Job Title: Production Operator
Department: Field Operations
Reports To: Production Foreman
Location: Athabasca/Calling Lake
Employment Type: Full-time, Contract 8-6 Shift (10-hour days)
Job Summary:
Tamarack Valley Energy is seeking a highly experienced Production Operator to support safe, reliable, and optimized field operations within the South Clearwater district. This role provides advanced operational expertise across wells and facilities, supports risk identification and facility optimization initiatives, and contributes to continuous improvement of operating procedures. The Production Operator is expected to work with a high degree of independence, share on-call responsibilities, assist with training junior operators, and act as a strong field representative of Tamarack Valley Energy with regulators, landowners, and service providers.
Key Responsibilities:
Operations & Production Oversight
- Support day-to-day operations, risk identification, and facility optimization plans across assigned wells and facilities.
- Test, monitor, and operate oil and gas wells using approved procedures and best operating practices.
- Identify operational deficiencies and recommend improvements to procedures to ensure field performance standards are met.
- Independently set priorities for day-to-day well and facility operations while aligning with Production Foreman direction.
- Continuously seek opportunities to maximize production and minimize operating costs.
- Share on-call duties with other operators as required.
- Provide analytical input and operational insight to support production and opex performance.
Production Reporting & Measurement
- Complete accurate daily gauge sheets, production reports, and operational summaries.
- Monitor and control production to meet gas nominations and oil allowables as directed.
- Ensure production reporting proration remains within regulatory tolerances (95%–105%).
- Ensure Field Data Capture (FDC) data is accurate and self-audited prior to month-end.
- Change gas charts and ensure EFM accuracy as required.
- Record downtime hours and causes as directed by the Production Foreman.
- Ensure orifice plates, meters, and measurement equipment are maintained and calibrated as scheduled.
- Test wells as required and report results accurately.
- Ensure flare, venting, and fuel volumes are properly identified and recorded.
Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Compliance
- Maintain a high level of awareness of hazards related to sour gas, toxic fluids, pressure systems, and explosive environments.
- Act in accordance with all Health & Safety legislation, AER requirements, and Tamarack Valley Energy policies.
- Ensure maintenance personnel and service providers comply with safety procedures during repairs and construction activities.
- Participate in safety meetings, ERP exercises, and incident and near-miss reporting; assist with incident documentation as required.
- Maintain required PPE, including personal gas monitors, in proper working order.
- Ensure all regulatory and landowner interactions are documented and communicated to the Production Foreman in a timely manner.
Maintenance & Mechanical Oversight
- Perform and oversee routine maintenance, housekeeping, and minor repairs on wells and facilities.
- Maintain proper operating temperatures, pressures, and liquid levels in surface equipment.
- Maintain surface pumping equipment in efficient operating condition, including:
- Stuffing boxes
- Engines, glycol systems, oil and filter changes
- Fan belts and drive belts
- Magnetos, carburetors, starters, ignition systems
- Glycol, methanol, and chemical pumps
- Space pumps appropriately by adjusting polish rods as required.
- Report worn, damaged, or inoperative equipment to the Production Foreman.
- Coordinate road maintenance, dust control, and snowplowing to maintain safe access to wells and facilities.
- Arrange periodic sampling and meter calibrations as required.
Stakeholder & Community Relations
- Act as a first-line representative of Tamarack Valley Energy with landowners, regulators, and service providers.
- Maintain professional driving habits and site conduct, including speed control, livestock awareness, dust mitigation, and vehicle condition.
- Ensure courteous and respectful interactions with local stakeholders at all times.
Leadership, Training & Development
- Assist in training and mentoring junior operators as required.
- Actively participate in opex and production reviews as requested by the Production Foreman.
- Engage in CMDS training and development and support competency progression of field staff.
- Participate in the understanding and development of site-specific procedures, policies, and processes.
- Maintain full compliance with Field Connect Manual requirements, including Safety, ERP, Environment, Measurement, Pressure Equipment, Pipelines, Tanks, and Electrical standards.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 5–8 years of progressive oil and gas field operations experience.
- Demonstrated advanced knowledge of well, facility, and surface equipment operations.
- Strong understanding of HSE legislation, AER regulations, and industry best practices.
- Proven ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
- Strong communication, analytical, and mentoring skills.
- Physically capable of performing strenuous field work in all weather conditions.
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license and ability to travel between multiple field locations.
- Must reside in the area, no camp accommodations available.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65.00-$79.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
Experience:
- Petroleum & Natural Gas Extraction Occupations: 3 years (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- $5MM liability insurance (required)
- First Aid Certification (required)
- H2S Alive (required)
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
