Kelly J. Harrington
Bakersfield
Summary
Oil and Gas Earth Scientist with 11+ years of experience in reservoir modeling and field development across thermal and light oil assets in California. Expert in managing high-well-density (+30K) datasets, characterizing shallow marine, fluvial, diatomite, and tight reservoirs, and delivering business-critical reservoir and volumetric models. Recognized for leadership in mature field redevelopment, data-driven modeling, and technical mentoring.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Geologic Modeler & Reserves Lead
Chevron Corporation
Bakersfield
01.2022 - Current
- Lead modeler for Cymric, MWSS, and Coalinga fields, overseeing earth model updates for various depositional environments; fluvial, shoreface, and turbidite reservoirs.
- Reinterpreted shallow marine depositional systems, unlocking 100+ new workover opportunities and disposal expansions.
- Developed workflows for remaining resource and MOIP assessments across six fields.
- Supported reserves team for RAC and SSI reviews with volumetric estimations.
- Coordinated subsurface shaping plan and global SS connect meetings.
- Mentored junior earth scientists and managed regulatory data submissions to CalGEM.
- Tools: Petrel, ArcGIS, PowerBI, SQL.
- Leadership: Subsurface framework coordinator, intern coordinator, new hire recruiter, XYZ site lead.
Lead Reservoir Characterization Modeler
Chevron Corporation
Bakersfield
11.2019 - 12.2021
- Managed and updated geologic models for Coalinga and MWSS fields; developed model validation workflows.
- Supported polymer development pilots and water disposal capacity studies.
- Automated workflows to streamline engineering tool integration (RaView, Emaps).
- Award: Reservoir Management Award (2019) for excellence in white space analysis.
- Leadership: Chevron Toastmasters President (2016–2020), intern coordinator, recruiter, site lead.
Cross Connection Control Program Manager
Kern County Environmental Health
Bakersfield
11.2019 - 12.2021
- Managed cross-connection control programs for multiple water purveyors throughout Kern County, ensuring compliance with state and local regulations.
- Conducted detailed inspections of commercial and industrial water systems to identify potential contamination and backflow risks.
- Issued Notices of Correction for violations in accordance with Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations, ensuring prompt remediation and regulatory compliance.
- Oversaw verification and certification of all backflow prevention assemblies within the county, maintaining accurate testing and compliance records.
- Monitored and audited test results by conducting random follow-up tests to ensure accuracy, integrity, and adherence to testing standards.
Steam flood development Geologist
Chevron Corporation
Bakersfield
01.2015 - 11.2019
- Served as SME for horizontal well design and cyclic steam flood development in Kern River Field.
- Delivered 107 new vertical wells, 100 workovers, and 56 steam flood patterns.
- Designed and implemented single pad well strategies, saving ~$25K per well.
- Mentored 15+ early-career scientists; taught 'Horizontal Wells 101' and led field training.
- Speaking Engagements: AAPG, Heavy Oil Forum, Earth Science Colloquium.
Designer and Superintendent of Construction
Kent Brewer Construction
Bakersfield
04.2003 - 12.2006
- Responsible for the development of detailed construction documents, incorporating innovative design features, and creating functional, aesthetically appealing floor plans.
- Skilled in drafting and designing swimming pool additions and related structural components to ensure compliance with design standards and client specifications.
- Oversaw all phases of residential home construction from ground-breaking to final inspection, ensuring adherence to design specifications, budgets, and timelines.
- Scheduled and coordinated daily construction activities, subcontractors, and site personnel to maintain efficient workflow and on-time project delivery.
- Conducted regular quality control inspections to ensure workmanship, materials, and installations met building codes, safety regulations, and company standards.
- Proactively identified and resolved on-site issues, design conflicts, and scheduling challenges to minimize project delays.
- Collaborated closely with project managers, architects, and engineers to maintain project integrity and meet client expectations.
- Maintained accurate daily reports, progress logs, and safety documentation in compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
- Enforced safety standards and promoted a clean, organized, and hazard-free job site.
Education
Master of Science - Petroleum Geoscience
California State University
BakersfieldBachelor of Science - Geology
California State University
BakersfieldSkills
- Reservoir Modeling
- Geologic Characterization
- Volumetric Analysis
- Thermal Recovery
- Architectural designer
- Project manager
- Event Facilitator
- Data Science Integration (SQL, PowerBI)
- ArcGIS
- Petrel
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Mentoring & Leadership
Certification
- Chevron Advanced Reservoir Characterization & Modeling Graduate
- Chevron Data Science Development Program Graduate
- Schlumberger SME in Petrel software
Professional Interests
- Reservoir modeling and simulation workflows
- Mature field redevelopment and optimization
- International and multi-basin exposure
- Mentorship and technical leadership
- Architectural design and construction
Timeline
Lead Geologic Modeler & Reserves Lead
Chevron Corporation
01.2022 - Current
Lead Reservoir Characterization Modeler
Chevron Corporation
11.2019 - 12.2021
Cross Connection Control Program Manager
Kern County Environmental Health
11.2019 - 12.2021
Steam flood development Geologist
Chevron Corporation
01.2015 - 11.2019
Designer and Superintendent of Construction
Kent Brewer Construction
04.2003 - 12.2006
Master of Science - Petroleum Geoscience
California State University
Bachelor of Science - Geology
California State University