This position manages all surface land related activities within a designated district, including oversight of the Surface Land Team across various assigned areas. The individual will focus on all current and prospective surface land matters including rights-of-way, easements, surface use agreements, surface damage settlements, and landowner relations. The role requires close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams of engineers, geoscientists, operations, regulatory, accounting, land administration, and legal. This person will provide all necessary surface land support in the execution of assigned Asset Teams' goals. Additional responsibilities include overseeing human resources functions such as evaluating performance, coaching, training, and career development. The individual must have supervisory and organizational skills, along with surface land experience across multiple operating areas and basins.
Essential Roles & Responsibilities:- Lead due diligence efforts related to surface rights in acquisitions and divestitures of producing assets; settle surface damage claims and negotiate all commercial terms associated with the purchase and/or sale of surface-related rights within the assigned geographic area
- Manage all surface land activities including right-of-way acquisition, surface use agreement negotiations, easement administration, and surface damage settlements
- Manage surface land staff (including Surface Landmen and Land Techs), providing appropriate guidance and mentoring to deliver necessary surface land support to the Asset Team
- Identify, analyze, and resolve complex surface land issues including landowner disputes, permit conflicts, and access challenges
- Work with internal and external partners on legal issues, regulatory matters, surface access, environmental compliance, and landowner relations
- Collaborate with VP of Land, business development, and asset managers to establish and manage annual budget for surface rights acquisition and maintenance
- Lead projects and act as a liaison with operations, environmental, legal, and other departments on surface-related matters
- Lead the acquisition, maintenance, management, and disposition of surface rights, easements, rights-of-way, and other related surface interests to meet corporate, regional, and Asset Team goals and objectives
- Strategize and collaborate with key asset team members on executing surface land development plans and implementing a growth strategy that supports corporate, regional, and asset team goals
- Closely track and monitor G&A and Capital budgets versus spending in order to provide timely status reports to management
- Act on recommendations for hiring, promotions, development needs, or status changes of personnel
- Conduct business with the highest ethical standards and make decisions that ensure the safety of all persons associated with SM facilities
Computer/Software Applications:- Strong level of skill in Microsoft Office, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Experience leading others with industry/company software including, but not limited to, QLS & AFE Navigator.
- Familiarity with Enverus, GIS mapping tools (e.g., ArcGIS), and the latest industry intel resources available to SM.
Role-Specific Technical Knowledge & Skills:- Strong knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, and government regulations as they relate to surface rights and land use.
- Thorough understanding of surface land management principles including rights-of-way, easements, surface use agreements, surface damage claims, and landowner negotiations.
- Skilled at negotiating, constructing, and presenting surface use and commercial agreements.
- Strong understanding of surface permitting processes, pipeline corridors, well pad surface agreements, and ingress/egress rights.
- Working knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance requirements affecting surface operations.
- Understands geological, engineering, and operations principles as they relate to surface land needs.
- Familiar with resource play evaluation methods in the context of surface land requirements.
- Knowledge of multiple basins and surface ownership structures within a Region.
Typical Education- B.B.A. degree in Energy Management, Land Management, or other Business degree
- Registered Landman (RL) or Certified Professional Landman (CPL) status preferred.
Typical Experience- Minimum of 10 years of industry work experience, with significant focus on surface land activities including rights-of-way, easements, and landowner relations.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
