Automation Specialist

Bison Oil and Gas

Briggsdale, CO

Pay: $40-$63/hr

Shift: Full time

**Company Information**

Bison Oil & Gas is a Denver-based upstream oil and gas exploration and production company committed to pursuing value through responsible oil and gas development that ensures maximum benefits to both shareholders and stakeholders by operating intelligently, ethically, responsibly, and on the cutting edge of technology.

Bison Oil & Gas IV operates in the DJ Basin of Colorado and Wyoming. Bison has operated in the DJ since 2015 and currently operates over 350,000 net acres, 700 wells, and ~50,000 BOE of production per day. Bison is a leading modern operator that strives to operate with the least possible impact on the environment and our surrounding communities. Bison is the largest private operator in the DJ Basin.

**Summary**

The Automation Specialist is responsible for programming, configuring, troubleshooting, and supporting automation and control systems used across upstream oil and gas production facilities. This position supports PLCs, RTUs, flow computers, instrumentation, and related communications infrastructure to ensure reliable facility control, monitoring, measurement, and data acquisition.

**Job Responsibilities and Essential Functions**

• Develop, configure, modify, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC and RTU programming for upstream production facilities.
• Configure and support ABB Totalflow flow computers and related measurement and automation equipment.
• Develop and modify control logic, alarm functions, permissives, shutdowns, sequencing, and process-control applications.
• Monitor, evaluate, and coordinate the implementation of manufacturer-approved operating system, firmware, software, and security updates for ABB Totalflow, PLC, and associated control systems to maintain cybersecurity, system reliability, compatibility, and safe facility operations.
• Demonstrate proficiency in integrating Beijer, PanelView, and Red Lion HMIs with flow computers and PLCs, including configuration, communications, troubleshooting, and functional testing to ensure reliable monitoring and control of oil and gas process equipment.
• Troubleshoot automation, communication, programming, and field-device issues affecting facility operation.
• Support integration of PLCs, RTUs, flow computers, instrumentation, and SCADA systems.
• Configure and troubleshoot communication networks and protocols used between field equipment and control systems.
• Review P&IDs, control narratives, cause-and-effect documentation, electrical drawings, and instrumentation drawings to develop and maintain control strategies.
• Support commissioning, startup, testing, and validation of new or modified automation systems.
• Coordinate with operations, engineering, instrumentation, electrical, measurement, and construction personnel to resolve automation issues.
• Maintain program backups, configuration records, change documentation, and other system documentation.
• Assist with standardization of PLC programming, Totalflow configurations, alarm management, and automation practices across facilities.
• Identify and implement improvements to automation reliability, operational efficiency, and system performance.
• Provide technical support for facility shutdown systems, process controls, and production equipment.
• Support troubleshooting of remote communications and data availability between field assets and SCADA systems.

**Core Competencies**

• Technical Expertise
• Analytical & Systems Thinking
• Troubleshooting & Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Continuous Improvement
• Documentation & Change Management
• Communication & Collaboration

**Education and Experience:**

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in automation, instrumentation, electrical technology, engineering technology, or related discipline preferred.
• 5+ years of PLC, RTU, industrial automation, instrumentation, or controls experience.
• Oil and gas production or upstream facilities experience strongly preferred.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting industrial PLC platforms.
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting ABB Totalflow systems preferred.
• Working knowledge of SCADA systems, RTUs, flow computers, instrumentation, and industrial communication networks.
• Knowledge of common industrial communication protocols and field automation architecture.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, electrical drawings, control narratives, cause-and-effect diagrams, and instrumentation documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose issues across programming, communications, instrumentation, and control-system interfaces.

Other Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a pre-employment background screening
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test

o Position is subject to ongoing drug testing as a term of continued employment.

• Valid driver’s license, acceptable motor vehicle report, and good driving habits
• Ability to legally work in the US without sponsorship

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