POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION: Landman
DEPARTMENT: Jicarilla Oil & Gas Administration
SALARY: JS-12A $60,290
OPENING DATE: November 7, 2022
CLOSING DATE: December 2, 2022

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Jicarilla Apache Nation, through the Jicarilla Oil and Gas Administration (JOGA), performs functions that were once the role of the federal government, exercising its sovereign authority to determine who operates on Jicarilla Apache Nation lands. The incumbent will be directly responsible for the review and processing of various assignments of interest in oil and gas leases and Mineral Development Agreements, and other oil and gas related land documents. The Landman works with Department staff to enforce Nation law, supervises the Land Team, and oversees daily land operations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Land Team (APD Specialist and Operating Permits Supervisor)

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Director

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Determines if proposed instruments are in alignment with Jicarilla Apache Nation law and are in the best interest of the Nation.
• Review and prepare assignments of oil and gas properties for approval by the Director.
• Research, compile, and analyze land records to determine current ownership of leases and other agreements and prepare relevant reports.
• Assist in the negotiations of new oil and gas related agreements.
• Prepares recommendations, written reports, and/or presentations to assist the Director, Legislative Council, legal counsel, and others in making sound land management and resource decisions.
• Cure title where omissions or errors exist within leases, title, or other land documents.
• Ensure Tribal and Federal regulations are adhered to and deadlines are met for all internal processes.
• Assist in the development of a streamlined procedure for lease and assignment approvals.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of a lease record management system.
• Collaborate with Nation leadership, other Nation departments, Federal Agencies, attorneys, the public, operators, and other stakeholders on any number of land issues.
• Performs supervisory functions for the Land Team to ensure efficient and effective operations of all Land Team functions as defined by Nation law, the Nation’s Human Resources Manual, and any other applicable policies and procedures.
• Perform field inspections of oil and gas leases to ensure compliance with the terms of the lease, mineral development agreement, and/or any other agreements with the Nation as necessary.
• Assist in the accumulation of data for investigation and/or prosecution of operators.
• Coordinate with the Director and JOGA field inspectors concerning the issuance of Compliance Orders, Civil Penalty Assessments, and Incidents of Non-Compliance.
• Assist the Application for Permit to Drill (APD) Specialist with application reviews, on-sites, and inspections of proposed well locations and rights-of-ways as needed.
• Perform data input into appropriate JOGA databases and files.
• Assist in the construction of land maps.
• Maintain confidentiality of Nation and industry information.
• Regularly communicate with the oil and gas industry for the purpose of developing a good working relationship between the Department and industry.
• Leads Team meetings to establish workload priorities, deadlines, and quality standards.
• Participates in team problem solving efforts to identify and develop process improvements that meet the needs of external and internal customers.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as necessary or assigned commensurate to the grade level.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
(Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

1. In-house landman experience working in Indian Country.
2. Working knowledge of Petroleum Land Management principles.
3. Understanding of oil and gas exploration terms, land and legal documents.
4. Able to study, research, and analyze oil and gas leases and other agreements.
5. Good working knowledge of computers and standard software such as Microsoft Office Suite including Excel and Word. Must be willing to learn proprietary or other job-related computer applications.
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with Nation leadership, colleagues, field personnel, and oil and gas operators. This includes the ability to use business English with proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
7. Able to identify and solve moderately complex to complex problems.
8. Able to be detail oriented, is a self-starter, and can work independently while maintaining goals and tasks.
9. Able to use facsimile machines, copy machines, scanners, computers, and other office equipment as needed and assigned.
10. Able to read topographical, lease, and other maps.
11. Knowledge of legal procedures regarding compliance and enforcement of Nation and Federal oil and gas regulations as they apply to tribal lands.
12. Able to receive training in and out of town.
13. Good public relation skills and professionalism.
14. Able to administer First Aid & CPR or be trained to do so.
15. Must obtain SAMBA Safety Driver Fleet Watch License Check clearance in order to drive a Nation vehicle. Your ability to operate a Nation vehicle is mandatory.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Required
1. High School Diploma or GED Certificate. (Attach Copy)
2. Bachelor’s Degree in related field.
3. Five (5) years of in-house Land, Land Title, Leasing, or related experience with a federally recognized Indian tribe, federal regulatory agency who is a trustee of Indian land title, and/or an oil and gas exploration and production company operating in Indian Country.
4. Supervisory experience.

Preferred
1. AAPL Membership
2. Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Land Management
3. Bachelor’s Degree in Energy Management
4. Bachelor’s Degree in related discipline
5. Master’s Degree in any of the above

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES:

1. Valid Driver’s License (Attach Copy)
2. Training certificates in related fields (Attach Copy)
3. AAPL Certified Professional Landman (CPL) Certification (Attach Copy)

JICARILLA PREFERENCE POLICY:

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Tribal members in accordance with the Jicarilla Preference Law as defined by Article III of the revised Constitution of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe. Consideration will be given to Non-Tribal, Non-Indian applicants in the absence of qualified Jicarilla Tribal members.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Please submit all applications/resumes to the Department of Human Resources located at the Nation’s Administrative Building or at PO Box 920, Dulce, NM, 87528. All applications must be submitted on or before the closing date. If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will receive an interview notice shortly after the closing date.

NOTE: Failure to submit all required documents (certificates, diplomas, etc.) mentioned in the vacancy announcement will result in application being turned down or not being considered at all.