Job Description

Overview

Our client is a privately held and rapidly expanding junior energy company with core operations focused on oil extraction and production across Colorado. Supported by a disciplined technical culture and a forward-thinking leadership group, the organisation is entering its next phase of reserve development and is seeking a Director of Reservoir Engineering to lead subsurface strategy and optimise long-term asset value.

This is a pivotal technical leadership role suited to a reservoir engineering professional who combines rigorous geoscience fundamentals with commercial awareness. The successful candidate will direct all reservoir characterisation, reserve estimation, and production forecasting activities while working closely with drilling, completions, and field operations teams to maximise recovery across the company's oil shale acreage.

Core Duties

• Lead reservoir modelling, simulation, and production forecasting for all oil shale assets, ensuring alignment with the organisation's development schedule and capital allocation framework.
• Design and oversee reserve estimation and classification processes in compliance with SEC guidelines and PRMS standards, maintaining auditable documentation for investors and lenders.
• Evaluate new acreage acquisitions, infill drilling opportunities, and enhanced recovery techniques to expand the company's proved and probable reserve base.
• Collaborate with drilling and completions engineers to optimise well placement, lateral targeting, stimulation design, and spacing strategies specific to oil shale formations.
• Develop type curves, decline analyses, and economic models that inform field development plans, budgeting, and board-level investment decisions.
• Monitor well performance, identify production anomalies, and recommend surveillance or intervention programmes to sustain optimal flow rates.
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing reservoir engineering team by setting clear technical standards, professional development goals, and accountability measures.
• Coordinate with geoscience, land, and regulatory affairs teams to integrate subsurface data into permitting applications, environmental assessments, and stakeholder communications.
• Act as the organisation's subject-matter authority at technical conferences, investor presentations, and regulatory hearings related to reservoir performance and reserve reporting.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, enhanced oil recovery methodologies, and evolving regulatory requirements affecting oil shale development in Colorado and the broader Rocky Mountain region.
• Oversee the integrity and governance of all reservoir databases, petrotechnical software platforms, and subsurface data management systems.

Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in reservoir engineering, including no fewer than 4 years in a leadership or principal-level role within an upstream oil and gas organisation.
• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Reservoir Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geology, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in reservoir simulation software (e.g., CMG, Eclipse, tNavigator) and production analysis tools (e.g., Harmony, OFM).
• Verified track record of delivering reliable reserve estimates and production forecasts that withstand third-party audit scrutiny.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and financial modelling capabilities with the ability to translate subsurface uncertainty into risk-weighted economic outcomes.
• Thorough understanding of unconventional and tight formation reservoir behaviour, particularly as it applies to oil shale and kerogen-bearing intervals.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the confidence to present complex technical material to boards, investors, and regulatory bodies.
• Working knowledge of Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) regulations and relevant federal permitting frameworks.
• Willingness to travel to field locations and partner offices as needed (up to 25%).

Desired Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) licence or eligibility for licensure in the State of Colorado.
• Master's degree or PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Geosciences, or a related technical discipline.
• Familiarity with enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques applicable to oil shale, including in-situ conversion processes.
• Experience operating within privately held, private equity-backed, or joint-venture exploration and production companies.
• An established professional network within the Piceance Basin, Uinta Basin, or broader Rocky Mountain energy community.
• Understanding of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting as it relates to subsurface stewardship and responsible resource development.
• Knowledge of water management, induced seismicity monitoring, and environmental compliance as they pertain to oil shale operations.

Benefits

Remuneration & Benefits Package

Annual Base Salary: $190,000 – $245,000 and a Performance-Based Bonus tied to reserve growth and production targets

Additional Benefits: 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, life & disability insurance, paid time off and flexible work arrangements, relocation assistance (if applicable), and professional development and continuing education support.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at .
• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.

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