The increase in natural gas activity in West Virginia has resulted in the state needing to hire more trained well inspectors.
The state Department of Environmental Protection this week issued a news release saying it is seeking applicants to become inspectors with the Office of Oil and Gas. Inspectors would be based out of the northern part of the state.
The need for more inspectors stems from the December passage of the Horizontal Well Act, which relates drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus shale. The shale formation stretches under much of West Virginia and holds an abundance of natural gas. As a result, numerous drilling operations have been set up in the northern part of the state. Many other drilling operations are seeking permits.
According to the DEP, inspectors are responsible for environmental regulatory oversight of oil and gas well drilling and production operations.
After the Well Act was passed by the Legislature, numerous people applied for inspector positions, according to the DEP. However, finding people who can meet the qualifications for the position has been difficult, the DEP stated.
"We are in a very challenging position," said James Martin, chief of the office of Oil and Gas for the DEP. "We have jobs that need to be done, but we don't have enough candidates for them because of the requirements, and we are limited in the salary we can offer."
The starting salary for an inspector is $35,000 per year. That amount is set by statue, so the agency cannot negotiate anything higher with the candidate.
One of the requirements for an inspector includes two years of industry experience. However, one year of experience would be acceptable if the applicant meets one of several other criteria that can serve as a substitute.
For information or to apply online, visit the Division of Personnel's website at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wv/default.cfm.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WVSTATE. All Rights Reserved.
