Job Description

CRC – California’s largest natural gas producer and largest oil and gas producer on a gross-operated barrels of oil equivalent basis. CRC is headquartered in California with major operations in the state’s high-potential oil and gas basins, including Los Angeles, San Joaquin, Ventura and Sacramento. CRC’s workforce is committed to providing energy for California by Californians, safely and responsibly. We are currently looking for an experienced, motivated, and creative individual to fill the position of Engineering Specialist within our Wells Engineering Project Management Office based in Bakersfield. The position is nonexempt with a base pay range of $65K-$86K.

The Engineering Specialist is responsible for supporting upstream well operations through the coordination and management of operational reporting, AFE administration, OpenWells data entry, and field cost tracking activities.

This role ensures accurate operational and financial documentation for drilling, completions, workover, and production-related activities. The Engineering Specialist works closely with engineering, field operations, accounting, and service providers to maintain data integrity, support cost control initiatives, and ensure timely reporting of operational activities. The position plays a key role in supporting efficient field execution, operational visibility, and financial accountability across well operations programs.

Responsibilities:

AFE Management & Cost Control

• Prepare, review, and submit AFEs (Authorization for Expenditure) and supplemental AFEs for drilling, completion, workover, and production operations
• Track approved budgets and monitor actual expenditures against forecasted costs
• Coordinate with engineering, operations, supply chain, and accounting teams to ensure accurate cost coding and financial reporting
• Assist with variance analysis and provide cost tracking updates to operations leadership

OpenWells Data Management

• Enter and maintain accurate operational data within OpenWells and associated reporting systems
• Update daily operational reports, well activity summaries, equipment information, and service data
• Ensure operational records are complete, accurate, and compliant with internal reporting standards

• Support generation and distribution of operational and performance reports

Field Operations Support

• Track and reconcile field costs including invoices, field tickets, and vendor charges
• Coordinate with field supervisors and service providers to validate operational activities and expenditures
• Assist engineering and operations teams with daily operational reporting and documentation requirements
• Support post-job reviews and operational closeout activities

Internal Collaboration & Reporting

• Collaborate with engineering, accounting, procurement, and field operations teams to ensure alignment on operational and financial reporting
• Prepare recurring reports related to operational costs, AFE status, and field activity tracking
• Maintain organized records of operational documentation, cost tracking files, and well records
• Support internal audits, compliance reviews, and management data requests

Qualifications:

• Familiarity with drilling, completions, workover, or production operations workflows
• 2+ years of experience in upstream oil & gas operations, engineering support, operational accounting, or related field
• Experience with AFE preparation, cost tracking, and operational reporting processes
• Working knowledge of OpenWells or similar well reporting systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology, Petroleum Technology, Business, Accounting, or related field preferred
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems and operational cost reporting tools
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and data accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical and field teams