Sr. Landman

Job Description

Job Description

Advanced-level land position requiring comprehensive knowledge of most aspects of land management and the ability to operate with substantial latitude for independent, non-reviewed actions and decisions. May serve as a project leader, supervising and mentoring junior-level Landmen, fostering professional development, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Works with interdisciplinary teams to ensure alignment of objectives and successful achievement of goals. May fill leadership roles on teams and projects.

Essential Roles & Responsibilities

• Build rapport and maintain mutually successful relationships with internal and external parties.
• Conduct business with the highest ethical standards and demonstrate decision-making that ensures the safety of all people associated with SM operations.
• Negotiate, draft, close and administer complex agreements with a high degree of accuracy related to exploration activities, including but not limited to joint venture agreements, participation agreements, dry hole contributions, farm-ins, farm outs, confidentiality agreements, surface access / surface damage agreements, and joint operating agreements.
• Proactively identify and resolve complex, interconnected land and operational issues by developing and presenting well-reasoned, actionable solutions.
• Acquire oil and gas leases on lands identified by technical staff, either directly or through use of brokers, within approved budget parameters.
• Conduct records research and supervise the collection and evaluation of land data (i.e. records, surface and mineral title, abstracts etc.).
• Develop leasing strategies while working closely with brokerage firms and attorneys to manage and direct title procurement. 
• Oversee due diligence activities in the acquisition and divestiture of producing and non-producing assets.
• Ensure drill sites are contractually secured and carry clear or acceptable levels of title risk in a timely manner.
• Coordinate operational activities with landowners and other third parties.
• Assist operations with local permitting requirements, and coordinate all necessary regulatory and governmental filings, applications and hearings. 
• Testify at hearings as needed, and tender bids on behalf of the company at lease/land sales.
• Prepare, review and evaluate lease recommendations, well proposals and third-party deal terms for presentation to management.
• Other duties as assigned.  

Computer/Software Applications

Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as company specific computer software and applications, including but not limited to QLS, SAP and Aucerna Execute software. Advanced use of land research resources such as Texas File, County Government Records, AAPL Land Suite and Enverus applications. Familiarity or proficiency with Thompson Reuters Document Intelligence Software (f/k/a ThoughtTrace) preferred. 

Role-Specific Technical Knowledge & Skills

Demonstrate proficient knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations. Advanced understanding of land management principles including negotiations, contracts, leasing, and titles (i.e. title, JOA’s, oil and gas leases, curative documents, surface/mineral permits). Extensive experience with negotiating, constructing, and presenting commercial and business contracts and leases. Advanced knowledge of acquisition/divestiture economic metrics. General understanding of geological principles, operations, reservoir engineering and basin/resource plays.

Preferred Experience:  

• Minimum of 5 years of industry work experience. 
• RPL or CPL Certification
• Permian Basin Operating experience

Typical Education: B.B.A. degree in Energy Management, Land Management or other Business degree.

Schedule: 1-week in office rotation (Denver, Houston or Midland) – periodic travel required.

SM Energy offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which include, but are not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations. Details are available at Careers :: SM Energy Company (SM) (sm-energy.com).

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.