NSTA 415 Senior Reservoir Engineer

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We aim to create a diverse team of talented, committed individuals and be a Great Place to Work; where employees are supported in a dynamic, busy organisation whilst promoting a positive work-life balance.

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Our goal is that the NSTA continues to be a ‘Great Place to Work’ offering a flexible 37-hour week working environment with hybrid model and up to 2 accruable flex days per month. Work life balance is very important to us with a workplace culture that fosters collaboration, respect, and professionalism. In addition we offer a range of benefits including a competitive pension - employer contribution (28.97%).

Brief overview of role

Are you an experienced Reservoir Engineer with an interest in delivering economic recovery while driving towards to net zero?

We are looking to recruit a talented Senior Reservoir Engineer to steward their own portfolio of UKCS Operators as well as offer reservoir engineering expertise generally across the team and wider Operations directorate.

This is a great opportunity to be part of an experienced and energised Area Team as part of the Operations Directorate, guiding the NSTA through changing times for the energy industries as the UK transitions to net zero.

You may have worked in an energy company, or they may have been a client if you’ve worked in a service company, but if you know the UKCS energy landscape, are experienced in working as part of joint venture and looking for a great place to work, then read on to see the details on how to apply below.

You will be responsible for operationalising NSTA’s Stewardship Strategy and supporting NSTA’s energy integration and transition activities working in the Operations Directorate in support of stewardship and emissions reduction priorities.

The role will encompass all phases of field life from pre-development to cessation of production and assessing new and ongoing field developments, to ensure that they achieve the maximum recovery of economic hydrocarbons, whilst delivering on the UK net zero obligations.

As Senior Reservoir Engineer you will have your own portfolio of operators to engage with and steward as the single point of contact in the team. You will also have oversight of operator reservoir engineering workflows generally across the whole area team and employ your expertise to assess appropriateness of activities as well as identify risk / opportunity from the perspective of the NSTA, offering these insights and expertise in support of other team members in delivering their roles.

In addition to a first degree, or equivalent, in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate considerable technical, leadership, strategic, commercial and joint venture experience.

This role requires a team player with a proactive approach and the ability to manage a high level of responsibility. You will need strong communication, interpersonal and influencing skills as well as technical expertise and credibility to win the respect of both colleagues and industry representatives.

You will be required to work closely with other team members including Facilities Engineer, Development Engineer, Development Geologist, Commercial Transaction Manager and Exploration Geoscientist and flexibly across other area teams, to ensure Asset Stewardship and regulatory decisions encompass all relevant input to maximising economic recovery and delivering upon the UK’s net zero ambition.

Detailed job description and key responsibilities

Reporting to the Northern North Sea and West of Shetland Asset Stewardship Lead, your key responsibilities will include:

• Reviewing and benchmarking field performance to identify appropriate actions for an operator to put in place via the Stewardship process
• Developing stewardship reviews collaboratively within the area team and delivering them with operators.
• Reviewing the performance of ongoing field developments highlighting where opportunities for cost effective investment can be pursued
• Providing oversight of Operators plans to ensure the NSTA’s Stewardship Expectations are incorporated and demonstrated.
• Participating in and occasionally organising industry seminars and workgroups.
• Facilitating adoption of Emissions Reduction and Energy Transition opportunities across the UKCS which utilises the significant existing infrastructure opportunities the UKCS presents.
• Assessing new field development proposals with a view to maximizing economic recovery of hydrocarbons.
• Act as a focal point for a portfolio of operators / hubs and lead on engagements on behalf of the NSTA.

Depending on your background and expertise, you may also have the opportunity to contribute to:

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with other Government Departments, Agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations.
• Provide advice to other divisions within the NSTA or other government departments on the field development implications of other offshore activity
• Brief senior management, internal and external, both written and verbal, on policy and technical matters
• Liaise with other UKCS regulators and energy transition stakeholders to learn and share NSTA’s findings

Person specification

Competence 1: Decision Making & Judgement

Ability to make complex decisions ensuring policies and procedures are adhered to. Accept responsibility for own actions. Well-developed analytical skills and sound judgement to manage varied and sometimes complex issues. Ability to document rationale and outcome of decisions.

Competence 2: Delivery

Have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment; have an aptitude for working on numerous projects simultaneously and the ability to identify and respond to new priorities. Have the ability to maintain an overarching view of the activities of an operator and identify the key areas where effective stewardship will support the achievement of the net zero targets.

Meets challenges with resourcefulness, generate suggestions for improving work and develops innovative approaches and ideas. Proven leadership skills and ability to develop creative, innovative and strategic thinking to the role and to articulate a vision. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence are essential. Mentor and coach others; unlocking potential and maximising performance

Competence 4: Strategic & Commercial Thinking

Understand the commercial structure and working practices within a Joint Venture and the ability to influencing outcomes to meet NSTA objectives.

Specialist Skills, Qualifications, Experience, Licenses, Memberships or Language

• Degree qualified, or equivalent qualification, in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline is required.
• You must have a strong technical background in oil and gas field development in the upstream UK Oil and Gas Industry and be able to demonstrate a high level of competence through practice in the application of reservoir engineering skills. These would include:
  • Understanding and forecasting of dynamic reservoir behaviour using appropriate analytic tools for reservoir management such as decline curve analysis, material balance, well test/performance analysis, PVT, voidage replacement strategies etc
  • Understanding of ultimate recovery potential and recovery factor based on HIIP, reservoir performance, key subsurface uncertainties and facilities constraints
  • Understanding of Reserves and Resource estimation and classification
• Ability to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams and be a team player
• Experience of presenting with executive management, government bodies, Joint Venture (JV) Partners and other external stakeholders.
• Demonstrable results in driving improvements and implementing change within JV’s
• A further applicable qualification relating to Reservoir Engineering such as an MSc or similar
• Awareness of NSTA Stewardship Strategy, Expectations and Implementation Guides.
• Regulatory knowledge, although training in this area will be provided
• Experience in other Energy sectors
• International perspective or experience
• Significant experience of JV Management/Leadership ideally in an Operator
• Salary £80,820
• Appointment Type Permanent
• Appointment Term Full time
• Vacancy Reference Number NSTA 415
• No. of posts 1
• Grade SEO
• Travel to other location within the UK? Occasional
• Level of Security Clearance Basic
• Medical Required? No
• Unless otherwise stated consideration will be given to requests to work on a part time or job share basis. Flexible working hours can also be considered.
• Closing date for applications 02 June 2024
• Anticipated shortlisting date TBD
• Anticipated interview date 17th June 2024

I am a UK national, EU national covered by current EU settlement regulations, or hold a valid visa and work permit to enable me to reside and work within the United Kingdom. Most roles require Baseline Personnel Security Standard clearance, but some roles also require National Security Vetting. Where this is the case I consent to completing the process and its requirements as set out by UK Security Vetting(please note the job profile will detail the current level of clearance required). I hold the educational and competence requirements for the role as set out in the job profile

The NSTA is committed to embedding equality and diversity into all our policies and processes. We will aim to recruit, retain and promote staff on the basis of competence and regardless of characteristics including those listed under the Equality Act 2010. These protected characteristics are; age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation.

The NSTA is an accredited Disability Confident Committed employer. We have also been awarded silver accreditation for the Gender Diversity Benchmark through Business in the Community, The Prince’s Responsible Business Network. In addition, we are signed up to their Race at Work Charter and implement its five principles. As a further commitment to attracting, retaining and developing a diverse workforce we have signed up to the Axis Pledge.