Elk Petroleum Careers

Job Title:   Facilities Engineer (Rotating Equipment and Gas Plant)

Location:  Cortez, CO
Department:   Facilities Engineering
Status:  Exempt

Position Summary

The Facilities Engineer plans, designs, manages execution of field activities, optimizes and troubleshoots the oil production, gas processing facilities, and water and CO2 infrastructure of the Company. The positions primary responsibility is managing Elk’s rotating equipment maintenance and reliability, gas processing plant engineering support, and planning and implementation of facilities projects and upgrades.

Key Responsibilities

Rotating Equipment Operations and Maintenance

· Lead daily maintenance activities associated with reciprocating compressors, pumps, and vapor recovery units.

· Develop plans for compression, pump maintenance, and manage daily work priorities of compression and field mechanics.

· Monitor and analyze rotating equipment operating conditions, efficiencies, optimization, and identify abnormal operating conditions. 

· Oversee compressor and pump vibration analysis, while providing technical support and troubleshooting

· Oversee Windrock data acquisition, provide guidance for technicians completing data acquisition.

· Be responsible for planning and managing upgrades, overhauls, spare parts inventory, and maintenance budgets for Elk’s rotating equipment ensuring cost efficient and reliable operations.

Compression and Gas Processing Facility Engineering

· Provide daily engineering support for Elk’s compression and gas processing facility operations. Be available and advise operations staff on operational decisions.

· Work closely with field operations and maintenance personnel to ensure facilities are operating safely and reliably and diagnose and troubleshoot operational issues.

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

· Design, implement, and optimize facility systems to maximize efficiency and reliability.

· Manage facility MOC processes to ensure changes meet design standards, PSM compliance, and are implemented safely.

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.

Facility Upgrades and Project Management

· Scoping, design, and execution for expansion of existing facilities infrastructure in support of ongoing and future capital development projects ($5k - $2M).

· Develop project work scopes, project budgets, engineering design packages, and bid packages.

· Use of effective project management skills resulting in timely and cost-effective project delivery. 

Field Leadership & Collaboration 

· Develop and maintain close working relationships with operations and maintenance personnel to develop solutions to operational problems and to improve efficiency, reliability, regulatory compliance, and safety of Elk’s production facilities.

· 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 SCADA, and production data systems daily to identify enhancement and optimization opportunities.

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

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).

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

Technical Skills

· Demonstrated knowledge of reciprocating compressors, rotary screw compressors, vapor recovery units, electric motors. 

· Demonstrated knowledge of ANSI pumps and horizontal split case pumps.  

· Demonstrated knowledge of compression and gas processing facilities maintenance and operations.

· Demonstrated knowledge of dehydration and refrigeration processes.

· Experience with optimizing legacy infrastructure with a focus on economically and safely extending useful life.

· Experience supervising field work, construction contractors, and providing direction and guidance to maintenance and operations technicians.

· Experience with design, sizing/specification, and operations of infrastructure supporting upstream oil and gas production operations including piping systems and components, separators, tanks, vapor recovery systems, compressors, pumps, and flares and their associated control systems.

· Experience with infrastructure supporting CO2 WAG and waterflooding operations, including recycle gas compression, dehydration, condensate extraction and water injection.

· Knowledge of applicable codes, guidelines and recommended practices such as ASME, NACE, API, OSHA/PSM, EPA, BLM, DOT/PHMSA and other organizations/agencies.

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

· The position will be based in Elk’s Cortez, CO office with frequent field presence in the Greater Aneth Field in Montezuma Creek, UT.  

· The selected candidate for the role will be expected to relocate to the greater Cortez area.  

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

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

Equal Opportunity Statement

 Elk Operating Services LLC is an equal opportunity employer provided that this      position is subject to the Navajo Preference in Employment Act. (NPEA)

Job Title:    Manager, Government and Community Affairs 

Location:    Montezuma Creek, UT, or Cortez, CO (with extensive field presence in San Juan County, UT / Navajo Nation)
Department:   Government and Community Affairs
Status:  Exempt

Position Summary

The Manager, Government and Community Affairs is responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships between Elk Petroleum and the Navajo Nation, local communities, government agencies, elected officials, and other key stakeholders. The position serves as Elk Petroleum’s primary representative on government and community matters affecting operations on the Navajo Nation and works closely with internal departments to address community concerns, support operational objectives, and maintain Elk Petroleum’s reputation as a responsible corporate partner.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Relations & Field Engagement

• Develop and implement a proactive community engagement strategy for communities in and around Elk Petroleum’s operating areas.

• Build and maintain relationships with chapter officials, community leaders, residents, business organizations, educational institutions, nonprofits, and other community stakeholders.

• Lead daily, face-to-face interactions between field operations, local residents, and community members.

• Help identify potential community concerns before they become operational or reputational issues.

• Represent Elk Petroleum professionally and consistently in external meetings and community forums.

• Organize and facilitate community informational meetings to maintain transparent communications about ongoing field operations.

Tribal & Local Government Affairs

• Serve as a primary point of contact between Elk Petroleum and local Navajo Nation governmental representatives and develop and maintain working relationships and attend meetings with local Navajo government entities, including local Chapter Houses.

• Coordinate corporate advocacy and formal communications with various departments of the Navajo Nation government in Window Rock, Arizona.

• Monitor tribal legislative updates, policy changes, and resolutions affecting upstream oil and gas operations.

• Assist in securing and maintaining necessary regulatory permits and operational alignment with tribal oversight committees.

Donations, Contributions & Social Responsibility 

• Identify opportunities for Elk Petroleum to support local economic development, education, charitable organizations and community initiatives.

• Develop and manage community partnerships, sponsorships, and charitable activities consistent with company policies and objectives.

• Manage the review, approval, and distribution process for tribal contributions and sponsorships.

• Align corporate social responsibility initiatives with local educational, cultural, and community development priorities.

• Track donation metrics to maximize the strategic impact of corporate investments on the Navajo Nation.

Land Use & Surface Damage Coordination

• Interface directly with local allottees, grazing permit holders, and the Utah Land Office representatives regarding right-of-way and access matters.

• Investigate, negotiate, and settle claims related to surface damages resulting from drilling, production, or infrastructure maintenance.

• Collaborate closely with field engineering and operations to proactively mitigate impacts on local livestock and agricultural lands.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Government Affairs, Public Relations, Communications, Business, Political Science, Native American Studies, or a related field. Equivalent relevant experience may be considered.

• Five or more years of relevant experience in government affairs, community relations, public affairs, tribal relations, land management, or a related field.

• Direct experience working with the Navajo Nation and demonstrated knowledge of Navajo communities and governmental institutions.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Navajo Nation officials, Chapter leadership, community members, elders, land users, and other stakeholders.

• Strong written, verbal, presentation, interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Sound judgment and the ability to manage sensitive, politically complex, or contentious matters with discretion.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Operations, Human Resources, Land & Legal, Regulatory, Environmental, and other internal departments.

Navajo Nation Knowledge & Professional Capabilities 

• Deep understanding of Navajo Nation governmental structure, including the roles and distinctions between local Chapters and the central Navajo Nation government in Window Rock.

• Strong cultural competency and understanding of Navajo customs, community dynamics, ethics, and appropriate professional etiquette.

• Knowledge of tribal land tenure, grazing rights, right-of-way matters, and surface-damage processes.

• Familiarity with the functions of the Navajo Nation’s Utah Land Office and other governmental entities relevant to the company’s operations.

• Proven ability to establish trust and maintain productive relationships with both grassroots community members and senior governmental officials.

• Ability to confidently represent Elk Petroleum as a visible and credible company representative within Navajo communities and governmental settings.

• Fluency in the Navajo language (Diné Bizaad) is highly preferred, particularly for communication with local elders and residents.

• Oil and gas industry experience, particularly in upstream operations, is preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Position is headquartered in the Montezuma Creek, UT office, and requires a heavy, everyday field presence within the company’s Navajo Nation operating areas (e.g., Greater Aneth Field / San Juan County, UT area).

• The selected candidate will be expected to reside in or relocate to the greater Montezuma Creek/Cortez/Four Corners area.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including attending evening Chapter meetings and weekend community events.

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record for frequent travel across unpaved and remote field locations.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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

Equal Opportunity Statement
Elk Operating Services LLC is an equal opportunity employer, provided that this position is subject to the Navajo Preference in Employment Act (NPEA).