RRC - Engineering Specialist II - Oil & Gas IIJA Federally Funded Plugging Inspector - FFP - Houston District Office

RRC - Engineering Specialist II - Oil & Gas IIJA Federally Funded Plugging Inspector - FFP - Houston District Office (00052032)Organization: RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS

Primary Location: Texas-HoustonWork Locations: RRC Houston 1919 North Loop West 6th Floor Houston 77008

Job: Architecture and Engineering

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-timeStandard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time

State Job Code: 2128

Salary Admin Plan: B

Grade: 19

Salary (Pay Basis): 4,020.33 - 5,000.00 (Monthly)

Number of Openings: 2

Overtime Status: Exempt

Job Posting: Aug 21, 2025, 4:55:14 PM

Closing Date: Sep 4, 2025, 11:59:00 PM

Description

The Railroad Commission of Texas is a state agency with primary regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and natural gas industry; pipeline transport and pipeline safety; natural gas utilities; the LP-gas industry, and surface mining operations. You can find more details about us on the Railroad Commission of Texas’ website here https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.

To support our mission to serve Texas, we need great people to join our team. We provide a great working environment along with outstanding benefits, including:

- Generous paid time off including vacation, sick time, and at least 12 paid holidays per year

- Flexible work schedules

- Retirement pension with a 150% agency match – you can watch this YouTube video that describes this amazing benefit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJI6M7g73-w

- 401(k), 457(b) and Roth

- Health premiums 100% paid for full-time employees

- Tuition Reimbursement

- Wellness and Exercise Leave

- Career development programs/opportunities for advancement

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/jobs/. To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit the Employee Retirement Systems website at https://ers.texas.gov/benefits-at-a-glance.

Job Description

The Railroad Commission of Texas, recognized as a worldwide leader in the regulation of oil and gas exploration, seeks a State Managed Plugger to perform advanced technical fieldwork in the State Managed Well Plugging Program in the Houston District Office of the Oil & Gas Division.

The Railroad Commission (RRC) will receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) under Title VI – Methane Reduction Infrastructure section of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to plug orphaned wells. RRC could potentially receive grant funds from other sections of the IIJA. This position is temporary for the duration of the IIJA federal funding, which is scheduled to be four to seven years.

Responsibilities include monitoring plugging, salvage, and associated routine site cleanup operations for the State Managed Plugging Program to ensure the isolation of the productive zones, potential flow zones, corrosive zones, and protection of the State Usable Quality Waters for orphaned wells plugged under IIJA federal funding.

This position offers the opportunity to learn up-to-date oil and gas operations and procedures, regulatory well plugging requirements, well plugging techniques, and equipment. This role will also enhance skills in identifying downhole well production equipment, the associated usage, and removal procedures. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Lead Plugger and the District Director.

Essential Job Functions

- Inspects orphan wells to verify the well condition and identify potential access problems and or the need for specialized well plugging equipment.

- Performs and analyzes fluid level tests on orphan wells.

- Monitor and oversee plugging and salvage operations of orphan wells.

- Conducts Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) surveys of salvage items.

- Collects and correlates engineering and geological data.

- Digs and collects soil samples to a depth of 30 inches or more to locate lines and wells using a shovel or other tools.

- Performs related essential tasks, as assigned, to maintain workflow.

For Military Crosswalk information please visit: Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Engineering and Design (texas.gov)

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

- High school diploma/GED.

- Four years of industry experience in oilfield operations, including drilling and cementing practices.

- Experience and education may be substituted on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

- Industry experience in oilfield and plugging operations.

- B.S. or B.A. in Engineering, geology, or other scientific degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

- Experience in oil and gas regulatory functions and knowledge of the Railroad Commission's rules, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Skill in higher-level/college-level mathematics and a working knowledge of engineering techniques and principles.

- Demonstrate understanding and ability to apply geological concepts, techniques, theories, and principles.

- Demonstrate skill in excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills.

- Demonstrate skill in handling and use of oilfield tools, technical equipment, and protective gear.

- Skill in using computers, Microsoft Office, other Windows-based software, and database applications.

- Skill in maintaining high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

- Possess a valid Texas Driver’s License and good driving record.

- Ability to maintain professional appearance and demeanor, when investigating complaints.

- Ability to understand, apply, and interpret engineering and geological concepts, techniques, and theories.

- Ability to drive, perform basic maintenance and tire changes on ¾ ton truck.

- Ability to walk up to two miles in varying weather conditions as required to perform inspection work.

- Ability to discern colors.

- Ability to operate, lift, and carry oilfield or safety equipment.

- Ability to lift, carry, and move an average of 20-30 lbs. to perform daily duties.

- Ability to work independently for long periods of time while meeting workload demands.

Work Hours and Telework: Standard office hours for Commission employees are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our agency offers alternate schedules for employees, as long as it does not adversely affect operations and service levels, and standard hours of operation are maintained. Alternate work schedules may be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the CAPPS Recruit Prescreening Questionnaire to be considered for the posting. To complete the Prescreening Questionnaire, go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

Remarks:

- There are two available positions.

- Official transcripts, DD214 or DD1300, copies of license/certifications, or other minimum requirement validations will be requested at the time of the job offer.

- Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

- Criminal background checks will be conducted on all final candidates. An applicant who has been convicted of a criminal offense relevant to the position may be disqualified from employment.

THE RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS ONLY ACCEPTS ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSTING.

Due to the high volume of applications we do not accept telephone calls. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Notifications to applicants are sent electronically to the email address you provide.

The Railroad Commission of Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not

discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age

or disability in employment or in the provision of services.

The Railroad Commission of Texas is a tobacco-free workplace.