Physical ability to perform routine maintenance on oil and gas wells is required