Orphan Site Restoration Program (OSR)

The Louisiana Oilfield Site Restoration Program was created in 1993 within the Department of Conservation and Energy to address the growing problem of unrestored orphaned oilfield sites across the State. Orphan wells are abandoned oil and gas wells for which no viable responsible party can be located, or such party has failed to maintain the wellsite in accordance with State rules and regulations. The specific focus of the Oilfield Site Restoration Program is to properly plug and abandon orphan wells and to restore sites to approximate pre-wellsite conditions suitable for redevelopment.

Oilfield site restoration projects range in size and scope from the repair of small wellhead leaks and the removal of exploration and production related trash and debris to the plugging of wells and removal of associated facilities and structures. Orphan wells are found throughout the State in all areas where there has been historic oil and gas activity. These sites deteriorate over time due to neglect from the operator of record and therefore become susceptible to releasing oil, gas, and saltwater to the surrounding area. The Program has addressed sites near schools and public buildings, in sensitive coastal wetland areas, and near residential areas.

Orphan well sites are prioritized to direct available funding to those sites that pose the greatest threat to public safety and environment. However, in order to also economically decrease the total number of orphaned wells in the State, lower priority sites located near a proposed project area are often included in the project scope of work to increase cost-effectiveness by lowering overall individual well plugging costs. Project design and oversight is handled by in-house staff while all other restoration-specific tasks are contracted to approved oilfield contractors. Project bids are solicited in accordance with the State bid law and projects are awarded to the lowest qualified bidder.

An ideal candidate should possess the following competencies:

Communicating Effectively: The ability to relay information correctly and appropriately to connect people and ideas.

Managing Resources: The ability to ensure resources such as time, money, and people are utilized appropriately to result in maximum business value.

Using Data: The ability to use relevant and valid data to inform a recommendation for action.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

The Administrative Program Specialist A position reports to the Petroleum Scientist Manager 1 within the Oilfield Site Restoration Section of the Engineering-Regulatory Division located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This position will perform specialized professional level administrative functions as they pertain to the Underwater Obstructions Program (UWO) and Oilfield Site Restoration Program (OSR).

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Prepares and submits the program’s annual budget request to the legislature, and monitors collections and fund balances to ensure fiscal accountability and sustainability.

• Establishes, implements, and updates program standards, guidelines, and standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with Department of Conservation and Energy policies.

• Maintains and manages the database of known underwater obstructions in SONRIS and departmental records, ensuring accurate and current data.

• Oversees and updates orphaned well status and condition codes within the SONRIS database to maintain regulatory and operational accuracy.

• Identifies and selects underwater obstructions for assessment or removal projects based on program priorities and risk factors.

• Develops and prepares detailed bid specifications for obstruction assessment and removal projects in accordance with procurement requirements.

• Monitors and manages the performance of underwater obstruction contractors (currently 12), ensuring work is completed according to specifications and contract terms.

• Maintains and updates the program’s approved contractor list (currently 29 contractors) to ensure qualified vendor participation.

• Documents and processes change order approvals in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures and Department policy.

• Prepares performance and program tracking reports for the Department of Conservation and Energy and serves as back-up timekeeper, ensuring accurate and timely bi-weekly time and leave documentation for the Division.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: Probational

Career Progression: This position does not participate in a Career Progression Group.

Work Schedule: Work hours are flexible.

Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

**Note regarding the advertised pay range: The maximum amounts listed are the maximum salary amounts a person can make at each level over their career and not the amount we are allowed to pay a new hire.

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

How To Apply:

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

* Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

For further information about this vacancy contact:

Human Resources

Department of Conservation and Energy

PO Box 94396

Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9396

Email: DNR-Recruiting@la.gov