Control Room Operator – Upstream Production (Remote Operations / SCADA) (Houston)

Control Room Operator – Upstream Production (Remote Operations / SCADA)

Location: Spring, TX | Schedule: 14/14 W2 Contract (12 months with possibility for extension)

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Control Room Operator to support upstream production operations in a remote operations / SCADA environment. The role focuses on real-time monitoring and control of wells, tank batteries, salt water disposal (SWD) facilities, pipelines, and compressor stations across multiple onshore fields. The successful candidate will use production data, alarms, and automation systems to optimize output, minimize downtime, and ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations while collaborating closely with field and maintenance teams.

Key Responsibilities

Operate and monitor wells and production facilities through SCADA and remote operations systems, ensuring adherence to operating procedures and safety standards. Manage alarms, abnormal conditions, and upset events, taking timely actions or coordinating with field personnel to restore stable operations. Support daily production activities by tracking well performance, artificial lift systems, tank levels, pressures, and flow rates. Identify optimization opportunities using real-time and historical data to improve production, reduce flaring, and minimize unplanned downtime. Provide clear, detailed, and structured shift handovers, including key events, operating changes, and outstanding issues. Coordinate with field operators, maintenance teams, and supervisors to plan and execute corrective, preventive, and predictive maintenance activities. Log all significant operational events, deviations, equipment issues, and field activities in control room logs and reporting systems. Report and escalate any issues involving alarms, emergency shutdown systems, or safety instrumented functions in line with procedures. Collect and validate operational data for reporting, performance tracking, and engineering analysis. Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, and housekeeping activities to support a strong safety culture. Contribute to emergency response activities from the control room, following emergency preparedness procedures and communication protocols. Ensure thorough well diagnostics are completed and documented before recommending or requesting well intervention activities. Verify that wellhead and surface equipment conditions meet requirements prior to handoff to intervention or workover teams.

Qualifications

Prior experience in upstream field operations or production operations (e.g., Field Technician, Production Operator, Lease Operator, or similar). Experience in process operations or non-refinery environments in oil and gas. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with field operators, engineers, and supervisors. Demonstrated commitment to safety, health, and environmental standards and practices. Experience with pipeline systems, tank batteries, SWD facilities, or compressor stations. Familiarity with operational and safety management systems, procedures, and work processes. Knowledge of emergency preparedness procedures and control room roles during incidents. Understanding of project/asset operating philosophy, basic engineering specifications, and operating envelopes. Awareness of applicable regulations, operating standards, and relevant commercial/operating agreements.

Preferred Qualifications Experience in a control room, remote operations center (ROC), or SCADA-based monitoring role in upstream oil and gas. Hands-on exposure to artificial lift surveillance, tank battery operations, SWD operations, or onshore field production optimization. Experience working with maintenance teams on planned and unplanned work, including shutdowns and restarts.

Required Knowledge & Skills

Strong safety mindset and ability to prioritize safe operations in all decisions. Ability to diagnose well and facility production issues using trends, alarms, and operating data, and to communicate findings clearly. Proficiency in maintaining accurate documentation, including logs, shift reports, and event records. Ability to multitask in a high-volume, real-time operations environment while maintaining attention to detail and operational discipline. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic control room setting.