During intermediate climb; a B757-200 flight crew shut down the left engine in response to zero oil quantity/pressure indications. They declared an emergency and returned uneventfully to their departure airport.

Narrative

During climb out; passing 15;000 FT MSL; the left engine oil pressure fluctuated between amber and white indications. I announced the condition; 'Left engine oil pressure-low;' then selected auto-throttles off and began retarding the left engine throttle. The Captain requested 17;000 FT MSL as an amended level off from ATC. At 17;000 FT MSL; 280 KTS; and left engine throttle at idle; the left engine oil pressure continued amber indications. I initiated a turn back toward our departure airport while the Captain advised ATC; declared an emergency; and that we needed an immediate return.' The Captain requested a single frequency approach and asked ATC to notify company operations and then shifted ATC communication to me; the First Officer.Prior to completion of shut down or engine failure checklist the oil pressure and quantity went to red and zero indications. The Captain completed the shut down check and the emergency landing check as well; including briefing the lead Flight Attendant and advising an evacuation was not anticipated. He then called company Operations and advised of our return and need for a tug/tow to the gate. I requested an ILS and informed Approach we would be stopping on the runway and that no ground evacuation was planned; while the Captain completed the 'One-Engine Approach and Go-Around' QRH checklist.We then briefed the approach; reviewed the abnormal landing performance data; and set up the cockpit for a single engine ILS. We completed the landing without incident; stopped on the runway where CFR found no fire or external indications of smoke; briefed the cabin of the condition of the aircraft and were towed to the gate uneventfully.