JOB DESCRIPTION Primary purpose: The Well Safety Specialist is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the safety and integrity of wellsite operations related to Underground Natural Gas Storage (UNGS) and CO₂ Storage (CCS) operations, including drilling, workovers, and wellhead maintenance. This position provides safety oversight, risk management, and regulatory compliance for high-pressure UNGS and CCS wells, fostering a strong safety culture across all field activities. The specialist will ensure all well operations are performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company and industry standards and regulations. They will also participate in incident investigations, conduct safety inspections, and coordinate emergency response planning. The ideal candidate will bring extensive wellsite experience, strong safety expertise, and proven leadership skills to support safe, reliable, and compliant UNGS and CCS storage operations.
Minimum requirements:
Education:- Bachelor's degree in an EHS-related discipline, or equivalent skills and experience.
Experience/Specific Knowledge:- Minimum of 5 years of experience in wellsite operations, including drilling, workovers, and wellhead maintenance, preferably in UNGS, CO2-EOR or high-pressure gas environments.
- Familiarity with well drilling and workover equipment, wellhead components, blowout prevention, and CO₂-specific safety hazards.
- Strong understanding of OSHA, EPA, state regulations, and industry standards related to wellsite safety, CO₂ handling, and high-pressure operations.
- Good record of safe work practices.
- Ability to complete work assignments with minimal supervision in an acceptable time frame.
- Assimilates concerns and priorities from all stakeholders to come up with acceptable and workable strategies and actions.
- Ability to write clearly and concisely for different types of audiences, deliver a presentation clearly and persuasively.
- Ability to recognize, research and resolve gaps identified in the company EHS process.
Certifications, Licenses & Registrations:- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the Company and its insurers.
- May be required to achieve and maintain certifications as required to perform job duties.
- Well Control (IWCF or similar
Competencies, Skills & Abilities:- Intermediate computer skills (knowledge of MS Office, various operating systems, and other company software).
- Intermediate math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Customer focus.
- Must be able to work with a team, take direction from supervisor(s), adhere to required work schedules, and follow work rules.
- Time management, organization, attention to detail, and good follow-up skills.
- Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality when required.
- Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines.
- Must be a problem solver with the ability to find resolutions.
- Must be flexible and able to work effectively in a team environment and consistently maintain a professional and respectful demeanor/attitude with co-workers, clients, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
- Job level commensurate with experience and skill sets; position will be filled depending on the qualifications, experience, and skillsets of the successful candidate.
Physical Demands:- Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.
- The employee is regularly required to use hands to type, finger, handle, or feel.
- The employee is required to talk and listen.
- The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms.
- The employee is occasionally required to walk and climb or balance.
- The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Working Conditions:- May be required to carry a cell phone and be available to respond during working and non-working hours.
- Up to 60% of travel is required.
- The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, including a credit report for certain positions, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.
Supervisory Responsibility:PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:Above the minimum requirements, not required but advantageous in this position:
- General safety certifications such as CSP, CHMM, First Aid/CPR, etc.
- H2S awareness
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.
CompensationThe salary range for this role is $97,000-$130,000/yr.
Essential duties and responsibilities: - Lead and promote a strong safety culture on wellsite operations, ensuring compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements related to UNGS and CCS well operations including drilling, workovers, and wellhead maintenance activities.
- Participate in, conduct and review Job Hazard Assessments (JHA's) for all wellsite activities, implementing appropriate controls to mitigate hazards associated with UNGS and CCS well operations, well interventions, and equipment handling.
- Ensure all work is performed in accordance with approved permits, procedures, and industry standards, including HSE protocols specific to UNGS and CCS well operations.
- Conduct regular safety inspections, audits, and observations of wellsite activities, ensuring adherence to safety standards and identifying areas for improvement.
- Maintain compliance with all applicable regulations and standards (OSHA, EPA, state agencies), and liaise with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies regarding safety matters.
- Maintain accurate safety documentation, including inspection reports, incident logs, training records, and safety meeting minutes.
- Act as company representative during EHS well inspections by regulatory agencies.
- Serve as a Safety "Point of Contact" and address Safety matters by making recommendations based on knowledge of company practices and government regulations.
- Provide support and/or oversight to field operations on Safe Work Practices and Industrial Hygiene Programs.
- Foster communication with the workforce to strengthen the importance of EHS objectives, policies, and procedures.
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of company EHS policies and procedures and applicable regulatory agency regulations, standards, and guidelines.
- Participate in Emergency Response Planning, drills and actual responses including ERL notifications during and outside of regular work hours.
- Develop, review, and coordinate emergency response plans specific to UNGS and CCS wellsite operations, including leak detection, well control, and evacuation procedures.
- Notify management of violations of EHS regulations or company policies.
- Provide training to company personnel on selected EHS topics.
- Facilitate "root cause" analysis of reported incidents, such as: near misses, personal injury, or vehicle accidents.
- Provide EHS support, as needed, to special engineering, or other projects.
- Deal with a wide variety of people with tact, courtesy, and professionalism.
- Speak clearly, both in person and by telephone, using a high level of verbal skills and listen carefully.
- Maintain regular, dependable attendance and a consistently high level of performance.
- Will work non-traditional hours as needed.
- Maintain a high regard for personal safety, for the safety of company assets and employees, and the public.
- Other daily, weekly, monthly, or special project duties as identified and defined
- Other duties as assigned.
ABOUT US Tallgrass was named one of the 2023 Top Workplaces USA and highlighted in Colorado's Top Workplaces for the past seven consecutive years. Tallgrass is a leading energy infrastructure company focused on safely, reliably, and sustainably delivering the energy and services that power our nation and enable our quality of life.
At Tallgrass, we value our teams and strive to create an environment where employees feel respected, and their contributions are valued. We aim to support employees' physical, mental, and financial well-being through a comprehensive Total Rewards Program.
- Industry competitive pay
- Health insurance package options that include Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
- Infertility Coverage
- Parental Leave
- 401(k) with up to a 6% match that vests immediately plus an employer discretionary contribution of up to 4%
- Wellness Programs and Mental Health Resources
- Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
- Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
- Vacation, sick days, paid caregiver leave, volunteer and bereavement paid time off
- Identity theft protection
- Annual discretionary bonus
- Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Company-paid holidays and floating holidays
- Company vehicle (if applicable)
- Employee discounts; vehicles, tires, cellular plans, and more
- Networking and employee engagement events
- Personal development to grow your career with us based on your strengths and interests
Application Deadline: Recruiting timelines vary by position; however, all Tallgrass positions accept applications for at least five business days from the posting date. This position is open and still accepting applications.
Compensation: Compensation ranges are provided in good faith based on what we anticipate when researching wages for this position at the state and national levels. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.
Notice to External Search Firms: Tallgrass does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Unsolicited referrals and resumes are considered Tallgrass property; therefore, Tallgrass will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited referral. Approved vendors may be invited to refer talent for specific positions at Tallgrass's request only. A fully executed agreement with Tallgrass must be in place and current in these cases.
EEO Statement: Tallgrass complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) affirmative action laws and regulations. Tallgrass does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, or other status protected by law.