WELL INSPECTOR I

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire a Well Inspector for the Office of Oil and Gas Resource Management.  This position will interpret and implement Department rules and advise permittees on regulatory and statutory requirements of the Department; monitor tests pertaining to well construction, drilling procedures, and operation of equipment to ensure compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements; conduct follow-up inspections to assure that remedial actions are properly corrected within specific time frames; inspect flow lines and injection lines for leaks of oil or salt water and monitors remedial measures for prevention of leaks to ensure consistency with regulations.  The Office of Oil and Gas Resource Management regulates the injection of fluids into underground injection wells, through the Underground Injection Control Program, and cleans up abandoned well sites through the Plugging and Restoration Fund and Landowner Grant Programs.  Through these three programs, the Office ensures the protection and proper development of Illinois' oil and gas resources, while protecting Illinois' environment, land, and water resources.  The Office accomplishes this through its administrative, enforcement, permitting and technical services units. The Office has two district offices, Centralia and Mt. Carmel, with its main office in Springfield.  We welcome qualified applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today.

Essential Functions

• Under general supervision of the Well Inspector Program manager, interprets and performs field inspection duties in a specific field district area to ensure compliance with all applicable Department regulations and statutes pertaining to oil and gas production, the Underground Injection Control Program (UIC), and associated oil industry activities.
• Conducts routine inspections of Class II injection wells and associated facilities and submitting reports to District and Springfield offices. 
• Implements procedures for and writes notices of violations and infractions of Department’s regulations and statutes observed at well sites and associated facilities. 
• Inspects containment dikes and salty water pits to determine that location, operation and maintenance are consistent with permit conditions and applicable regulations. 
• Implements reporting procedures and submits reporting forms on cementing casing, routine inspections, mechanical integrity tests, citizen complaints, reports of plugging, and spill reports to District and Springfield Office. 
• Serves as liaison between landowners, operators, division offices and other state and federal agencies with emphasis on all well issues and oil regulations mandated by the state. 
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor of Science degree in geology, biology or petroleum engineering or related degree area, and either completion of an agency sponsored training program or one year of technical experience in the exploration, production or recovery phase of the oil and gas industry.

OR

• Requires an associate of arts degree in petroleum technology or a related field and three years of technical experience in the exploration or recovery phase of the oil and gas industry.

OR

• Requires seven years of direct experience in the exploration, production or recovery phase of the oil and gas industry. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of state laws, rules and regulations governing the protection and conservation of oil, gas, water and coal resources of the State. 
• Working knowledge of the oil industry, the various drilling processes and the equipment used. 
• Working knowledge of secondary recovery methods. 
• Working knowledge of the geology of the State as it pertains to oil, gas, water and coal bearing strata. 
• Elementary knowledge of basic chemistry. 
• One (1) year of experience responding to emergencies and adjusting work time in order to complete inspections. 
• One (1) year of experience making on-the-spot decisions on whether to close down drilling or plugging operations or whether to discontinue the injection of saltwater into wells that do not meet regulations. 
• One (1) year of experience preparing and maintaining clear and concise records and reports. 

Conditions of Employment

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position. The State of Illinois complies with federal and state disability laws and will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities:

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.  
• Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. 

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. 

Agency and Division Statement

DNR Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting Illinois’ natural resources, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands and oil wells, parks, historic sites – and everything in between. Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including health, vision and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs; flexible/remote work schedules may be available for certain positions.

Office of Oil and Gas Resource Management

The Office of Oil and Gas Resource Management (OOGRM) is the regulatory authority in Illinois for permitting, drilling, operating, and plugging oil and gas production wells. The Office implements the Illinois Oil and Gas Act and enforces standards for the construction and operation of related production equipment and facilities.  In addition, the Office regulates the injection of fluids into underground injection wells, through the UIC Program, and cleans up abandoned well sites through the PRF and Landowner Grant Programs.