Oil and Gas Inspector

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) invites professionals with a background in the natural gas and oil industries to engage with us. As the landscape of the oil and gas sector continues to transform, the Bureau of Oil and Gas stands at the forefront, adeptly navigating these dynamic changes. This position offers a remarkable opportunity to play a crucial role in overseeing and ensuring compliance with natural gas and oil well activities. We invite you to become an integral part of our mission, where the delicate balance between energy innovation and environmental conservation is of utmost importance. Your contributions will not only enhance your professional journey but also play a pivotal role in responsible management of energy resources.

In this role, you will be responsible for inspecting oil and gas wells throughout various stages, including drilling, production, modification, and plugging. This encompasses evaluations of wells located in both coal and non-coal regions, as well as conservation wells and gas storage facilities. On-site inspections are essential for assessing compliance with relevant laws and regulations, requiring the review of permits, maps, well logs, and other documentation. Findings are meticulously recorded, and follow-up actions are taken as needed to ensure adherence to standards.

Additionally, you will carry out maintenance inspections of gas storage reservoirs, typically alongside industry personnel, to evaluate safety conditions and the structural integrity of the storage wells. This process involves reviewing pressure records, equipment maintenance logs, and the overall condition of both gas storage and non-storage wells within the reservoir protection zone. Operators provide pressure measuring and recording equipment to confirm that storage pressures remain within permissible limits. The outcomes of these inspections are compiled into reports and submitted to the operator, with subsequent inspections scheduled to verify that any identified issues are resolved.

You will also address complaints related to oil and gas operations, particularly those concerning environmental impacts, site reclamation, and abandoned wells. This may involve communication via phone, conducting field inspections, or participating in meetings. All findings are documented in writing. Furthermore, you will provide technical support to industry stakeholders, public officials, and the general public regarding oil and gas-related matters.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Coal Center. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $59,345 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Three years of technical experience in well design, drilling, completion, production, plugging, or underground storage operations in the oil or natural gas industry;or
• An associate's degree in Petroleum Technology or closely related field, and one year of technical experience in well design, drilling, completion, production, plugging, or underground storage operations in the oil or natural gas industry.

Special Requirement:

• This position requires possession of a valid driver's license.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.