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Upstream Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Lead upstream engagement with the decision networks that shape employer coverage and utilization decisions for cell and gene therapies, including: * Large self-insured employers (where direct ...

Environmental Field Technician

Carlsbad, NM

$15.75 - $21/hr

Perform upstream oil and gas site assessments and remediation support following releases of petroleum hydrocarbons and/or produced water. Data, Mapping, Reporting, and Coordination * Collect accurate ...

Provide on-site automation support for upstream onshore oil and gas producing operations. * Serve as technical resource for facility controls systems and field instrumentation including level ...

Provide on-site automation support for upstream onshore oil and gas producing operations. * Serve as technical resource for facility controls systems and field instrumentation including level ...

Provide on-site automation support for upstream onshore oil and gas producing operations. * Serve as technical resource for facility controls systems and field instrumentation including level ...

Electrician

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Top Focus of this Position: • Continual Field Maintenance and Troubleshooting of circuit breakers, limit switches, overload relays, motor starters, and electrical control circuits in an Upstream ...

Electrician

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Top Focus of this Position: · Continual Field Maintenance and Troubleshooting of circuit breakers, limit switches, overload relays, motor starters, and electrical control circuits in an Upstream ...

Electrician

Carlsbad, NM

$21 - $28.75/hr

Continual Field Maintenance and Troubleshooting of circuit breakers, limit switches, overload relays, motor starters, and electrical control circuits in an Upstream environment. Has Knowledge and ...

Prior Upstream, Midstream or Downstream oilfield experience is preferred. * A valid driver's license is required. Skills & Abilities * Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and ...

New

Prior Upstream, Midstream or Downstream oilfield experience is preferred. * A valid driver's license is required. Skills & Abilities * Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and ...

Our expertise covers virtually all facets of electrical contracting for the upstream oil and gas industries, including specialty expertise in new well sites and production facility electrification.

Journeyman Electrician

Hobbs, NM · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

Our expertise covers virtually all facets of electrical contracting for the upstream oil and gas industries, including specialty expertise in new well sites and production facility electrification.

Journeyman Electrician

Hobbs, NM · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

Our expertise covers virtually all facets of electrical contracting for the upstream oil and gas industries, including specialty expertise in new well sites and production facility electrification.

PLC Programmer

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

$57K - $78K/yr

... upstream onshore operations at our client's dynamic facilities in Carlsbad, NM. This is a fantastic opportunity to leverage your technical expertise, work on cutting-edge projects, and contribute to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Upstream information

See New Mexico salary details

$57.2K

$88K

$150.7K

How much do upstream jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for upstream in New Mexico is $87,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $86,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are upstream jobs in the oil and gas industry?

Upstream jobs in the oil and gas industry refer to positions involved in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. This includes locating oil and gas fields, drilling wells, and extracting resources from beneath the earth's surface. Common upstream roles include geologists, drilling engineers, and production operators. These jobs are crucial in the early stages of the energy supply chain and often involve working in the field or on offshore rigs.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in upstream oil and gas operations?

Professionals in upstream oil and gas often contend with challenging field conditions, complex regulatory requirements, and the need to balance operational efficiency with safety and environmental standards. The role frequently involves working in remote locations, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and adapting to rapidly changing technologies. Navigating project timelines, resource constraints, and evolving industry regulations can also present significant challenges, but these aspects offer valuable experience and opportunities for skill development and career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an upstream oil and gas engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Upstream Oil & Gas Engineer, you need a solid background in petroleum engineering, geology, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with reservoir simulation software, drilling technologies, and industry safety standards is essential. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure efficient resource extraction, operational safety, and collaboration in complex exploration and production environments.

What is the difference between Upstream vs Downstream?

AspectUpstreamDownstream
Primary FocusExploration, drilling, and production of oil and gasRefining, distribution, and marketing of oil and gas products
Work EnvironmentOil fields, drilling sites, exploration areasRefineries, distribution centers, retail outlets
Required CredentialsGeology, petroleum engineering, certifications in drilling and safetyChemical engineering, marketing, logistics certifications
Industry UsageExploration and production companiesRefining companies, oil and gas marketers

Upstream involves the exploration and extraction of oil and gas, focusing on drilling and production. Downstream covers refining, distribution, and selling petroleum products. Both roles are essential in the oil industry but differ in their focus, work environment, and required skills.

What are common upstream jobs?

Common upstream jobs include roles such as petroleum engineers, geologists, reservoir engineers, and drilling engineers, all involved in exploring, extracting, and producing oil and gas resources. These positions often require technical skills, knowledge of drilling equipment, and safety certifications, and typically involve working in field environments or offices focused on exploration and production activities.

What are upstream jobs?

Upstream jobs refer to roles involved in the exploration, drilling, and production of oil and gas before it reaches processing facilities. These positions often require technical skills, knowledge of geology or engineering, and may involve working in remote or outdoor environments. Upstream work is a key part of the oil and gas industry supply chain.

What are popular job titles related to Upstream jobs in New Mexico?

For Upstream jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Upstream job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,961 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Environmental Specialist

Carlsbad, NM • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Description:
Permian Resources (NYSE: PR) is seeking a Environmental Specialist for spill remediation & site reclamations across the company's upstream operations in the Permian Basin. This role owns spill and release response, corrective action, pit and location closure, and final site reclamation across New Mexico and Texas, working directly with the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division & State Land Office, BLM, and Texas Railroad Commission as applicable. The position also supports environmental due diligence for acquisitions, divestitures, and other ad hoc projects, and requires working knowledge of upstream production and facilities operations to accurately scope and prioritize remediation and reclamation work.
General Responsibilities:
  • Respond to reported releases of crude oil, produced water, condensate, and other oilfield fluids at company-operated sites; direct initial containment, source control, and free-product recovery.
  • Complete required release notifications and regulatory filings, including New Mexico Form C-141 (release notification and corrective action) within applicable timeframes, and Railroad Commission notifications for reportable spills in Texas.
  • Coordinate with the New Mexico State Land Office, BLM and/or private surface owners on release notifications and remediation access where state trust and federal minerals/surface are involved.
  • Manage remediation projects in New Mexico under 19.15.29 NMAC (release notification and corrective action) and, where groundwater or surface water impacts are identified, 19.15.30 NMAC (abatement/corrective action); and in Texas under RRC Statewide Rule 91 (cleanup of soil contaminated by a crude oil or condensate spill) and Statewide Rule 3.8 for produced water (saltwater) spills.
  • Scope and oversee in-situ and ex-situ remediation of crude oil, produced water, and chemical releases, including excavation, land application, delineation of the area of contamination, and other agency-approved treatment methods.
  • Prepare and submit closure reports and supporting documentation to NMOCD or the RRC within required timeframes, and track remediation projects through to regulatory closure.
  • Manage closure and site reclamation of pits, closed-loop systems, and below-grade tanks under 19.15.17 NMAC, and coordinate reclamation bonding and release requirements under 19.15.25 NMAC.
  • Manage pit closure and surface reclamation associated with well plugging in Texas under RRC Statewide Rules 8 (pit closure/water protection), 14 (plugging and site restoration), and 15 (surface equipment removal on inactive wells).
  • Coordinate final grading, topsoil replacement, and revegetation of well pads, pits, and disturbed locations to meet landowner, surface use agreement, and regulatory reclamation standards.
  • Track reclamation status across the company's well and facility inventory and prioritize reclamation of inactive or plugged locations.
  • Manage environmental consultants and remediation/reclamation contractors, including scope of work development, cost tracking, and schedule management.
  • Conduct or oversee site assessments, verification sampling, and progress evaluation to confirm remediation effectiveness and reclamation completion.
  • Maintain remediation, reclamation, and spill records per regulatory, corporate, and legal recordkeeping requirements; track open remediation and reclamation sites and report status to the Environmental Manager.
  • Support environmental due diligence for acquisitions and divestitures, including review of legacy spill/remediation records, open regulatory obligations, and site-specific environmental risk.
  • Assist with integration of acquired assets' open remediation sites into the company's tracking and reporting systems.
  • Support other environmental compliance projects as assigned, including SPCC/SWPPP-related containment and spill prevention improvements.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Geology, or a related technical/scientific discipline
  • 3+ years of spill remediation and reclamation experience in upstream oil and gas; OR equivalent combination of experience in lieu of a degree
  • Working knowledge of New Mexico & Texas remediation, reclamation, and release-reporting requirements
  • Experience managing remediation and reclamation contractors and consultants, including scope, schedule, and budget oversight
  • Ability to read, interpret, and consistently apply regulations from NMOCD, NMSLO, BLM, and the RRC.
  • Familiarity with upstream production and facilities operations (tank batteries, flowlines, gathering systems, wellsite equipment) sufficient to assess release sources and remediation access
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including regulatory report writing and coordination with landowners, regulators, and internal field teams
  • Valid driver's license and safe driving record; ability to travel to field locations across West Texas and Southeast New Mexico

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with environmental due diligence or M&A support in an upstream or midstream context
  • Professional certification or coursework in soil/groundwater remediation, hydrogeology, reclamation, or a related discipline
  • Experience coordinating well plugging, surface reclamation, or bond release activities with NMOCD or the RRC
  • Experience with environmental data management or remediation/reclamation tracking software

Permian Resource is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.