permian
introduction
The Permian region is located in the southwestern part of the U.S., extending into southern west central Texas and into southeastern New Mexico, including cities like Midland, Odessa and Carlsbad.
The Midland-Odessa area is located in the High Plains of West Texas, between Dallas–Fort Worth and El Paso on U.S. Interstate 20. Other major metro areas within a six-hour travel radius include Austin, San Antonio, Santa Fe, New Mexico and Oklahoma City. Though Midland-Odessa is a desert environment, it boasts many green spaces and neighborhoods, public parks and several nature centers.
Carlsbad is located in southeast New Mexico at the intersection of U.S. Routes 62, 180 and 285. Though also a desert environment, Carlsbad boasts many green spaces and neighborhoods, public parks and water recreation.
The Midland-Odessa area is located in the High Plains of West Texas, between Dallas–Fort Worth and El Paso on U.S. Interstate 20. Other major metro areas within a six-hour travel radius include Austin, San Antonio, Santa Fe, New Mexico and Oklahoma City. Though Midland-Odessa is a desert environment, it boasts many green spaces and neighborhoods, public parks and several nature centers.
Carlsbad is located in southeast New Mexico at the intersection of U.S. Routes 62, 180 and 285. Though also a desert environment, Carlsbad boasts many green spaces and neighborhoods, public parks and water recreation.
The Permian Basin, historically made up of boomtowns, is currently undergoing long-term transformative growth. More than 250,000 people live within the Midland-Odessa area and approximately 30,000 in Carlsbad. There are several smaller cities and towns in the surrounding area, such as Andrews, Crane, Big Spring, Pecos, Ft. Stockton, and Hobbs, NM.
The Permian Basin is typically warm and sunny – a great place for golf, tennis and a host of other outdoor activities most of the year. Nights are cooler, and there is nothing better than a West Texas summer night. May through September are the warmest months. Fortunately, pools are plentiful in the area for a quick dip. Temperatures cool off in November, and there’s a chance of snowfall in December and January. Things warm up again for springtime in March. You’ll need everything in your wardrobe from sun hats and rain boots to wind goggles and parkas.
There are many destinations accessible from the Permian. Scenic hiking options include the Davis Mountains, Big Bend and Carlsbad Caverns. Skiing, horse racing and shopping are found in Ruidoso, NM, just under three hours from Carlsbad. Several lakes, including O.H. Lake Ivie and Lake Nasworthy, offer fishing and water recreation options within a two- to three- hour drive from Midland-Odessa. Lubbock is a short trip away to watch some Texas Tech athletic events, enjoy shopping and try new dining options. Multiple major metro areas are within a five-hour drive, or a short flight.
Midland is home to Midland International Air & Space Port. The airport is easily navigable with good parking, and travelers can get anywhere from Midland. Car rentals, rideshare, taxi/shuttle service and public transportation are available.
Carlsbad is home to Cavern City Air Terminal. El Paso International Airport and Lubbock Texas International are just under a three-hour drive away from Carlsbad.
Carlsbad is home to Cavern City Air Terminal. El Paso International Airport and Lubbock Texas International are just under a three-hour drive away from Carlsbad.
The Midland Chapter of the XYZ Network has created a Midland Moving Mentors (intranet only) program to facilitate employee transition to the Midland-Odessa area. Please see the website (accessible only from a Chevron connection) for tips from fellow Chevron employees.
work environment
midland-odessa
There are about 600 employees at Chevron’s Midland campus, putting their talent to work in all areas of our Texas-based Mid-Continent Business Unit. Sitting on 25 acres, the campus has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) gold-level certification for architecture. The building offers several amenities including an onsite branch office of the Chevron Federal Credit Union, a fully-staffed fitness center with state-of-the art equipment, classes and health/fitness challenges, a cafeteria open during breakfast and lunch hours, outdoor social areas, dedicated mother and prayer rooms, covered parking, and an historical art collection reflective of Chevron’s history in the Permian.
Located in the west part of Midland, the campus has direct access to Highway 191 which connects Midland and Odessa. The office is also just minutes away from Loop 250, the primary route for getting around Midland offering a variety of dining and shopping options.
The Midland campus is home to seven employee networks: XYZ, WEN, BEN, AEN, Somos, VEN and PRIDE. The employee networks provide a host of options for volunteerism, and often sponsor company-wide events like the West Texas Food Drive, the Salvation Army Angel Tree program and the annual golf outing and clay shoot. The office also celebrates together twice a year at the company picnic in June and holiday party in December.
Dress code is business casual, unless an employee is visiting the field where appropriate field attire is required.
carlsbad
There are around 250 employees at Chevron’s Carlsbad campus, housed in the Carlsbad/Eddy County Industrial Complex. The building offers campus parking, a dedicated mother and focus room, an outdoor break area, and a historical art collection and magnetic photo grid walls.
The Carlsbad campus is home to the XYZ Network. Employees are involved in the Annual National Public Land Day in September.
Dress code is business casual unless an employee is visiting the field where appropriate field attire is required.
U.S.-payroll employees can learn more about the benefits of a relocation to the Permian region on the Permian Employee Enhancement Program site.
housing
For prospective buyers in the housing market in Midland-Odessa and Carlsbad, finding a good realtor is essential. Single-family homes, patio homes and town homes are available. Make sure to contact a Moving Mentor for advice.
If renting is preferred, both apartment complexes and houses are available for rent. Both Midland-Odessa and Carlsbad have many apartment complexes with more under construction. The many new apartment complexes are a perk for those interested in renting. Many have pools and workout facilities on the premises. There may be waiting lists, so make sure to get on a list as soon as possible. Pets are allowed in some communities with a deposit. Garages and covered parking are less common.
If renting is preferred, both apartment complexes and houses are available for rent. Both Midland-Odessa and Carlsbad have many apartment complexes with more under construction. The many new apartment complexes are a perk for those interested in renting. Many have pools and workout facilities on the premises. There may be waiting lists, so make sure to get on a list as soon as possible. Pets are allowed in some communities with a deposit. Garages and covered parking are less common.
education
There are several daycare options in both Midland-Odessa and Carlsbad. Midland-Odessa boasts its new Primrose School, located across the street from the Chevron Midland Deauville Campus. Full-time, part-time and back-up childcare are available as well as Pre-K and kindergarten. In the summer, Primrose offers a Summer Adventure club for grades K-5. More information can be found on the Chevron Midland Childcare site and Primrose School of Midland at Westridge.
Midland Independent School District (MISD) comprises two high schools, one early college high school, one alternative high school, two freshman high schools, four junior high schools, 27 elementary schools, and a technology center. There are nearly 26,000 students who speak 37 languages in the district staffed by 3,000 educators and support staff.
MISD offers career training programs, Early College High School, dual-language education, gifted and talented options, fine arts and STEM curriculum.
Ector County Independent School District (ECISD) comprises two high schools, a New Tech high school, an advanced technical center, six middle schools, 28 elementary schools and some pre-kindergarten classes. There are nearly 33,000 students enrolled in the district staffed by 3,500 educators and support staff.
ECISD offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma program, an array of Advanced Placement courses, two early college high-schools, and advanced technical centers for career-focused education. Odessa High School is also a National AVID Demonstration school, boasting a structured college prep program.
Greenwood Independent School District comprises Greenwood High School, James R Brooks Middle School, Greenwood Intermediate School and Greenwood Elementary School. There are nearly 3,000 students enrolled in the district staffed by nearly 200 educators.
Carlsbad Municipal Schools comprises one Early College High-School, one Intermediate School, a Sixth Grade Academy, a Montessori Academy, six elementary schools and one preschool. There are nearly 7,000 students enrolled in the district.
MISD offers career training programs, Early College High School, dual-language education, gifted and talented options, fine arts and STEM curriculum.
Ector County Independent School District (ECISD) comprises two high schools, a New Tech high school, an advanced technical center, six middle schools, 28 elementary schools and some pre-kindergarten classes. There are nearly 33,000 students enrolled in the district staffed by 3,500 educators and support staff.
ECISD offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma program, an array of Advanced Placement courses, two early college high-schools, and advanced technical centers for career-focused education. Odessa High School is also a National AVID Demonstration school, boasting a structured college prep program.
Greenwood Independent School District comprises Greenwood High School, James R Brooks Middle School, Greenwood Intermediate School and Greenwood Elementary School. There are nearly 3,000 students enrolled in the district staffed by nearly 200 educators.
Carlsbad Municipal Schools comprises one Early College High-School, one Intermediate School, a Sixth Grade Academy, a Montessori Academy, six elementary schools and one preschool. There are nearly 7,000 students enrolled in the district.
There is an active home school group in Midland, and one private school that integrates the traditional and home school learning models.
There are a variety of private school options at all grade levels. In Midland there are 11 private schools serving over 3,000 students. In Odessa, there are six private schools serving nearly 1,000 students.
- Bynum School: Provides educational, behavioral and vocational programs for students with special needs, ages three to adult. The personalized curriculum integrates programs like camps, family supportive projects and an array of therapies.
- Classical Academy of the Permian Basin: The academy’s core curriculum prepares students for college and beyond with an emphasis on American civics, arts, music, phonics, Singapore Math and other programs.
- Hillander School: A nonprofit school serving students age three through sixth grade. Curriculum includes music, art, science, library, Spanish and physical education.
- Midland Academy Charter School: Serves students Pre-K through eighth grade. Classrooms are equipped with internet connection and several computers per room.
- Midland Christian School: Serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The curriculum includes fine arts, music, foreign language, athletics and Christian biblical studies. The school boasts a challenging college-prep curriculum and a variety of extracurricular activities.
- Premier High School: Incorporates a personalized approach to learning which allows students in grades six through 12 to work at their own level of academic competency, regardless of age or grade level. Based on evaluation, teachers create a personalized academic program tailored to meet a student’s needs.
- Richard Milburn Academy: Designed to assist students who have experienced difficulty in the public high school system. RMA’s accelerated, individualized school day allows more time for rich learning experiences, authentic learning activities, and field lessons
- St. Ann’s Catholic School: Serves students in Pre-K through eighth grade with a faith-based, Catholic education. Its curriculum includes computer and physical education classes, sports, student council projects, special school celebrations, contests, assemblies and other programs.
- Trinity School of Midland: Serves students Pre-K through 12th grade and offers an academic program in the religious tradition of the Episcopal Church. The college prep curriculum features liberal arts and sciences, instruction in foreign languages, technology and fine arts as well as opportunities in athletics.
Midland College (MC) and Odessa College (OC), two area junior colleges, offer associate degrees and some bachelor’s degrees. They both have dual credit program offerings available in concert with local high schools.
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB), located in Odessa, offers bachelor's and master's degrees. UTPB has a new science and technology building housing their accredited petroleum and engineering programs.
Texas Tech University is in Lubbock.
New Mexico State University Carlsbad, an area junior college, offers associate degrees and certificate programs. It is a branch of New Mexico State University.
New Mexico Junior College, a public junior college near Hobbs, New Mexico offers associate degrees.
University of the Southwest, a private university in Hobbs, New Mexico, offers bachelor and graduate degrees.
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB), located in Odessa, offers bachelor's and master's degrees. UTPB has a new science and technology building housing their accredited petroleum and engineering programs.
Texas Tech University is in Lubbock.
New Mexico State University Carlsbad, an area junior college, offers associate degrees and certificate programs. It is a branch of New Mexico State University.
New Mexico Junior College, a public junior college near Hobbs, New Mexico offers associate degrees.
University of the Southwest, a private university in Hobbs, New Mexico, offers bachelor and graduate degrees.
Select a category to view photos highlighting Living and Working in the Permian:
support services
Midland-Odessa and Carlsbad have several modern, fully-equipped hospitals and facilities available. Medical Center Hospital, Odessa Regional Medical Center, Midland Memorial Hospital, Carlsbad Medical Center, Hobbs Covenant Medical Center and Nor-Lea Regional Medical Center offer a wide spectrum of healthcare services, including advanced diagnostic imaging technology, emergency care, innovative surgical procedures, maternity care, cardiac services and general medical care. There are multiple options for rehabilitation, assisted-living, and hospice services.
Midland-Odessa offers a large selection of retail pharmacies often located in supermarkets or big-box stores, and specialty pharmacies. Graham's Pharmacy is a local tradition offering lots of charm, an old-fashioned soda counter and great specialty gifts (wrapping included).
Accessibility to primary and specialty physician care is often a challenge. Waitlists are the norm. It is recommended to get on waitlists as soon as possible. Contact a Moving Mentor for advice.
Midland-Odessa offers a large selection of retail pharmacies often located in supermarkets or big-box stores, and specialty pharmacies. Graham's Pharmacy is a local tradition offering lots of charm, an old-fashioned soda counter and great specialty gifts (wrapping included).
Accessibility to primary and specialty physician care is often a challenge. Waitlists are the norm. It is recommended to get on waitlists as soon as possible. Contact a Moving Mentor for advice.
There are several dental providers in the area. Be sure to check that your chosen provider is in network.
The Chevron offices in Midland have an onsite branch office of the Chevron Federal Credit Union. Other banks and ATMs are conveniently located around the Permian region, including Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Chase.
The Permian has U.S. post office locations throughout the region. The main facility and passport services are housed at the airport post office. Midland-Odessa also provides a variety of private mail companies, including FedEx and UPS.
Domestic services are available in Midland-Odessa and Carlsbad, and word-of-mouth recommendation is the best way to find a cleaner, contractor, lawn service or stylist. Contact a Moving Mentor for advice.
There are several Internet service providers, and many popular businesses have free Wi-Fi. Service providers in Midland-Odessa include AT&T, Suddenlink, Earthlink, and Viasat. Carlsbad offers Windstream and TDS.
There are numerous salons, several of which provide excellent spa services.
There are local pet boarding options and dog parks in the area.
shopping
Midland-Odessa is home to a wide range of shopping options like Midland Park Mall, which is currently undergoing a renovation, and Music City Mall. Each mall offers a variety of popular national chains like Dillard’s, JCPenney, Gap and Old Navy. Carlsbad is home to The Shoppes at Carlsbad and The Forum of Carlsbad. The malls offer a variety of popular chains like Macy’s, JC Penney, H&M, Zara, Lululemon and Apple.
The region is home to a plethora of outdoor shopping malls, outlets and national chains, including Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ashley Furniture, Rooms to Go, and Bed Bath & Beyond, that service of a variety of needs including clothing, furniture, home, children, books and more. Visit the chambers of commerce for more information.
The region is home to a plethora of outdoor shopping malls, outlets and national chains, including Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ashley Furniture, Rooms to Go, and Bed Bath & Beyond, that service of a variety of needs including clothing, furniture, home, children, books and more. Visit the chambers of commerce for more information.
Midland-Odessa is home to many large grocery retailers, HEB, Albertsons, Sam's Club, Natural Grocers and Super Mercado, as well as specialty grocers. HEB has a large wine selection and a build-your-own six pack feature in its beer section. A variety of specialty cheeses and catering services are available. Albertsons has a nice selection of foods and medicine in a modern supermarket setting. Super Mercado has an excellent selection of Latin foods, tres leches cakes, fire-roasted chilies and tortillas.
Carlsbad is home to Albertsons, La Tienda and Walmart. La Tienda offers a variety of everyday essentials and specialty items from around the world.
Carlsbad is home to Albertsons, La Tienda and Walmart. La Tienda offers a variety of everyday essentials and specialty items from around the world.
Midland has a downtown farmers market open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food, art and pottery are available from local vendors and growers. In Odessa, you can find the local farmers market at Parks Legado on Saturdays. Carlsbad offers a seasonal farmers market on Wednesdays.
transportation
Most people drive their own cars in Midland as commutes are typically 10-15 minutes in duration and 20-25 minutes in Carlsbad. For public transportation options, please visit EZ-Rider.
recreational and entertainment
Midland-Odessa features some of the best Tex-Mex the state has to offer, as well as a healthy helping of barbecue and American-standard. There are a variety of local favorites as well as national chain restaurant and fast food options. The region has been attracting many new dining experiences.
The Midland-Odessa region is home to a vibrant arts and entertainment scene that includes annual arts festivals, ballet, opera, symphony, concerts, two theatre companies and more. The Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center is a prime attraction, regularly hosting international artists, Broadway tours, national headliners and the local philharmonic, choral and school/university talents. There are also several community theaters to check out, including the Yucca Theater, home to Summer Mummers, a hilarious show and popcorn-throwing experience.
If you’re in the mood for movies, bowling, splash pads, mini-golf, planetariums, museums, or laser tag, there is no shortage of fun family entertainment.
Carlsbad is home to the Pearl of the Pecos Arts & Culture District, which is a diverse arts, culture and entertainment hub. The district boasts an array of shopping, entertainment and dining options.
If you’re in the mood for movies, bowling, splash pads, mini-golf, planetariums, museums, or laser tag, there is no shortage of fun family entertainment.
Carlsbad is home to the Pearl of the Pecos Arts & Culture District, which is a diverse arts, culture and entertainment hub. The district boasts an array of shopping, entertainment and dining options.
With great weather year-round comes the opportunity to be an athlete or a fan. Midland is home to the Midland RockHounds, a double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics major league club who plays in Security Bank Ballpark. Odessa is home to the Odessa Jackalopes, a tier II junior ice hockey team playing in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) out of Ector County Coliseum.
The region is also the inspiration for Friday Night Lights and all the fun that comes with it. In the Fall, you can enjoy the Midland Lee-Permian, Permian – Odessa High School and Midland Lee – Midland High School rivalries.
Carlsbad is home to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which is 18 miles southwest outside of the city. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is just 40 miles southwest, crossing the Texas border. The region boasts some of the best mountain biking trails. Hiking, golfing and water recreation on Lake Carlsbad are also popular activities. Carlsbad Beach sits on the Pecos River and boasts volleyball, a water park and splash pad, water bikes, boats and a mile of picnic and recreation space.
The region is also the inspiration for Friday Night Lights and all the fun that comes with it. In the Fall, you can enjoy the Midland Lee-Permian, Permian – Odessa High School and Midland Lee – Midland High School rivalries.
Carlsbad is home to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which is 18 miles southwest outside of the city. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is just 40 miles southwest, crossing the Texas border. The region boasts some of the best mountain biking trails. Hiking, golfing and water recreation on Lake Carlsbad are also popular activities. Carlsbad Beach sits on the Pecos River and boasts volleyball, a water park and splash pad, water bikes, boats and a mile of picnic and recreation space.
Midland has several petroleum professional associations, networking opportunities, civic groups and many charity and arts organizations. The Midland-Odessa region also boasts an active non-profit community. Anyone can get involved and unlike larger cities, you can truly see and feel the difference in the community. Reach out to a Moving Mentor to learn more about Chevron employee experiences in the nonprofit community.
additional information
With a growing industry comes a growing community where Chevron employees raise their families, serve as leaders in the nonprofit space, and enjoy all the attributes the area has to offer. The Permian combines “small town feel” with big city opportunities. Traffic in Midland is non-existent compared to Houston, Dallas or Los Angeles. Average trip time across town is 10 to 20 minutes depending on time of day and destination. A revitalized downtown area, pretty streets and a relatively low crime rate make Midland a great place to live.