Elk Petroleum Careers

Job Title:  Production Engineer

Location:  Cortez, CO
Department:  Production
Reports To:  VP, Production
Status:  Exempt

Position Summary

Drive safe, reliable, and cost-effective oil and gas production by planning, executing, and optimizing field operations. Leverage engineering expertise, data analysis, and field collaboration to improve production performance, extend asset life, and maximize economic returns

Key Responsibilities

Production Operations & Optimization

· Lead daily production operations across wells and associated facilities to meet or exceed production and cost targets.

· Diagnose and resolve production disruptions quickly to minimize downtime and lost volumes.

· Analyze well performance and implement optimization strategies to increase output and reduce lifting costs.

· Own lease level profitability. 

· Monitor and improve production testing and data systems.

Artificial Lift & Well Performance

· Design, implement, and optimize artificial lift systems (rod pumps, ESPs) to maximize efficiency and reliability.

· Identify root causes of downhole failures and implement corrective actions to reduce recurrence.

· Develop and execute workover and stimulation programs to enhance well productivity.

Enhanced Recovery & Injection Operations

· Support and optimize waterflood and CO₂ flood performance, including injection balancing, surveillance, and facility coordination.

· Collaborate with reservoir engineering and operations teams to improve recovery efficiency and sweep performance.

Field Leadership & Collaboration

· Partner closely with field personnel, workover rig teams, and other engineering staff to execute work programs safely and efficiently.

· Provide technical guidance and mentorship to field staff.

· Support vendor selection and oversee service quality and performance.

Data, Systems & Continuous Improvement

· Utilize tools such as XSPOC, SCADA, and production data systems daily to identify enhancement and optimization opportunities.

· Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.

· Track and manage lease-level economics, including production, expenses, and profitability.

Regulatory & Compliance

· Ensure operations comply with all applicable regulatory requirements (EPA, BLM, tribal agencies, etc.).

· Maintain strong working relationships with regulatory bodies and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, or related discipline).

· 5+ years of production engineering experience in oil and gas operations.

· Experience with conventional reservoirs and legacy assets preferred.

Technical Skills

· Proven expertise in artificial lift design and optimization (rod pumps, ESPs).

· Strong understanding of waterflood and CO₂ flood operations.

· Experience with production surveillance tools (e.g., XSPOC) and SCADA systems.

· Demonstrated success reducing downtime, failures, and lifting costs.

· Solid knowledge of workover, stimulation, and chemical programs.

Leadership & Execution

· Strong project management and prioritization skills.

· Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive results in field environments.

· Effective communicator with both technical and field personnel.

Working Conditions

Combination of office and field work in outdoor environments. Exposure to oilfield conditions including H₂S/CO₂, high pressure systems, and heavy equipment. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks as required. Must be able to work in varying weather conditions.

Additional Requirements

· Ability to work extended hours, including on-call rotations, weekends, and callouts.

· Valid driver’s license and regular travel to field locations required.

· Preference for candidates based in the greater Cortez, CO area; hybrid schedule may be considered (50% field/office, 50% remote).

Equal Opportunity Statement

This position is subject to the Navajo Preference in Employment Act. The company is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Title:   Rig Mechanic 

Location:   Montezuma Creek, UT (Field Based)
Reports To:  VP,  Drilling
Status:  Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Rig Mechanic is responsible for the mechanical integrity, servicing, and upkeep of all workover rig equipment and associated oilfield machinery operated by Elk Well Services and Elk Operating Services, LLC. This is a journey-level or above mechanical position requiring demonstrated, hands-on experience with workover rig systems, diesel engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, and auxiliary oilfield equipment. The incumbent diagnoses complex mechanical failures, performs scheduled and non-routine preventive maintenance, and executes necessary repairs independently and in accordance with company operating procedures, all within a safety-first culture.

Key Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Perform diagnosis for problems on various types of oil well service equipment based on reports from the field, using the appropriate diagnostic tests and interpreting the results.

• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical failures on workover rigs and oilfield service equipment using systematic diagnostic techniques, including laser alignment tools, vibration analysis instruments, and manufacturer diagnostic software.

• Perform engine overhauls, top-end and bottom-end rebuilds on diesel engines (Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, or equivalent) common to workover rig power units.

• Overhaul and rebuild rig transmissions, right angle drive boxes, sand drum & main drum, brake linkage, steering components (steering brain, etc.), and torque converters.

• Inspect, maintain, repair, and rebuild triplex pumps, centrifugal pumps, air compressors, and dryers.

• Service, inspect, and certify Blowout Prevention Equipment (BOPE) including annular preventers, ram preventers, and associated control systems; ensure BOPE is maintained to API and BLM standards.

• Maintain and repair hydraulic systems including tongs, slips, winches, power swivels, and catheads; diagnose hydraulic circuit faults, rebuild cylinders, and repair/replace hydraulic pumps and valves.

• Maintain water cooling systems, radiators, heat exchangers, and associated plumbing.

• Service and maintain instrument air systems, pneumatic controls, and associated piping.

• Perform and document DOT annual vehicle inspections on rig trucks and service vehicles; maintain vehicles to DOT standards.

• Maintain a critical spare parts inventory; identify parts needs proactively and place timely orders to minimize equipment downtime.

• Maintain accurate equipment maintenance records, inspection logs, and repair histories using company-approved systems.

• Identify equipment deficiencies and make documented recommendations for upgrades or replacements.

• Support rig operations during mobilization, rig-up, and rig-down as directed.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization at all work locations and shop areas.

• Actively participate in all environmental, health, and safety programs; perform safety observations and participate in job hazard analyses (JSAs) and tailgate meetings.

• Respond to callouts and after-hours emergency equipment failures; on-call availability required.

• Regular and punctual attendance required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced working knowledge of workover rig mechanical systems: power units, drawworks, rotary tables, mast/substructure components, brake systems, BOPE, tongs, slips, and winches.

• Advanced knowledge of diesel engine theory, systems, and repair, including fuel systems, cooling systems, turbochargers, and after-treatment systems.

• Working knowledge of hydraulic system theory, circuit reading, component identification, and troubleshooting.

• Proficiency with mechanical troubleshooting tools including laser alignment equipment, vibration analyzers, and digital diagnostic tools.

• Ability to read and interpret hydraulic schematics, mechanical drawings, and OEM service manuals.

• Competency in welding (MIG/stick) for field repair work is preferred but not required.

• Familiarity with BLM oilfield equipment inspection requirements and New Mexico/Utah oil and gas regulatory standards is a plus.

• Familiarity with oilfield equipment repair / parts suppliers in the four-corners area is preferred. 

• Valid Class A or B CDL preferred; must meet all applicable DOT medical and drug testing requirements.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple repair tasks simultaneously, including scheduling work for self and support personnel.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills; ability to document repairs accurately.

• Proficiency in email and basic computer applications for recordkeeping and parts ordering.

Team-oriented with a proactive, safety-first attitude.

Required

• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on mechanical experience specifically on workover rigs, pulling units, or equivalent oilfield well service equipment. Oilfield-adjacent experience (heavy equipment, mining, etc.) may be considered only if accompanied by direct rig mechanical experience.

• Demonstrated ability to independently overhaul diesel engines; including but not limited to, Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit, or equivalent (not merely basic maintenance).

• Demonstrated ability to rebuild and repair rig transmissions, right angle drives, and gearboxes, as well as rig carrier steering components.

• Hands-on experience with triplex and centrifugal pump repair.

• Hands-on experience with power swivel, pipe wrangler, other HPU related oilfield equipment.

• Experience servicing BOPE systems in a regulatory-compliant oilfield environment.

• High School diploma or GED required.

Preferred

• Completion of a diesel technology or industrial mechanics program from a trade or technical school is strongly preferred and will be given significant weight in the hiring process.

• Journeyman-level or equivalent certifications in diesel mechanics, hydraulics, or related disciplines..

Physical Requirements

• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs unassisted; participate in team lifts for heavier loads.

• Run, jump, reach, squat, bend, kneel, and climb ladders and rig structures.

• Able to pass respirator fit test (SCBA and APF-rated respirators as required).

• Hear clearly over loud background machinery noise.

Working Conditions

This position operates in an outdoor oilfield environment in southeastern Utah (Montezuma Creek, UT). Conditions include exposure to extreme heat and cold, dust, mud, diesel fumes, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), CO2, high-pressure systems, heavy equipment, and confined spaces. H2S awareness training (OSHA 10 or equivalent) is required. The work schedule may include extended hours, weekend callouts, and emergency response availability. Driving to remote field locations is required. This position requires working safely around active workover rig operations.

Equal Opportunity Statement

This position is subject to the Navajo Preference in Employment Act. The company is an equal opportunity employer.