Compensation Range $72,862.40 - $92,310.40 Job Description Summary Position closes: September 26 The focus of this position is to support the responsible and balanced development of Weld County's oil and gas mineral resources by ensuring proper compliance with Weld County development standards, while maintaining working relationships with all those having an interest in oil and gas development in Weld County. The position will act as a Weld County Oil & Gas Inspector and technical resource on oil and gas operations and will support policy development at the County in order to facilitate oil and gas development while protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public and environment. This position provides a field presence in Weld County, Colorado, representing the Oil & Gas Energy Department (OGED). Oil & Gas Inspectors conduct onsite evaluations and documentation of conditions for oil and gas operations and associated activities including but not limited to; well pad construction, drilling, completions, production, oil and gas pipeline construction, monitoring, and reclamation. This onsite presence provides credibility and integrity to the permitting and reporting functions within the County through enforcement and provides certainty to Weld County residents that oil and gas operations are being conducted in a manner that implements the harmonious development of land uses within the County. Job Description
Field Compliance & Enforcement - 75%: - Ensure compliance with items contained within the Hearing Officer's final orders, for approved 1041 Weld Oil & Gas Location Assessments (1041 WOGLA) permits.
- Ensure compliance with items contained within approved Location Assessment for Pipeline (LAP) permits.
- Ensure compliance with development standards within the County Code especially those related to oil and gas operations conducted in the field including but not limited to, site construction, drilling, completions, production, reclamation, oil and gas pipeline construction, monitoring, remediation, and protection of public health, safety, welfare, and the environment including wildlife resources.
- Conduct routine inspections of oil and gas operations, specifically those permitted through the 1041 WOGLA and LAP processes.
- Works with the OGED Director, OGED Regulatory Analysts, and other Weld County departments including Planning, Building, Health, Public Works, Office of Emergency Management, and the Commissioners' office to support their interests in the safety and compliance of oil and gas operations.
- Works collaboratively with oil and gas industry representatives to understand their operations and facilitate cooperation and compliance.
- Works collaboratively with surface owners, first responders, State and Federal regulators, and other agencies to help facilitate cooperation and compliance.
- Responds to complaints, requests for information or assistance from the public, the regulated community, environmental groups, boards and commissions, and county staff and departments.
- Respond to inquiries and investigate complaints alleging impacts from oil and gas operations. Determines validity of inquiries or complaints, utilizing the Weld County code.
- Conduct follow up inspections to ensure compliance has occurred by the specified deadline and to verify and track days of ongoing violations.
- Conducts inspections at oil and gas facilities and for oil and gas pipelines, for the existence of gas leaks and for compliance with air and water quality protection practices, including storm water requirements and the reduction of leaks and spills.
- Explain findings of inspections to a variety of Weld County staff, oil & gas companies, and / or the public.
- Pursue further enforcement of County development standards, as necessary.
- May assist municipalities with the inspection and enforcement of oil and gas operations.
- May spend a majority of time outside the professional office environment, utilizing a County vehicle. It is expected they Oil & Gas Inspectors will follow all applicable County and State driving rules and will also properly maintain County vehicles.
- Required to find locations that may be in remote areas with limited cell coverage and access. Utilization of maps, GPS devices and / or verbal directions is necessary.
- Will participate in review of certain plan submittals for compliance with County code.
- Complete assigned work and duties in a timely and professional manner. Employ appropriate guidelines or regulations. Draws on situational knowledge to use the most appropriate approach for resolution. Include appropriate staff members in decision making but also expected to make independent decisions on a daily basis utilizing past experience and knowledge of rules and code.
Data Entry, Record Keeping & Administrative Work - 20%: - Prepares and reviews reports relating to oil and gas inspections and enforcement.
- Using past inspection and compliance reports, may recommend additional conditions of approval for future oil and gas locations, and oil and gas pipelines.
- Evaluates compliance with 1041 WOGLA and LAP applications, the Comprehensive Plan, and Zoning and/or Subdivision Ordinances.
- Presents staff recommendations to the Director and Hearing Officer(s), as well as the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners as required.
- Initiate enforcement actions using failed inspection reports and recommending corrective actions.
- Evaluates existing data sources and compliance reports to identify key areas of noncompliance and/or consistency with approved designs and facility operations and performance.
- Stays current on oil and gas technologies and best practices for emissions reduction and protection of public health, through communication with team members and industry, independent research, and stakeholder groups.
- Provides information and resources to oil and gas operators and Weld County staff to support compliance topics and requirements, including review of requests for maintenance and repairs to existing facilities.
- Interprets and supports policies, programs, and regulations that align with air and water quality protection at the local, regional and state level.
- Maintain internal database and tracking systems to identify upcoming regulatory requirements for continuing compliance with regulations.
- Maintain associated records in both electronic and paper format.
- Attend oil and gas industry meetings, as required.
- Attends various meetings as required; makes oral presentations at certain meetings; prepares presentations and meets with public to explain plans and projects. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with officials, other employees and the public.
- Participate in staff conferences dealing with oil and gas related topics, and the development of regulations and procedures.
- Establish and maintain necessary files and database pertaining to inspections, department records, reports, plans, maps and materials.
- Communicates anticipated and current problems to supervisor.
Other Duties as Assigned - 5%: - May occasionally assist OGED Director, Office Technicians or Regulatory Analysts with miscellaneous tasks outside of normal duties.
Required Qualifications
Required Education - High School Diploma/GED and 5 years oil and gas inspection and / or operations experience, OR
- Satisfactory completion of course work from an accredited, non-correspondence college or university in a field of study directly related to the assignment may be substituted for the required general experience.
Preferred Experience - Experience in and knowledge of agricultural practices and planning and land use permitting.
Skills and Abilities - Excellent understanding of oil & gas development (e.g. drilling, geology, completions, location assessment, regulatory, production, etc.).
- The ability to enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact, always maintaining excellent customer service.
- Must have a thorough understanding of safety precautions and consistently utilize them to anticipate unsafe circumstances and act accordingly to prevent accidents, using all required safety equipment.
- Proven success in organizing, managing, and tracking workload.
- Ability to problem solve, answer questions, and evaluate results of performance.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including in-person inspection and regulatory skills.
- Ability to independently problem solve and make decisions.
- Ability to use standard computer software (i.e. Microsoft Outlook, Word, Teams, and Excel) and maintain detailed, accurate and consistent inspection records.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective, respectful, and professional relationships with coworkers, industry, outside agencies, and the public.
- Ability to confidently interface with regulatory agency personnel outside of Weld County.
- Must be confident in ability to work alone and make individual decisions while in the field, but must also be an effective player on a diverse team of experts.
- Must be culturally sensitive and willing to work with a diverse population.
- Exceptional detail orientation.
- Organized and able to multi-task on a daily basis.
- Knowledge of and ability to accurately read legal descriptions.
- Understand and implement Weld County rules, regulations, guidance documents, and policies.
- Effective understanding of COGCC and CDPHE rules, especially pertaining to oil and gas development including air quality and water quality.
- Read and interpret complex oil and gas operations plans.
- Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine oil and gas facilities and detect deviations from regulations and standard practices.
- Ability to utilize certain technical equipment in the course of inspections.
- Ability to assist with training and supporting Oil & Gas Inspector I position.
- Ability to maintain or obtain oil & gas inspection / safety certifications to assist with work.
- Ability to stay current on oil & gas technologies and equipment standards, and to be a resource to other County employees regarding this information.
Licenses and Certifications - Candidate must pass criminal background check prior to employment start date - Required
- Candidate must possess a driver's license by the employment start date and maintain a valid license for the duration of employment. Candidate must possess current automobile insurance - Upon Hire - Required
- Must be SafeLand USA certified or attain certification within six (6) months of hire - Required
- Must be CPR and first aid certified or attain certification within six (6) months of hire - Required
- Certification in opacity and odor observation readings - Preferred
- Experience with noise monitoring equipment - Preferred
- Experience with a FLIR camera - Preferred
- API oil & gas worker training, OSHA Academy, OSHA 10, or similar certifications - Preferred
This position is exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore ineligible for overtime pay. As an applicant for this position, you should be aware of Senate Bill 19-085, the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The act requires employers to announce the pay range for job openings. This range encompasses the nine pay steps available should you receive the position and demonstrate satisfactory performance over time. Weld County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.