Automation Technician
Barnhart, TX

Overview

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

Under the general supervision of the Automation Foreman, the Automation Technician is responsible for complex oilfield automation tasks to aid in the oversight for the optimization of oilfield automation and communications systems. The position requires the individual to assist Field personnel, Production, Construction and Engineering staff to implement and maintain automation equipment in a field environment. When problems occur, the Automation Technician is responsible for handling the immediate problem and recommending any necessary changes.  Must desire to work in a collaborative multi-functional team setting that prioritizes a "One Team" approach to problem solving, and that can bring a continuous improvement mindset to the team.
 

Primary Responsibilities
  • Monitors communication and automation equipment.
  • Calibration, testing, repairing and/or replacing of field sensors (flow, temperature, pressure, level, etc.).
  • Repairs control valves, positioners, transducers, and any other part necessary to the operation of the valve. 
  • Removes, dismantles, cleans, maintains and assembles instruments and replaces defective components.
  • Monitors daily SCADA and gas meter downloads; reports and repairs issue as they develop. 
  • Monitors, maintains and repairs radio network for communication problems or outages.
  • Provides automation and programming support of industry standards, devices and systems expertise for ABB Totaflow and WinCCU/PCCU Allen Bradley PLCs, SCADAPack, ABB Totalflow, Schneider PLC, Productivity PLC, Red Lion HMI, etc.
Education & Experience
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Minimum 10 years of Oil and Gas Automation or I/E experience.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift 55 lbs. 3 feet above ground level.
  • Periodic exposure to all types of weather conditions for long periods of time.
  • Ability to regularly work in fast-paced environment.
Skills & Knowledge
  • Commitment to Discovery Natural Resources expectations and core values. 
  • Well versed in installing, managing, troubleshooting various communication systems such as Ethernet, Modbus, serial, digital data communications (Freewave, Rajant Mesh, Ubiquiti and Cambium Radios and cellular modems, etc.). General networking knowledge is a must. 
  • Well versed in installing, managing, troubleshooting various Automation and instrumentation equipment such as Oleumtech, ABB, PCS, Foxboro, Endress Hauser,  Drexelbrook,, Wika, Valvecon,  Siemens, ASCO, Rosemount Instrumentation systems, etc
  • Self-starter, able to perform duties with minimal supervision.
  • Strong computer and network skills necessary
  • Diverse work experience with automation systems on Oil and Gas field sites is a must for Projects that include well-pad installations, commissioning, maintenance, trouble-shooting, and programming
  • Ability to recognize changes and potential problems; exercise independent thinking to solve problems.
  • Must have expertise in management of automation projects from beginning to end.
  • Strong service, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication skills with ability to work in a team environment.
  • Defining Analog and Digital I/O designs and documentation.
  • Modbus communication protocol programming.
  • Be able to direct and supervise contract labor and other automation contractors as needed.
  • Requires ability to adapt to fluctuating work schedule, i.e. overtime; rotating on call schedule; off duty call outs; varied work schedule.

Complexity of Duties

  • Determine if safety hazard exists and take appropriate action.
  • Operates a variety of oilfield production related equipment and makes minor repairs.
  • Ability to identify automation problems and have the mechanical and technical skills to solve them.
  • Capable of working efficiently alone and under pressure in a sometimes physically demanding environment, demonstrating experience working outdoors in all climatic conditions and sometimes in remote locations
  • Able to read and interpret technical documentation (PIDs, ladder logic, function block code, schematics, loop sheets, manuals, etc.)

*Majority of work will be outdoors under variable weather conditions. May require occasional lifting of heavy objects. Physical ability to perform routine maintenance on oil and gas wells as required. Must be aware of potential hazards and know how to handle emergency situations. Hazards include fluids under high pressure and deadly hydrogen sulphide which is often a component of gas that comes directly from the well.

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NOTE: This job description is NOT intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the Company