Land Specialist

Job Opportunity At Plains

Plains is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing and marketing solutions for crude oil. We own an extensive network of pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage and gathering assets in key oil producing basins and transportation corridors and at major market hubs in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

We're on the lookout for passionate self-starters who thrive in fast-moving, collaborative, and innovative environments.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Monitor payments, obligations and expiration of surface lease and term rights-of-way and other land documents.
• Communicate and secure approvals from appropriate Field Operations personnel to determine if Land Documents should be renewed, and if renewed, at what rate of payment.
• Responsible for communicating to landowner of Company's intention to renew, amend, terminate or cancel Land Documents.
• When renewal is required, engage directly with landowners and governmental agencies to facilitate negotiation and renewal of Land Document.
• Prepare appropriate land documents, including right of way, leases, licenses, amendments, permits, applications etc.
• Review physical files and virtual files to confirm the accuracy of the information represented in Land Database.
• Maintain, organize and file all Land agreements and support documents within virtually and hard copy files.
• Maintain Teams Planner and various project status spreadsheets and reports.
• Generate reports from the Land Database, including Property Status Reports, Trigger Reports, Payment Reports and Audit Reports.
• Use GIS and Google Earth to verify assets and property locations. Plot legal descriptions from Land Documents, inclusive of metes and bounds, for accurate identification of assets.
• Research surface ownership using online county clerk, assessor and recorder databases.
• Work with landowners to obtain proper chain-of-title evidence when land is conveyed or heirship is involved.
• Assist with annual Land Document budget forecast reports.
• Assist with land records special projects as requested.
• Respond to inquiries and provide information to Landowners, Operations and other departments throughout the Company.
• Submit Land Documents to county clerks for recording.
• Prepare check requests, as needed.
• General office duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 1-3 years of oil and gas land records experience, including experience with mapping software, particularly ArcGIS and Google Earth preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Access.
• Attention to detail is imperative and will be a key component. Should be able to perform detailed work with speed and accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with all levels within the organization as well as external contacts.
• Able to organize and prioritize a diverse and heavy workload consisting of many detailed, separate procedures and deadlines.
• Team player and responsible individual who takes initiative/ownership in all areas of work.
• Highly flexible and able to multitask and adapt to changing protocol and responsibilities as is necessary.
• Self-starter who is eager to learn.
• Ability to meet deadlines, occasionally work overtime upon short notice.
• Associate's degree or higher preferred but not required.
• Cleared criminal history (background) and satisfactory reference checks.
• Compliance with the Company's drug and alcohol policy including pre-employment D&A testing.
• This position is not eligible for employment-based visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for the duration of their employment.