Michael Ward
Keithville
Summary
Experienced Flowback Operator and Well Tester with over 9 years of oilfield experience specializing in high-pressure well testing, production flowback, and equipment operations up to 15,000 PSI. Strong safety-driven professional with extensive knowledge of H2S environments, pressure control, lockout/tagout procedures, and hazard mitigation. Recognized for maintaining strict compliance with oilfield safety regulations while ensuring operational efficiency and accurate reporting.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Grease Operator
Flow Test
Shreveport, LA
- Serviced and flushed valve cavities to maintain proper valve function.
- Ensured pressure-containing components remained within operational safety standards.
- Coordinated with field crews to address production and equipment concerns.
- Followed all safety protocols while working with pressurized systems.
Flowback Operator / Well Tester
Force Pressure Control
Longview, TX
02.2025 - Current
- Monitor and report well activity during flowback and well testing operations.
- Maintain and control well pressures and production rates.
- Conduct pressure testing for wireline and frac operations up to 15K PSI.
- Collect and document H2S, Chloride, and CO2 samples.
- Perform drill-out plug recovery and inspection.
- Rig up/down surface equipment including valves, chokes, separators, and sand knockouts.
- Strap tanks and prepare surface lines for production.
- Enforce strict adherence to safety standards, ensuring full compliance with company and site-specific policies.
- Participate in JSAs and hazard assessments before all operations.
- Maintain accurate operational documentation and safety records.
Flowback Operator / Well Tester
Gulf South Energy Services
Shreveport, LA
01.2017 - 01.2025
- Observed and controlled flow during testing and production phases.
- Operated and tested 2", 3", and 7" valves up to 15K PSI.
- Opened and secured wells following proper well control procedures.
- Conducted pressure testing for frac and wireline services.
- Transported and handled high-pressure iron (1502 and flanged).
- Performed rig up and rig down of full surface production equipment spreads.
- Managed flowback during screen-outs and high-pressure events.
- Maintained strict compliance with H2S safety procedures and monitoring requirements.
- Ensured proper LOTO procedures before equipment servicing.
- Promoted a zero-incident work culture through hazard awareness and team communication.
Driver / Crew Leader
Hydroline
Shreveport, LA
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Oversaw water transfer operations for frac stages.
- Supervised pump rig-up and lay-flat hose installations.
- Submitted stage reports and ensured safe site coordination.
Maintenance Technician
Forest Mobile Estates
Shreveport, LA
12.2013 - 12.2015
- Performed preventative maintenance and repairs.
- Rewired and replaced faulty electrical components.
- Trained employees on tool usage and safety procedures.
- Conducted equipment inspections to prevent mechanical failures.
Education
High School Diploma -
Open Doors Christian Academy
Gun Barrel City, TX05-2005
Skills
- Safety & Compliance
- H2S Certified
- Fall Protection Certified
- Forklift & Manlift Certified
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures
- Oilfield Safety Protocols
- High-Pressure Iron (1502 & Flanged) Handling
- Hazard Identification & Risk Mitigation
- PPE Enforcement & Job Safety Analysis (JSA) Participation
- Well Control Proficiency
- Technical Skills
- Flowback & Well Testing Operations
- Pressure Testing (Up to 15K PSI)
- Positive, Adjustable & Hydraulic Chokes
- Sand Knockouts, Plug Catchers & Separators
- 2", 3", 7" Valve Operation & Testing
- Torque & Tensioning Techniques
- Pump & Compressor Knowledge
- Tank Strapping & Surface Equipment Setup
- Completion & Production Operations
Timeline
Flowback Operator / Well Tester
Force Pressure Control
02.2025 - Current
Flowback Operator / Well Tester
Gulf South Energy Services
01.2017 - 01.2025
Driver / Crew Leader
Hydroline
01.2016 - 12.2016
Maintenance Technician
Forest Mobile Estates
12.2013 - 12.2015
Grease Operator
Flow Test
High School Diploma -
Open Doors Christian Academy