Michael Sears
Floresville
Summary
Results-driven Production Operator with extensive experience in oil and gas production and process optimization. Expertise in DCS operations, shutdown planning, and project execution, including hardware/software upgrades. Proficient in Process Safety Management (PSM), work permitting, and energy isolation, ensuring compliance with OSHA standards. Veteran of the United States Navy, recognized for leadership, crisis management, and collaborative teamwork in complex environments.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Plant Control Room Operator
Conocophillips
10.2018 - Current
- DCS Operations & Control Systems – Lead board operator with advanced knowledge of instrument loops, alarm management, and process troubleshooting.
- Process Safety & Compliance – Expert in PSM standards, OSHA guidelines, MOC (including Temp MOC), PSSR, and SIMOPS coordination.
- Work Permitting & Energy Isolation – Developed and implemented EIP procedures; created electronic permit-to-work and SIMOPS tracking system adopted across multiple facilities.
- Shutdown & Project Execution – Planned and executed major shutdowns; served as Project Operations Representative for full DCS hardware/software upgrade (BPCS & SIS), including software testing, graphic design, and authoring a 40-page operator training manual.
- Operational Excellence – Created and maintained SOPs; implemented process improvements to boost efficiency and reduce costs; analyzed production data for performance optimization.
- Technical Tools & Reporting – Skilled in SAP work order management, ConocoPhillips NextGen reporting, and Microsoft Teams development for operations.
- Leadership & Collaboration – Led daily planning/scheduling meetings; coordinated multi-craft teams (instrumentation, electrical, measurement, contractors); active HSE team member.
- Recognition & Innovation – Formally recognized for production operations at CPF-1; designed digital systems that improved safety and workflow efficiency.
Production Operator
ASRC
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Well Operations & Testing – Performed daily wellhouse inspections, fire & gas checks, well testing, and safety system checks.
- Energy Isolation & Work Permitting – Developed and implemented EIP procedures; ensured compliance with PSM and OSHA standards.
- Complex Maintenance & Repairs – Managed multi-stage wellhead (tree) change-outs from well kill to pressure testing and restart; executed valve replacements and freeze protection pumping.
- Pigging & Flow Assurance – Oversaw complex pigging operations across multiple services and sizes, including smart pigging.
- WAG Activities – Planned and executed water-alternating-gas operations for enhanced recovery.
- SIMOPS & Coordination – Directed drill site activities involving pumping, vacuum trucks, slickline, e-line, coil tubing, and civil work.
- Alarm Management & Safety Discipline – Maintained strict alarm management and operational safety standards.
- Technical Skills – Experienced Boom Truck NCCO operator; skilled in wellhead sampling and field troubleshooting.
Wells Service Technician
ASRC
2012 - 2015
- Coil Tubing Operations – Supported well control, rig-up/rig-down, and pressure testing of pressure control equipment.
- Wellhead Maintenance – Performed maintenance on tree valves and conducted pressure integrity checks.
- Fracturing & Pumping Support – Assisted with fracking setups, choke operations, and managed coil returns and fluid pumping downhole.
- Rig & Site Support – Coordinated vacuum truck operations, rig support activities, and frack tank management.
- Temporary Process Piping – Installed, pressure-tested, and maintained hardline temporary process piping setups for critical operations.
- Safety & Compliance Leadership – Maintained strict adherence to environmental regulations and safety protocols; active participant in HSE programs.
- Behavioral Safety Coach – Delivered training and coaching to reinforce safe work practices.
- Technical Skills – Experienced in pressure testing, downhole pump operations, and NCCO-certified boom truck operation.
Slickline Equipment Operator
SCHLUMBERGER
01.2012 - 01.2012
- Wireline Operations – Rigged up/down essential equipment for downhole wireline jobs; maintained and operated wireline units, tractors, boom trucks, and support vehicles.
- Downhole Tools & Maintenance – Utilized tools from Camco, Otis, Weatherford, and Baker Hughes; ensured mechanical upkeep and cleanliness of all equipment.
- Pressure Control & Testing – Conducted well bleed-down operations and pressure testing on all pressure control equipment (PCE).
- Emergency Preparedness – Trained daily for oilfield emergencies including well control loss, gas releases, H₂S incidents, and man-down scenarios.
- Safety & Compliance – Active participant in QHSE programs to protect personnel, environment, and service quality.
- Technical Development – Gained foundational knowledge of downhole design and gas lift systems.
- Equipment Operation – Experienced boom truck operator for rigging and lifting operations.
3rd Class Petty Officer QM
United States Navy
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Navigation & Watchstanding – Served as Quartermaster of the Watch aboard USS Curts (FFG-38); managed and maintained all navigation publications as Publication Petty Officer.
- Advanced Training – Completed advanced naval navigation schools; developed strong expertise in maritime operations and charting.
- Operational Excellence – Conducted safety inspections and compliance audits, ensuring strict adherence to regulations and risk mitigation strategies.
- Counter-Narcotics Operations – Supported missions in Central and South America, contributing to the largest maritime cocaine seizure in U.S. Navy history.
- Combat & Aviation Support – Worked 12 months in aviation fuels aboard USS Constellation (CV-64) during Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Arabian Gulf.
- Security & Emergency Response – Member of shipboard security response team; trained daily for emergencies including man-down, loss of well control, gas releases, and H₂S incidents.
- Awards & Recognition – Earned multiple awards and medals for exemplary service and mission success.
- Leadership & Training – Mentored junior sailors; promoted operational discipline and safety culture.
Education
Economics
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, OHSkills
- Advanced DCS Operations – Expert in system monitoring, alarm management, and controls oversight
- Shutdown Planning & Execution – Proven ability to lead and coordinate complex shutdowns with precision
- Project Management – Skilled in planning, organizing, and delivering projects on time and within scope
- Process Safety & PSM Expertise – Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance and operational discipline
- Troubleshooting & Optimization – Adept at diagnosing and resolving process issues to maintain peak performance
- Team Leadership & Collaboration – Effective communicator fostering teamwork and situational awareness
- Innovation & Continuous Improvement – Developed electronic permit tracking system to streamline workflows
Certification
National Registered Emergency Medical Technician
Timeline
Plant Control Room Operator
Conocophillips
10.2018 - Current
Production Operator
ASRC
01.2015 - 01.2018
Slickline Equipment Operator
SCHLUMBERGER
01.2012 - 01.2012
3rd Class Petty Officer QM
United States Navy
01.2002 - 01.2005
Wells Service Technician
ASRC
2012 - 2015
Economics
The Ohio State University