Operations Manager Jobs in Rifle, CO (NOW HIRING)

Company Information

QB Energy is a Denver-based upstream natural gas company committed to delivering value through responsible acquisition, development, and production that benefits both shareholders and stakeholders by operating efficiently, sustainably, and with cutting-edge technology.

QB Energy operates in the Piceance Basin of Western Colorado, currently operating about 400,000 net acres. The company develops and operates upstream gathering, compression, processing, and fractionation assets, with a focus on safety, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Initiatives such as zero-flaring, methane emissions reduction, water recycling, and wildlife mitigation help minimize footprint while maximizing long-term value.

Job Summary

The Automation and I&E Superintendent is a senior field leadership role responsible for the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of all instrumentation, electrical, and automation systems across QB Energy's Piceance Basin asset. This position oversees a team of  technicians, automation and controls specialists, and electrical crews, and manages both capital project execution and day-to-day OPEX work across a technically complex portfolio that includes low, medium and high-voltage infrastructure, large-horsepower electric compression, and industrial power generation.

The ideal candidate is first and foremost a field leader - someone who sets the safety standard through personal example, earns the trust of their crew, and builds a culture where everyone goes home. Technical depth in all voltages of electrical systems, instrumentation, and industrial controls is essential. One’s ability to effectively lead is paramount for this role.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Safety Leadership

• Own and champion a safety-first culture across all I&E and automation field activities
• Ensure full compliance with OSHA, NFPA 70E, and company electrical safety standards including arc flash / approach boundary procedures
• Lead and participate in job hazard analyses (JHAs), tailgate safety meetings, and incident investigations
• Hold crews and subcontractors accountable to safe work practices without exception
• Maintain current LOTO, arc flash, and confined space procedures and enforce consistent application

Operations & Maintenance

• Oversee day-to-day maintenance and troubleshooting of I&E and automation systems across compression, production, and water facilities
• Manage low, medium and high-voltage systems including substation equipment, switchgear, transformers, and large-horsepower VFD-driven and direct-drive electric motors
• Direct preventive and corrective maintenance programs for instrumentation and field devices
• Oversee SCADA integration points, HMI programming support, and automation reliability
• Coordinate with operations personnel to minimize production impact during planned and unplanned work

Capital Project Execution

• Lead I&E and electrical scope on greenfield and brownfield facility projects from design coordination through commissioning and startup
• Develop and review scopes of work, material take-offs, and cost estimates for capital and OPEX budgeting
• Manage project schedules, subcontractor performance, and field execution quality
• Partner with engineering on equipment specifications, single-line diagrams, and P&ID reviews
• Coordinate energization plans, arc flash studies, and commissioning procedures for new electrical infrastructure

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all electrical work is performed and documented in accordance with applicable codes (NEC, NFPA, API, state regulations)
• Maintain as-built documentation, equipment records, and maintenance histories
• Support permitting, inspection, and regulatory compliance activities
• Prepare and present work order status, project updates, and budget tracking to Operations Manager
• Sound knowledge of PSMA, API, NEC, NFPA 70 and OSHA codes and standards with an ability to apply that knowledge to pipeline and facility projects

Supervisor Duties

• Directly supervise Automation and I&E Foremen
• Recruit, onboard, and develop field talent; provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and career development support
• Coordinate subcontractor scopes including pre-qualification, safety compliance, and field oversight

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in electrical technology, instrumentation, engineering technology, or a related technical field preferred

Experience:

Required:

• 10+ years of progressive field experience in industrial electrical, instrumentation, and/or automation systems; oil and gas experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing field crews and subcontractors in a superintendent or lead capacity.
• Preferred:
• Experience with 230 kV transmission infrastructure and utility-scale substation operations
• Familiarity with natural gas power generation systems and facility electrical design
• Experience in produced water handling or SWD facility operations
• PLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Scada Pak)

Skills & Abilities:

• Hands-on knowledge of medium-voltage electrical systems (4,160V and above), switchgear, transformers, and large motor systems
• Working knowledge of instrumentation systems, control loops, PLCs, RTUs, and SCADA platforms
• Proven ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, P&IDs, and instrumentation drawings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to interface with field crews, engineers, and executive leadership

Specialized knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and its application to oil and gas facility design and construction
• Medium- and low-voltage power distribution (4,160V and 480V), including switchgear, motor control centers, large transformers, and protective devices
• Large motor systems and variable frequency drives (VFDs), including application, installation, and troubleshooting
• Natural gas power generation systems, including generator controls, paralleling, and facility power distribution
• PLC-based control systems and their integration with field instrumentation and SCADA
• Electrical construction means and methods for large-scale capital facility buildouts, from design coordination through energization and commissioning
• Electrical safety protocols, including NFPA 70E, arc flash, LOTO, and safe work permitting
• Proficient interpretation of engineering drawings, including single-line diagrams, schematics, panel layouts, and P&IDs

Licenses/ Certifications:

• Journeyman Electrician license (Master Electrician preferred)
• OSHA 30-Hour certification (Construction or General Industry)
• NFPA 70E / Arc Flash awareness and safety training current within past 3 years
• Valid Driver’s License with motor vehicle records acceptable by QB Energy’s insurance carrier.

Compensation

The base compensation for this role in this location is targeted between $125,000 - $160,000 annually. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the range listed above.

Benefits and Perks

As an employee of QB Energy, you’ll enjoy an impressive benefits package:

• Medical Plan: QB Energy offers multiple medical plans to choose from
  • Lowest level plan premiums are covered at 100% for employees and dependents
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Long-term disability, life insurance, and AD&D covered by QB Energy
• 401k plan: QB Energy matches 100% of employee contributions up to the first 6% of compensation
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Gym membership reimbursement

Work Conditions

Location:

This position is in Parachute, CO. Candidates currently residing in locations outside of daily commuting distance will be considered, however, it is the expectation that the selected individual will be available at the work location.

Work Environment:

This is a full-time position that operates in a remote field environment. The role requires flexibility to work weekends, nights, holidays, and must be available to respond to critical facility issues outside standard business hours. Employees must be able to work and drive in various weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, wind, snow, and rain. Overtime may occasionally be required, resulting in extended work shifts. Individuals must possess the physical ability to safely handle the tools necessary to perform their duties. This position is subject to federally mandated drug and alcohol testing.

Physical Demands:

In the performance of the duties and responsibilities of this job, the employee is required to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and view a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time. While at work sites, the employee will be expected to walk and stand. Individuals might be asked to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and/or crawl. Individuals might be required to lift, carry, push, or pull up to a minimum of 50 lbs. in the performance of this position.

Additional Information

Disclaimer:

This job posting is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. The Company reserves the right to change or assign additional duties, responsibilities, and activities at any time with or without notice.

Hiring Practices:

QB Energy is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact HR Manager at HR@qb-energy.com.

We anticipate this post will close in 30 days