Mark Watson, 53, is the principal petroleum engineer for the agency. A self-described “jack of all trades” for the commission, Watson said he oversees all drilling permits and production data. Watson has worked for the commission for just more than 30 years. Prior to that, he worked as a hydraulic fracturing designer and a roughneck. He said he applied for the position because he has experience with the commission and in the state. “If you’ve been here this long, it’s one of those things where you have to put your name in and see if they pick you,” he said. “I have the experience; I know what’s going on.” Watson said he’d rather not identify potential priorities should he be named supervisor, but he did list multiple issues facing the future of Wyoming oil and natural gas. “There’s some challenges looking forward,” he said. “All you’ve got to say is the two “F’s” – fracking and flaring. Those are going to be issues.” Watson has a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Wyoming.
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