Oil and Gas Title Abstractor

Halo Land Management; Youngstown (OH); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

You’ll independently research complex ownership chains, identify title issues, and produce client-ready abstracts. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in title research and understand Ohio mineral ownership and leasehold details.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of oil and gas title research or abstracting experience.
• Strong understanding of Ohio oil and gas title, including mineral ownership, leasehold interests, HBP, and heirship.
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent courthouse research and navigating county public records.
• Ability to work in person at the Mahoning County courthouse approximately two days per week.
• Experience preparing title abstracts, run sheets, ownership reports, and supporting documentation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive oil and gas title research involving mineral, surface, and leasehold ownership.
• Research and verify chains of title, including patent-to-present research when required by the assignment.
• Review deeds, mineral reservations, leases, assignments, probate records, conveyances, and other recorded instruments.
• Identify ownership discrepancies, title defects, gaps in the chain, and potential curative issues.
• Research leasehold interests, including held by production (HBP) status, assignments, and other relevant lease provisions.
• Complete assigned title research independently while maintaining accuracy and meeting project deadlines.
• Prepare accurate, detailed title abstracts, run sheets, ownership reports, and supporting documentation.
• Organize title findings chronologically with clear source references and supporting instruments.
• Submit complete, client-ready deliverables within established timelines.

Skills

Oil & gas title research

Courthouse research

Independent research

Client communication

Tools

Excel

Google Drive

Word

PDF tools

Job description

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, Remote Research and Courthouse Fieldwork

Courthouse Requirement: Approximately 2 days per week, based on assignment needs

About Halo Land Management

Halo Land Management partners with leading energy companies to support critical oil and gas development. Our teams handle everything from title research and abstracting to right of way and land negotiation.

We move fast, value accuracy, and care about how work gets done, not just that it gets done. Our success is built on experienced professionals who take ownership of their work, communicate clearly, and consistently deliver quality results.

Position Summary

Halo Land Management is seeking experienced Oil & Gas Title Agents and Abstractors to support a new client project in Mahoning County, Ohio.

This project currently involves title research and abstracting for one oil and gas unit, with assignments requiring a combination of remote research and in-person courthouse work.

While portions of the research can be completed remotely, candidates must be available to conduct research at the Mahoning County courthouse approximately two days per week, depending on project requirements.

We are looking for professionals who can independently research complex ownership chains, identify title issues, and produce accurate, organized, client-ready abstracts.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of oil and gas title or abstracting experience, understands Ohio mineral ownership and leasehold research, and is comfortable navigating both courthouse records and online research platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Oil & Gas Title Research and Abstracting

• Conduct comprehensive oil and gas title research involving mineral, surface, and leasehold ownership.
• Research and verify chains of title, including patent-to-present research when required by the assignment.
• Review deeds, mineral reservations, leases, assignments, probate records, conveyances, and other recorded instruments.
• Identify ownership discrepancies, title defects, gaps in the chain, and potential curative issues.
• Research leasehold interests, including held by production (HBP) status, assignments, and other relevant lease provisions.
• Complete assigned title research independently while maintaining accuracy and meeting project deadlines.

Courthouse and Remote Research

• Conduct in-person courthouse research in Mahoning County approximately two days per week, based on assignment needs.
• Utilize courthouse records, grantor and grantee indexes, public records, and available county research resources.
• Complete portions of assigned research remotely using online databases, digital records, and available research tools.
• Obtain, review, and organize recorded instruments that may not be accessible through online systems.
• Take ownership of courthouse research needs rather than relying exclusively on dedicated courthouse runners.
• Coordinate research activities to ensure assignments progress efficiently between remote and courthouse work.

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare accurate, detailed title abstracts, run sheets, ownership reports, and supporting documentation.
• Organize title findings chronologically with clear source references and supporting instruments.
• Identify and clearly communicate gaps, conflicting information, missing documents, and potential curative requirements.
• Maintain organized digital research files using Halo's reporting templates and project standards.
• Submit complete, accurate, client-ready deliverables within established timelines.

Communication and Project Coordination

• Provide regular updates to project management regarding assignment progress, courthouse findings, and research challenges.
• Proactively communicate potential title issues or delays that may impact project timelines.
• Collaborate with project managers, title reviewers, and fellow abstractors to resolve research questions.
• Share relevant courthouse findings and research resources that may benefit the broader project team.
• Maintain a high level of accountability, professionalism, and attention to detail throughout the assignment.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of oil and gas title research or abstracting experience.
• Strong understanding of Ohio oil and gas title, including mineral ownership, leasehold interests, HBP, and heirship.
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent courthouse research and navigating county public records.
• Ability to work in person at the Mahoning County courthouse approximately two days per week.
• Experience preparing title abstracts, run sheets, ownership reports, and supporting documentation.
• Ability to interpret deeds, mineral reservations, oil and gas leases, assignments, probate records, and other legal instruments.
• Proficiency with Excel, Google Drive, Word, PDF tools, and online research platforms.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage assignments independently.
• Excellent written communication and the ability to clearly document complex ownership findings.
• Commitment to producing accurate, defensible, client-ready work.