Hydraulic Choke Operator

A Hydraulic Choke Operator performs work in drill out, flow back, well testing, and rig up/rig down services in oil and gas fracturing operations. They are responsible for tearing apart and rebuilding hydraulic chokes used in the field as well as operating this equipment from a command center. They must have knowledge of well-testing equipment and the ability to diagnose, repair, and troubleshoot malfunctions when needs arise. Basic computer knowledge is a must in order to perform data entry and generate field reports. Ensure accurate collection and reporting of well production flow rates are documented as per internal and/or client-based guidelines. The workload consists of 75% field and 25% shop. They must have a clean driving record with the ability to obtain and maintain a commercial driver’s license (Class “A” CDL).

Field Work:

Rigging up a portable separator and heater
Lift chicken bundles weighing ±65 lbs.
Attach chicken bundle to the wellhead, entailing lift from ground level to above head level.
Hammer unions from ground level to above head level.
Drive flowline tie-down stakes with 8 lbs. to 12 lb. or larger sledgehammer or Electric Bosch demolition hammer weighing 60± lbs.
Make up threaded connections with two (2) 24″ pipe wrenches occasionally using a 36″ pipe wrench from ground level to above head level.
Monitor and maintain hydraulic choke equipment during coiled tubing washes, frac flowback, etc.
Operate hydraulic choke controls within the safe parameters of the designated equipment.
Maintains and repairs all components of high-pressure operation: flowline/connections, hydraulic choke manifolds, sand separators, test separators, flare stacks, gas busters, and safety systems.
Rigging up flowback manifold and sand separator.
Load fittings weighing ±40 lbs each.
Drive flowline tie-down stakes with 8 lbs. or larger sledgehammer or electric Bosch demolition hammer weighing ±60 lbs.
Stoop, bend, twist, turn, and lift to align and join threaded components at heights from ground level to above head level.
Carry and connect 15-foot-long threaded pipe joints with a second person’s assistance (1/4 joint weight ±40 lbs.) The full 30′ pipe joint weighs ±140 lbs.
Hammer union connections and screw threaded connections with 24″ pipe wrench from ground level to above head level.
Perform all routine choke changes, blowdowns, tank strapping, and pressure readings anytime or when directed.

Shop Work:

Load and unload fieldwork equipment weighing ±70 lbs. to/from a height of 36″to 60″.
Lift items and fittings weighing ±30 lbs. Place them on shelves head high.
Occasionally lift weights ±70 lbs. to a height of 36″ to 60″.
Wash all FESCO equipment.
Clean and sweep shop
Turn around equipment in order for it to be ready for the next job.

Safety Requirements:

In order to comply with Department of Transportation regulations, must be able to pass a “DOT” physical, secure, and maintain at least a Class “B” CDL with an “H” endorsement.
Work in all types of weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat and cold and high humidity) for extended periods of time.
Work in a toxic environment (Hydrogen Sulfide Gas) while wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus with full-face sealed respiratory equipment weighing ±30 lbs.
Work at remote well locations ±2 hours from the nearest medical facility.
Work comfortably up to 15″ above ground while wearing the appropriate fall protection equipment designated for the job.
Close a large wellhead wing or master valve high or above in case of an emergency.
Be mobile in the event of an emergency.
Ability to evacuate a fellow employee in the event of an emergency.
They will perform other duties assigned.
They work under the direction of the District Manager.