Senior Surface Landman

Anschutz Exploration Corporation; Casper (WY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Anschutz Exploration Corporation seeks a seasoned Manager, Surface Land to lead negotiations, draft surface use agreements, and coordinate access for field activities in the Powder River Basin. The role requires building relationships with agencies, landowners, and internal teams to ensure timely, compliant access.

You will drive annual planning, budgeting, and strategic initiatives for surface land while mentoring junior staff and improving processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Energy Management or related field preferred.
• Requires 10+ years in the E&P sector and 5+ years in a dedicated surface land role.
• Experience with Rockies assets and Federal Lands (MT, ND, WY, CO or UT).
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiations and draft surface use agreements, rights-of-way, easements and related documents.
• Oversee annual business planning, strategy and budgeting for surface land needs.
• Coordinate with field personnel, brokers, and agencies to secure access and compliance.
• Mentor less-experienced staff and improve surface land processes.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Contract drafting

Land records

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Energy Management or related field

RPL or CPL designation preferred

Tools

GIS software

MS Excel

Title interpretation software

Job description

Description

Manager: Manager, Surface Land

Location: Powder River Basin

• Leads negotiations and drafts surface use agreements, rights-of-way, easements, and related agreements with surface owners.
• Responsible for execution of annual business planning, strategy and budgeting for surface land needs
• Identifies surface constraints and secures rights before field activities begin.
• Acts as liaison between multiple disciplines in Denver Office, surface owners and field personnel
• Communicates with various federal and state agency personnel and other regulatory agencies to obtain necessary access in a timely manner and ensure compliance with government regulations
• Communicates agreement obligations, payments, deadlines, and access restrictions to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure agreements and payments are accurately tracked and documented.
• Coordinates with construction personnel and surveyors on facility locations and staking.
• Directs field brokers and monitors schedules, costs, and work quality.
• Maintains productive landowner, agency, and industry relationships.
• Improves surface land processes and mentors less-experienced personnel.
• Perform all other duties and special projects as assigned

Requirements

• Strong communication, organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced title, legal description, survey plat, and agreement interpretation skills.
• Strong knowledge of surface and mineral rights and private, state, and federal access requirements.
• Proficiency with land records systems, reading maps, and Microsoft Office.
• Experience coordinating survey and construction activities.
• Ability to build relationships across teams and with external stakeholders.
• Sound judgment and ability to independently manage complex projects and priorities.
• Advanced negotiation, dispute resolution, and drafting skills.
• Established industry relationships.
• Ability to guide brokers and improve processes.
• Accountability for timely, accurate work.

Experience and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required, major area of study in Energy Management or related field preferred
• Requires at least 10 years of experience in the E&P sector and at least 5 years in a dedicated surface land role
• Must have exposure to working Rockies assets and Federal Lands (MT, ND, WY, CO or UT)
• RPL or CPL designation preferred

Travel:

• Travel may be required up to 50% of the time.

Why Join Anschutz Exploration?

At Anschutz Exploration, we’re driven by a shared commitment to company success over individual wins. We aim high, simplify where it counts, and focus on what matters — all while embracing transparency and continuous learning. If you’re someone who thrives in a collaborative, improvement-focused environment, we’d like to hear from you.

Benefits and Anticipated Compensation

This role is eligible for both short- and long-term incentive opportunities. AEC offers a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, employer paid life and disability insurance coverage, a 401(k) plan with company match, and wellness support.

Application Deadline

We anticipate starting to review applications after November 11, 2026 but applications will be accepted until finalists are identified.

Anschutz Exploration Corporation (AEC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.