Executive Director (State Resources)

Posting number: DCE-OSTR-2026-223808-IGA

Department: DCE-Conservation and Energy

Division: Office of State Resources

Job classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Posting type: Open

Categories: Natural Resources

Summary

C&E’s Office of State Resources (OSTR) primary goal and purpose is to maximize the economic value of Louisiana’s natural resources through responsible leasing, transparent royalty management and strategic resource development that supports long-term returns while promoting environmental stewardship and energy diversification. This office is comprised of four Divisions: Income, Land Administration, Resource Analytics, and Water Administration. Together, these divisions administer and oversee contracts for use and development of state-owned property for energy-related purposes, including mineral leases, gas storage and sequestration, alternative energy development, and rights-of-way.  

The Executive Director position is the chief executive of the Office of State Resource, a division of the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy and one of the most economically significant administrative offices in the State of Louisiana. The Office of State Resources is charged with the stewardship, administration, and strategic development of Louisiana’s publicly owned land, mineral, water, and subsurface resources. It functions in conjunction with the State Mineral and Energy Board as the state’s fiduciary resource manager—operating at the intersection of public land management, economic development, energy regulation, contract negotiation, and fiscal administration. Revenues generated by contracts executed by the Office of State Resources and the Board make up a considerable portion of annual revenues for parishes, the state general fund, and the Department. 

The Executive Director oversees and manages the Office of State Resources’ internal Executive Division and the Office of State Resources’ four operating divisions: Land Administration, Resources Analytics, Income, and Water Administration. Together, these offices manage and oversee the use and production of State-owned energy resources from start to finish, including negotiation and preparation of initial contracts; supervision and monitoring of operators to ensure compliance with their terms; and collection, audit, and allocation of resulting revenues. 

The incumbent is expected to create operational goals for the Office—and performance metrics to monitor them—and tailor all staffing practices, functional strategies, and operational policies to achieve satisfactory performance levels. 

As Executive Director, the incumbent serves as the ex officio secretary of the State Mineral and Energy Board, and thus maintains ultimate responsibility for Board communications, policy, and coordination of the agenda, recommendations, and programming for the Board’s monthly meetings. The Executive Director also serves as a liaison between the Office of State Resources and the Secretary, Undersecretary, and other divisions within the Department, promoting cross-departmental communication and collaborative solutions in the interest of efficiency and continuity. 

The Executive Director’s role demands active engagement and decision-making across a broad spectrum of subject areas, including Louisiana’s mineral, energy, and water resource governance; energy project development fundamentals and economics; the legislative and regulatory process; complex contract negotiation and drafting; geologic and engineering principles; and sound fiscal management practices. Success in this role requires a well-rounded skill set that includes strategic planning, high-level communication, personnel and time management, effective task delegation, and the ability to synthesize legal, technical, and financial considerations into clear and actionable decisions.

Examples of duties

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, finance, geology, public administration, or a related field. An advanced degree in one of these areas is strongly preferred.
• At least 3 years of demonstrated professional-level experience in mineral, surface, or water resource management, or
• A Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited institution and experience as a practicing attorney, preferably in areas related to natural resources, contracts, or public law.
• Familiarity with Louisiana’s Mineral Code, public fiduciary standards, and water governance frameworks is essential.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly with executive audiences, legal counsel, and external stakeholders. 

Supplemental information

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