Senior Landman - Surface (Midland, TX)

Immediately

Salary commensurate with experience

40 hours weekly

A resume is required to apply. Candidates under final consideration will also be required to submit professional references, college degree information, and employment history to an online third-party vendor.

For more than 140 years, The University of Texas System has improved the lives of Texans - and people all over the world - through education, health care, and research. The System consists of nine academic institutions, four health institutions, and The University of Texas System Administration. The institutions of the UT System employ more than 160,000 faculty, health care professionals, researchers, support staff, and student workers.

The UT System Administration is primarily based in Austin, Texas. It supports the missions of the System's thirteen institutions by providing financial, legal, planning, purchasing, government relations, communications, development, and other central services. Serving a growing state, the UT System Administration strives to provide a welcoming, supportive work environment that embraces different perspectives - not only because it enables the organization to be stronger, creative, and thoughtful, but because it is the right thing to do. To that end, UT System Administration embraces state laws on military and former foster children employment preferences.

Reporting to the Manager, Surface Operations, the Sr. Landman, Surface will be responsible for the oversight and coordination of multiple uses of the surface estate associated with the 2.1 million acres of the Permanent University Fund (PUF) Lands. This position is responsible for promoting surface income related to the oil and gas operations, new energy and renewable projects, and other commercial operations, and to protect and enhance the long-term health, productivity, and sustainability of the surface resources.

• Work with oil and gas operators to implement appropriate oilfield management practices and monitor oilfield construction practices. Assist with information gathering for invoicing for oil field construction activities.
• Periodically review the Rate and Damage Schedule to update categories and rates for surface use agreements and damage payments.
• Monitor compliance of the terms of the University Lands Flexible Grazing Lease, Oil and Gas Lease, Renewable Leases, and other Commercial Surface Leases and Easements. Coordinate land resource utilization for multiple users to ensure sustainable productivity and protection of cultural resources.
• Review proposed new energy and renewable projects for compatible site locations. Educate lessees and approve all field activity, including construction and operational activities.
• Evaluate hunting markets in the area, current rates, and the resource annually to determine harvest recommendations and rate adjustments.
• Lead and manage all aspects, including budgeting, of available funding programs to install grazing and wildlife improvement projects on the surface to promote quality stewardship.
• Schedule and manage all aerial surveillance as well as conduct aerial surveys, through the use of a helicopter, throughout the year, complete audits, and remedy outstanding observations.
• Perform lease inspections, assemble data, and draft reports with corrective action as necessary and monitor the completion of prescribed action plans.
• Consult with the lease operators to encourage best management practices for infrastructure installation with a minimum impact on the surface resources and assure land management goals are achieved.
• Routinely meet with lessees operating in assigned area to build professional relationships, maintain communication, and provide information regarding acceptable practices on PUF lands.
• Counsel outside landmen and right-of-way agents as to projects that require contracts. Explain University policies as they relate to contracts, construction, and operations.
• Coordinate routine tours on PUF lands for internal and external groups upon request.
• Coordinate with UL Land and Regulatory Departments on lease inspections, compliance with federal/ state laws, and lease terminations.
• Coordinate multiple range and wildlife projects and research activity with various federal, state and local agencies and non-profit organizations to better enhance the surface and stewardship of the PUF lands.
• Prioritize daily operator and University Lands requests and maintain flexibility to change schedule throughout the week.
• Work with various local, state and federal agencies, such as Railroad Commission, General Land Office, Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, US Dept of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas Historical Commission, Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept, and US Fish and Wildlife, and stay apprised of their current rules and regulations.
• Mentor and educate other surface team members and cross-train other internal departments on the daily tasks required in planning and managing surface operations.
• Identify and mediate conflicts for mutually agreed solutions.
  

• Knowledge of oil and gas leases, surface-use agreements, RRC rules and regulations, and general range and wildlife management.
• General knowledge of oil field infrastructure and operations for both upstream and midstream.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and mediate conflicts for mutually agreed solutions.
• Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work on a multi-functional team.
• Efficiently use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Proficient in GIS applications and creating maps.

• Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, geology, biology, energy management, or related field.
• Ten years of experience in a related discipline.
• Each additional year of experience or education over the required minimum may substitute on a year-for-year basis.

• Master's degree in natural resource management, geology, biology, energy management, or related field.
• Preferred oil and gas experience in the Permian Basin and knowledge of land resource management, ownership, and stewardship in the Trans Pecos region.

• Driving of UT owned vehicle required.
• May work in all weather conditions.
• May work around chemical fumes.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• May work around chemicals.
• May work around electrical and/or mechanical hazards.
• Climbing of stairs.
• Climbing of ladders.
• Lifting and moving objects.

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to a minimum of 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. Participation in TRS is mandatory.

A background check will be conducted on candidates under final consideration. The background check may include any or all of the following: criminal history check, prior employment verification, education verification, professional references check, and motor vehicle records check. Background checks are conducted by third-party vendors. Upon request form the third-party vendor, candidates under final consideration must provide the required information for the background checks to be completed.

The University of Texas System Administration is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees in all terms and conditions of employment. U. T. System will provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state laws.

For information on accommodations for individuals with disabilities, please contact the Office of Talent and Innovation at oti@utsystem.edu.