Position Summary:
The SCADA Specialist is responsible for operations and maintenance of the communication channels connecting computers with remotely controlled equipment, as well as the equipment in the network. These systems are used to automate process and also can be used to monitor and collect data on existing wells and new wells drilled. This position also is responsible for ensuring the components of the control system are functioning properly, manages their settings and deploys the correct security protocols across the networks. Furthermore, the SCADA Specialist will perform a variety of technical tasks in support of the SCADA system to include setting up system alarms and troubleshooting communication equipment. In cases of a failure anywhere in the system, they must respond rapidly to diagnose and shorten the downtime. Constant monitoring for performance and user administration will be a vital aspect to this position.
Essential Roles &Responsibilities:
•Conduct business with the highest ethical standards and has decision making skills that ensure the safety of all persons associated with SM facilities.
•Responsible for oil and gas well operations, well testing, operating and maintaining field equipment and facilities
•Developing the ability to provide basic technical and mechanical assistance to production operations personnel
•Collect field data and make recommendations for well optimization
•Developing an understanding of oil and gas flow operations and relative equipment
•Monitor well performance and production parameters to identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency improvements
•Ensure work assignments are carried out in highest level of quality and safety precautions
•Prepare various tickets, work orders, records and other administrative reports to manage trends and to support recommendations
•Coordinate assigned work with work of different departments, or other contractors.
•Assist and communicate with operators to schedule and review specialist duties
•Observe and report abnormal or dangerous conditions pertaining to surface production equipment
•Other duties as assigned by supervision
Computer/Software Applications:
•Highly proficient in using a Windows PC
•Basic knowledge of network cameras and video recorders
•Basic knowledge of AI (LLMs, MS Copilot, ChatGPT, and Deepseek)
•Highly proficient in using most Microsoft applications at a moderate to high level
•Basic knowledge of SCADA systems (Ignition, Wonderware, Cygnet, or other SCADA system) preferred
•Basic knowledge of the following discipline specific programs as required by specific specialty: Reservoir: Aries, HIS; Drilling: Well View, AFE Navigator; Completions: Well View; Facilities: Oceaneering ACET, eMaint CMMS; SCADA Technical skills that allow easy adaptation to other related applications (AVM, SAP, Spotfire)
Role-Specific Technical Knowledge & Skills:
•Support the trending of well and equipment parameters with insights from historical data and settings to optimize well and field production.
•Basic understanding of various artificial lift applications (Gas Lift, Plunger Lift, Rod Lift)
•Assess the condition of production operations through remote surveillance of critical systems
•Support field operations with remote ESD check and identify trending issues
•Record ESD failures, safety system bypasses, and LOTO numbers
•Under close supervision, maintains process control operating systems from both hardware and software prospective
•Daily functions including maintenance and monitoring of software systems, alarm systems, and security systems
•Communicate real time alarms to operators
•Very limited field time; 100% in office (SCADA Control Room environment)
•Monitoring facilities and wells over cameras
•Expected to work a daily or nightly 12-hr shift and sit for long periods of time
•Rotating night/day shift every quarter
Typical Education:
•High School Diploma or Equivalent Required Associates or Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
Typical Experience:
•Minimum of 5 years of work experience required. Oil and gas industry experience is preferred.
SM Energy offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which include, but are not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations. Details are available at Careers :: SM Energy Company (SM) (sm-energy.com).
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.