RRC - Research Specialist I - Oil and Gas (Administrative Compliance - Production Audit/API Management Group)

AustinFull-timeEntry levelPosted Oct 22, 2026

Job description

The Railroad Commission of Texas is a state agency with primary regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and natural gas industry; pipeline transport and pipeline safety; natural gas utilities; the LP-gas industry; and surface mining operations. You can find more details about us on the Railroad Commission of Texas' website here https://www.

rrc.texas.gov/about-us/. To support our mission to serve Texas, we need great people to join our team. We provide a great working environment along with outstanding benefits, including: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and at least 12 paid holidays per year Telework options for eligible positions Flexible work schedules Retirement pension with a 150% agency match - you can watch this YouTube video that describes this amazing benefit https://www.

youtube.com/watch?v=AJI6M7g73-w 401(k), 457(b) and Roth Health premiums 100% paid for full-time employees Tuition Reimbursement Wellness and Exercise Leave Career development programs/opportunities for advancement. For a complete list of our total compensation package, please visit our website at https://www.rrc.texas.

gov/about-us/jobs/. To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees, visit the Employee Retirement Systems website at https://ers.texas.gov/benefits-at-a-glance.

The Railroad Commission of Texas, recognized as a worldwide leader in regulating oil and gas exploration, seeks a Research Specialist I for the Oil and Gas Division's Production Audit and API Research Unit. This role reviews and processes monthly production reports, updates core mainframe and GIS mapping systems, and prepares documents for archiving.

The position also responds to internal and external inquiries and explains RRC rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to oil and gas operators, consultants, and the general public. Work involves performing administrative support, maintaining filing systems, and disseminating industry information. The specialist will conduct research across multiple databases to ensure data consistency and update records as needed.

The position also includes special projects assigned by the manager, offering a firsthand look at the growing Texas oil and gas industry and its emerging technologies.

Respond to internal and external inquiries and explain RRC rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to oil and gas operators, consultants, and the general public. Answer large volumes of incoming calls to the department via the phone queue and route calls to the appropriate departments within the agency. Assist clients in completing official RRC forms, which include: PR (Monthly Production Report), P-17 (Surface Commingle), P-18 (Skim Oil/Condensate Report), and T-1 (Monthly Transportation and Storage Report).

Review and process monthly department reports. Prepare documents for electronic scanning and conduct research using hard files, microfilm, or other databases. Sort, file, and maintain daily permit records and generate work volume status reports. Conduct quality assurance checks to ensure accurate reporting and compliance.

Meet production standards with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Conduct research on information associated with oil and gas wells. Data conversion, database management, and cross-indexing for both internal and external data sources. Resolve record or mapping discrepancies through data research and address verbal and written inquiries.

Participate in cross-training activities and assist others to maintain workflow. Performs related work as assigned. For Military Crosswalk information, please visit: Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category

  • Planning, Research, and Statistics

Graduation from an accredited two-year college or university. Two years of progressive experience in business office practice and administrative procedures. Two years of experience in maintaining hard copy and digital records, updating filing systems, and using database software. Two years of experience in communicating assignments effectively with co-workers and the public.

Experience and education may substitute for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business administration, business management, geography, geographic information systems technology, or a related field. Knowledge of oil and gas operations and familiarity with Railroad Commission rules and regulations. Strong skills and expertise in databases and Microsoft Office products.

Demonstrate proficiency in business mathematics, reading, writing, and comprehension. Knowledge of professional protocol in dealing with the general public. Excellent skills in written and verbal communication. Skill in attention to detail and in providing accurate information. Skill in operating standard office equipment.

Skill in organizing and indexing information. Skill in using computers, Microsoft Office, other Windows-based software, and database applications. Ability to accurately file, sort, retrieve, and research documents. Ability to implement administrative procedures and processes and interpret rules, regulations, and policies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to work well under pressure and be flexible. Ability to maintain professional appearance and demeanor. Ability to work overtime and flexible hours, and to be available for occasional weekend duty. Ability to maintain punctual and regular attendance.

Ability to work effectively on a team or on independent assignments. Ability to exercise tact and courtesy. Ability to stoop, reach low and high, push and pull heavy file drawers and/or cart, and lift, carry, and move up to 30 lbs. Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in any situation.

Work Hours and Telework: Standard office hours for Commission employees are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our agency offers alternative schedules for employees, provided they do not adversely affect operations or service levels and standard hours of operation are maintained. The Commission may also offer telework in accordance with the agency's approved Telework Plan.

Alternate work schedules may be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process. APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the CAPPS Prescreening Questionnaire to be considered for the posting. To complete the Prescreening Questionnaire, go to CAPPS to register or log in: https://erphcmprd.

cpa.texas.gov/psc/candidateportal/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?FOCUS=Applicant Remarks: There are two available positions. Official transcripts, DD214 or DD1300, copies of license/certifications, or other minimum requirement validations will be requested at the time of the job offer. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.

S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa. Criminal background checks will be conducted on all final candidates. An applicant who has been convicted of a criminal offense relevant to the position may be disqualified from employment. Important Information For All Applicants The Railroad Commission of Texas does not sponsor employment visas or participate in employer-sponsored immigration programs.

The agency does not provide employer support for applications to extend or obtain employment authorization, including employer attestations, training plans, or other documentation required for participation in programs such as STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT). Applicants should consider this policy when determining whether the position meets their employment authorization requirements.

The agency will complete employment eligibility verification and other documentation required by applicable law. The agency does not provide discretionary immigration sponsorship or program-specific employer documentation beyond those legal obligations. THE RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS ONLY ACCEPTS ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSTING.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. Only candidates selected to interview will be contacted. Notifications to applicants are sent electronically to the email address you provide. The Railroad Commission of Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or in the provision of services.

The Railroad Commission of Texas is a tobacco-free workplace.

Description copied from Texas Department of Public Safety's careers page. Read the full posting before you apply.

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