Entity:
Production & Operations
Job Family Group:
Job Description:
At bpx energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of bp, we are reimagining energy for people and our planet. Headquartered in Denver with a significant presence in Houston, bpx energy operates some of the most prolific and technically advanced oil & gas assets in the U.S. lower 48. We are committed to safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operations—powered by innovation, technology, and a dynamic, inclusive culture.
Role SynopsisWe are seeking a skilled and forward-thinking Counsel – HSE & Regulatory to join our legal team in Denver, CO or Houston, TX. This role is pivotal in supporting bpx energy’s upstream operations by providing legal guidance on health, safety, environmental (HSE), and regulatory matters across our operated assets in Texas and Louisiana. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of environmental and safety laws, a strong understanding of upstream operations and regulations, and the ability to partner across the business to enable safe and compliant performance. The successful candidate will report to the bpx Head of Legal.
Key AccountabilitiesProvide legal counsel on federal, state, and local HSE and regulatory issues affecting upstream exploration and production (E&P) activities.
Advise on permitting, compliance, and enforcement matters, including those involving the US EPA, OSHA, Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR), Louisiana Office of Conservation, and other key agencies.
Guide the business through regulatory frameworks such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, CERCLA, NEPA, and relevant state environmental statutes.
Partner with HSE, Operations, Regulatory, and Government Affairs teams to anticipate and manage regulatory risks.
Support the preparation and review of compliance filings, audit responses, and regulatory reports.
Lead or assist in handling responses to inspections, investigations, notice of violations, and enforcement actions.
Where appropriate, hire and manage outside counsel for specific projects to deliver cost-effective advice.
Stay abreast of regulatory developments and advise on emerging trends related to climate, ESG, methane, and carbon management.
Provide training and proactive legal support to drive a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.
Contribute to the overall work of the bpx Legal Team, as well as to the bp Legal Team through programs and activities such as mentoring, participating in client training sessions, reports to the bpx Executive Leadership Team, etc.
Essential Education & Experience
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school with top credentials.
Active license to practice law in the U.S. and in good standing.
If not licensed to practice in Texas or Colorado, should be willing and able to become licensed in the state of residence.
5–10 years of legal experience, including at least 3 years focused on HSE and regulatory law within the oil & gas industry.
Strong understanding of upstream E&P operations, particularly in unconventional basins (e.g., Permian, Eagle Ford).
Demonstrated experience working with regulatory agencies in Texas and Louisiana.
Track record of advising on permitting, enforcement actions, environmental compliance, and safety issues.
Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
Desirable Criteria
In-house legal experience at an energy company or government agency.
Experience with ESG-related disclosures, methane regulations, or carbon reporting.
Demonstrated capability and desire to build knowledge in new areas of law.
Aptitude for creative thinking and problem solving.
Familiarity with federal land regulations and environmental justice considerations.
How much do we pay (Base) $200,000 - $240,000. Note that the pay range listed for this position is a good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible base compensation at the time of posting.
Why join us?
At bpx, we support our people to learn and grow in a diverse and challenging environment. We believe that our team is strengthened by diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment in which everyone is respected and treated fairly.
We offer a reward and wellbeing package to enable your work to fit with your life. These can include, but not limited to, access to health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible working schedule, paid time off policy, discretionary annual bonus program, long-term incentive program, and a generous 401(k) matching program.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations.
Discover your place with us and help our business meet the challenges of reimagining and reinventing the future of energy!
Travel Requirement
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Legal Disclaimer:
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bp’s recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an adjustment/accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us.
If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.