OIL AND GAS ASSISTANT INSPECTOR 74083

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This is the first class of the Oil and Gas Inspector series. Positions in this class perform journey level duties in the enforcement of the Virginia Oil and Gas Act, Code of Virginia, Title 45, Chapter 22, and the Virginia Geothermal Resource Conservation ACt, Title 45, Chapter 15.1. This class is distinguished from the Oil and Gas Inspector by the Inspector's emphasis on administration of oil and gas and geothermal programs and by the Assistant Inspector's emphasis on conducting inspections.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty which involves enforcement of the above referenced laws within a designated geographic area of the state. Inspections of oil or gas well sites are conducted to assess compliance to law, to safety regulations, and environmental impact. These include pre-application inspections, pre-permit inspections, inspections during various phases of construction and of drilling, and scheduled inspections for the lifetime of the site. These inspections involve such things as assisting in the planning/design of sites; provision of geologic information for specific sites; and evaluation of well sites, access to roads, pipeline routes, erosion and sediment control structures. This class also participates in plans and operations associated with plugging or closing sites and may approve changes on-site during closing operations. Applications for permit are reviewed by this class for assurance that safety and environmental issues are addressed. Non-compliance or questionable plans or sites are brought to the attention of the Oil and Gas Inspector, who determines issuance of permits and/or placing of conditions on permits based on Assistant Inspectors' recommendations. Issuance may be delayed on recommendation of Assistant Inspectors. Assistant Inspectors may issue immediate correction action orders or give 20 days for compliance and are authorized to close sites if immediate hazards or flagrant violations exist. "Show Cause Letters" for violations are issued by the Oil and Gas Inspector on recommendation of Assistant Inspectors; revocation of permits may result from non-compliance. Positions must be knowledgeable of development, production, conservation, protection, and management of geothermal resources in order to enforce the geothermal laws. Positions in this class investigate accidents and citizen complaints and determine corrective action if needed, mediate or otherwise resolve issues, and make written reports of such investigations. Written reports of all inspections are made and documentation, such as photographs, may be required in cases of violations. Positions act as expert witnesses in hearings and may advise the Well Review Board or the Oil and Gas Conservation Board in hearings. Positions enter information relative to such inspections into computer and prepare or update maps of oil, gas and geothermal resources.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from the Oil and Gas Inspector.

Scope: Work affects the compliance of laws relating to oil, gas, and geothermal resource management, which in turn affects the environment and the safety of the community.

Impact of Actions: Effective performance of inspections assures compliance to law, safety regulations, and environmental protection measures. Errors could negatively impact the agency through loss of time, money, and credibility through non-compliance.

Personal Contacts: Frequent contact with managers or employees at well-sites in inspecting or consulting on design and operation of such sites; the State Water Control Board in relation to environmental issues; and the general public in relation to complaints or general information.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of laws, rules and regulations of oil and gas exploration and drilling; of methods, practices, and procedures of oil and gas prospecting, drilling, completion, and production; of safety and conversation practices related to such operations; of geology and of geothermal energy.

Skills: None.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing; to use automated equipment, and to work with industrial representatives and others to secure compliance to rules, regulations, and laws.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major study in mining engineering, petroleum engineering or geology.

Level and Type of Experience: Considerable experience in geology, petroleum engineering or mining engineering.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was redefined as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program in