Title/Abstractor

MAO Professional Land Services, Inc.; Appalachia (VA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

MAO Professional Land Services, Inc. is seeking a Title Abstractor Landman to support oil & gas, energy, and land acquisition projects throughout Southwest Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and Northern West Virginia.

This role combines courthouse and remote title research and requires strong analytical skills and knowledge of Appalachian Basin title standards. The ideal candidate will have experience researching surface, mineral, leasehold, and right-of-way ownership, preparing accurate title

Qualifications

• Must be detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.
• Knowledge of Appalachian Basin title standards and ownership types.
• Experience researching surface, mineral, leasehold, and right-of-way ownership.
• Experience preparing title abstracts, reports and deed plots.
• Identify and address title defects, curative issues and encumbrances.

Responsibilities

• Conduct title research to determine current and historical ownership of various estates.
• Research courthouse records, online databases, GIS systems, tax maps and records in PA, OH, and WV.
• Prepare title abstracts, run sheets, ownership reports and deed plots.
• Analyze deeds, leases, mortgages, liens, rights-of-way and other instruments.
• Trace chains of title back to base title requirements.
• Identify title defects and curative requirements.
• Interpret legal descriptions and tract maps for ownership and acreage.
• Support acquisition, leasing and due diligence projects with accurate titles.
• Maintain organized project files and communicate with project managers.
• Travel to county courthouses and field locations as required.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Analytical skills

Appalachian Basin title standards

Ownership research – surface/mineral/租

Prepare title deliverables

Curative issues identification

Collaboration with land agents/attors

Tools

GIS systems

Job description

Southwest Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia Areas (Hybrid)

Job Description:

MAO is seeking a detail-oriented and highly motivated Title Abstractor Landman to support oil & gas, energy, infrastructure, and land acquisition projects throughout Southwest Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and Northern West Virginia. This position combines courthouse and remote title research responsibilities and requires strong analytical skills, and knowledge of Appalachian Basin title standards. The ideal candidate will have experience researching surface, mineral, leasehold, and right-of-way ownership, preparing accurate title deliverables, and identifying curative issues affecting ownership and development rights.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive title research to determine current and historical ownership of surface, mineral, oil & gas, timber, and leasehold estates.
• Research county courthouse records, online databases, GIS systems, tax maps, probate records, and recorder office documents throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.
• Prepare accurate title abstracts, run sheets, ownership reports, flowcharts, deed plots, and related title documentation.
• Analyze deeds, leases, assignments, probate filings, easements, mortgages, judgments, liens, rights-of-way, and other recorded instruments affecting title.
• Trace chains of title back to sovereignty or client-defined base title requirements.
• Identify title defects, gaps, encumbrances, probate issues, outstanding interests, and curative requirements.
• Interpret complex legal descriptions, surveys, and tract maps to verify ownership and acreage calculations.
• Support acquisition, leasing, due diligence, pipeline, renewable energy, and development projects through accurate title reporting.
• Maintain organized project files and provide timely updates to project managers and clients.
• Collaborate with land agents, attorneys, GIS specialists, and project teams to ensure accurate and complete deliverables.
• Meet project deadlines while maintaining MAO quality standards and client expectations.
• Travel periodically to county courthouses and field locations as required by project scope.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience