Regulatory Analyst I

Compensation Range

$78,478.40 - $99,403.20

Job Description Summary

The focus of this position is to foster the responsible and balanced development of Weld County's oil and gas mineral resources to ensure compatibility with competing surface land uses as well as to seek and maintain working relationships with all those having an interest in oil and gas development in Weld County. The position will act as a Weld County oil and gas permit processor and technical resource on oil and gas operations and will support policy development at the County to facilitate oil and gas development while protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public and the environment.

This position provides a field presence in Weld County, Colorado, representing the Oil & Gas Energy Department. Oil and Gas Regulatory Analysts conduct onsite evaluations and documentation of conditions for oil and gas operations and activities including but not limited to; well pad construction, drilling, completions, production, and oil and gas pipeline construction. This onsite presence provides credibility and integrity to the permitting and reporting functions within the County and provides certainty to Weld County residents that oil and gas operations are being conducted in a manner that implements the harmonious development of land uses within the County.

Job Description

Depending on the qualifications and experience of the applicants, they may be considered for a Regulatory Analyst II.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Process Weld County 1041 Oil & Gas Location Assessment (1041 WOGLA) applications in accordance with County regulation.

• Process Weld County Location Assessment for Pipeline (LAP) applications in accordance with County regulation.

• May evaluate and process additional items relating to oil and gas development within Weld County, including but not limited to Sundry Forms, building permits, and referral requests.

• Ensure compliance with the rules and orders especially those related to oil and gas permitting including but not limited to, siting analysis and plan review for upstream oil and gas well and production locations including midstream pipeline projects, for the protection of public health, safety, welfare, and the environment including wildlife resources.

• Assess proposed oil and gas drilling operations and facilities for permitting requirements regarding and/or compliance with air and water quality protection practices, including storm water requirements, reduction of leaks and spills, and utilization of industry best management practices.

• Work with Director of Oil and Gas Energy, Oil and Gas Regulatory Analysts, Oil and Gas Inspectors, and other Weld County departments including Planning, Health, Public Works, Office of Emergency Management, and the Commissioners' office to support their interests in the safe and balanced development of oil and gas resources.

• Collaborates with oil and gas industry representatives to understand their projects and operations.

• Collaborates with surface owners, first responders, State and Federal regulators, and other agencies to help facilitate cooperative oil and gas development.

• Prepares reports and recommendations for 1041 WOGLA and LAP land use applications.

• Respond to requests for information or assistance from the public, the regulated community, environmental groups, boards and commissions, and county staff and departments.

• Ensure compliance with permits and completion of any site-specific conditions of approval (COA) and recommend additional conditions of approval for future oil and gas locations, and oil and gas pipelines.

• Evaluate compliance with 1041 WOGLA and LAP applications, surrounding land uses, and the Comprehensive Plan.

• Presents staff recommendations to the Director and Hearing Officer(s), as well as the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners as required.

• Respond to inquiries alleging impacts from oil and gas operations, or violations of County rules or regulations.

• Stay current on oil and gas technologies and best practices for emissions reduction and protection of public health, by communicating with team members and industry, independent research, and stakeholder groups.

• May assist municipalities with the permitting of oil and gas operations.

• Maintain internal database and tracking systems to identify upcoming regulatory requirements.

• Monitor upcoming operations and required filing dates and prepare associated reports.

• Maintain associated records in both electronic and paper format.

• Attend oil and gas industry and community meetings, as required.

• Attend various Weld County meetings as required; makes oral presentations at certain meetings; prepares presentations and meet with public to explain plans and projects. Establish and maintains effective working relationships with officials, other employees and the public.

• Participate in staff conferences dealing with oil and gas related topics and the development of plans, regulations, and procedures.

• Establish and maintain necessary files and database pertaining to department records, reports, plans, maps and materials.

• Communicates anticipated and current areas of concern to supervisor.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications for Success

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Proven success in organizing, managing, and tracking workload.

• Ability to problem solve, answer questions and evaluate results.

• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.

• Exceptional detail orientation.

• Organized and able to multi-task on a daily basis.

• Familiarity with Weld County Code.

• Familiarity with ECMC and CDPHE rules and regulations relating to oil and gas.

• Experience with and ability to understand, interpret, and apply statutes and regulations pertaining to assigned program areas.

• Knowledge of educational and community outreach strategies.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to use standard computer software (i.e. Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel) and maintain detailed, accurate and consistent records.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective, respectful and professional relationships with coworkers, industry, outside agencies, and the public.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in multiple cross discipline team-oriented groups involving planning & health, engineering and geologic departments.

• Ability to confidently interface with regulatory agency personnel.

• Must be an effective player on a diverse team of experts.

• Must be culturally sensitive and willing to work with a diverse population.

Required Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• High School Diploma or GED certification and two (2) + years of oil and gas and planning or regulatory experience with a good understanding of operations as they pertain to job (e.g. drilling, geology, completions, location assessment, regulatory, etc.) preferred.

• A bachelor's degree in planning, environmental protection, or a related field preferred.

• Experience in related fields e.g. planning/land use permitting, drilling/completions, environmental/safety, is a plus.

• Satisfactory completion of course work from an accredited, non-correspondence college or university in a field of study directly related to the assignment may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required general experience.

• Knowledge of agricultural practices and planning and land use permitting is preferred.

• Knowledge reading and understanding legal descriptions is a plus.

• Must be Safeland USA certified or attain certification within six (6) months of hire.

• Must be CPR and first aid certified or attain certification within six (6) months of hire.

Driver's License:

• Employee must have and maintain a valid CO driver's license, current automobile insurance, and a good driving record.

Work Environment

• Approximately 85% professional office setting and 15% field work (site visits).

• May be called out to respond to complaints.

• Exposure to crude oil, condensate, glycol and other materials at oil and gas sites may occur.

• County vehicle provided for site visits with travel on public, private and oil and gas lease roads on routine basis. This may involve driving during rain, snow, or high winds.

This position is exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore ineligible for overtime pay.

As an applicant for this position, you should be aware of Senate Bill 19-085, the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The act requires employers to announce the pay range for job openings. This range encompasses the nine pay steps available should you receive the position and demonstrate satisfactory performance over time.

Weld County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.