Senior Land Negotiator

Specific Responsibilities

The Senior Land Negotiator will report to the Asset Land Manager and will be responsible for handling all facets of land related matters in a defined and broadened geographic area(s) to support the asset team and/or defined goals. This is an advanced level landman position, becoming more independent and will be mentored by the Land Manager. Responsibilities include overseeing the requirements of the asset team's rig and completion schedule, maintaining critical obligations and dates, analyzing and interpreting and giving guidance on existing contracts and leases, as well as negotiating terms and preparing new contracts and leases for execution and set-up in the company’s Land system. This role requires advanced negotiation skills, knowledge of land laws and regulations, and the ability to analyze property values and market trends. The Senior Land Negotiator plays a crucial role in ensuring the successful completion of land transactions and the overall growth and success of the company. 

 

• Manage land responsibilities in support of multi-rig drilling program for the asset team
• Manage due diligence projects in support of A&D transactions
• Coordinate and conduct all land related activities necessary to identify, acquire, capitalize on and administer prospects and assets of exploration, exploitation and production
• Highly involved in the internal and external planning, preparation, and communication of legal, regulatory, gas marketing, lease records, and sundries and other exploration and production matters related to operations
• Negotiate, draft and analyze various agreements, including but not limited to, leases, farm-outs, farm-ins, term assignments, joint ventures, production sharing agreements and joint operating agreements
• Check public records to understand title, ownership, and curative requirements ahead of operational activity
• Acquire oil and gas leases from fee owners, industry partners and governmental agencies
• Responsible for lease and title requirements in a geographic area in preparation of any operations
• Engage in, negotiate and manage trade opportunities with outside parties, including peer companies
• Organize and supervise efforts of outside brokers, contract landmen and title attorneys
• Support asset in preparing properties for drilling, recompletions, reworks and P&A
• Draft and communicate project “Release to Drill" guidelines, parameters, and approvals for key stakeholders
• Draft, prepare, and circulate for signature all relevant negotiated contracts and agreements
• Assist division order analysts in curing title for producing wells
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with working interest parties, mineral owners and surface owners
• Heavy contact position (both internal and external) on legal issues, regulatory matters, exploration and production issues, gas marketing and lease record/division order arrangements
• Manage and respond to inquiries from mineral owners, surface owners, and working interest partners
• Represent the company's interest at industry and partner meetings
• Assist in property sales and acquisitions
• Negotiate and manage trades and JV activities
• Cultivate industry relationships to profitably grow the business in target areas
• Possess working knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Texas Railroad Commission, BLM and NMOCD
• Mentor less-experienced staff
• Research files for litigation, ownership interest, obligations, or other company needs
• Serve as a lead on special projects
• Proactively interact and participate in presentations to senior management, functional leads, asset team members and other internal stakeholders

Qualifications & Experience

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications and experience:

• BS/BA in Energy Commerce, Energy Management, Petroleum Land Management, Business Administration, J.D. from an accredited law school, or MBA
• 8+ years of in-house experience as a Landman with a major and/or large independent upstream oil & gas company
• Texas experience required; New Mexico experience preferred
• Certified Professional Landman ("CPL") with American Association of Professional Landmen

Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate and exhibit the following core competencies:

• Communication: Writes, speaks, and presents information effectively and persuasively across communication setting;
• Results: Pursues work with energy, drive, and results orientation to positively impact Apache's business success;
• Collaboration: Works in partnership with others and encourages different perspectives, while building and maintaini