Operations Specialist - Water

Position SummaryThe Operations Specialist — Water is a field-focused role responsible for coordinating and optimizing produced water operations across SM Energy’s Permian Basin development area. This position serves as the field lead for water operations, providing day-to-day direction and technical guidance to lease operators while acting as the primary point of contact for internal teams and third-party partners. This position leads through coordination, influence, and accountability in the field. The ideal candidate brings hands-on SWD experience, strong field leadership skills, and the ability to manage projects, vendors, and costs while maintaining safe, reliable operations.Core ResponsibilitiesSalt Water Disposal OperationsCoordinate day-to-day operation of SWD wells and associated infrastructureMonitor injection volumes, pressures, and equipment performance to ensure reliable and compliant operationsCoordinate maintenance activities and troubleshoot operational issues in a timely mannerEnsure all SWD activities comply with applicable state (RRC) and federal regulationsField Leadership & CoordinationServe as the field lead for lease operators, providing daily direction and supportEstablish priorities and coordinate work to align with operational needs and schedulesProvide coaching and field support to improve consistency, safety, and performanceConduct regular field visits to verify work quality and address issues in real timeProject Execution, Cost, & Commercial OversightPlan and execute water-related field projects, including facility upgrades, tie-ins, and infrastructure expansionsCoordinate internal teams and third-party vendors to deliver work safely and on scheduleTrack and manage project and operating costs, identifying efficiency opportunitiesReview invoices and vendor activity to ensure alignment with contract terms and address discrepanciesThird-Party Water ManagementServe as the primary operational contact for water vendors, haulers, and disposal providersMonitor vendor performance against service expectations, volumes, and schedulingCoordinate third-party services to align with field operations and development activitySupport vendor selection and evaluations with field-level input on performance and capabilityPlanning & ReportingTrack and report daily, weekly, and monthly water volumes (produced, transferred, disposed)Identify capacity constraints and escalate risks before they impact operationsMaintain accurate records of SWD performance, vendor activity, and field observationsProvide clear, concise updates to operations leadershipQualificationsRequired5+ years of experience in oil and gas field operations, with exposure to produced water or SWD systemsDemonstrated experience supervising field personnel (lease operators, contract crews, or similar)Working knowledge of salt water disposal well operations, including injection equipment, flowlines, and monitoring systemsStrong vendor management and communication skillsAbility to work independently in the field and make sound operational decisions under pressureComputer/Software Applications:Basic level of skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office.Education:High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associate or bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.Working ConditionsThis position requires regular fieldwork in outdoor environments subject to extreme temperatures, rough terrain, and active oil and gas operations. The role involves a mix of office-based planning and coordination with hands-on field presence. Travel to and within the Permian Basin is required on an ongoing basis.SM Energy offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which include, but are not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations. Details are available at Careers :: SM Energy Company (SM) (sm-energy.com) .Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.