Mission – Why we exist and why we need you

Geothermal energy is a massive renewable energy resource sitting below our feet. By some estimates, there is ~2000 times more beneficial energy contained in geothermal heat than in all of Earth’s oil, gas, coal, and methane combined. However, to date, it’s been hard to find the right places to use that energy affordably. At Zanskar, we’re commercializing new exploration technologies to make geothermal scalable and a vital contributor to a fully carbon-free electricity grid.

We are looking for a Regional Land Operations Manager to manage internal and external personnel and efforts related to chain of title, lease negotiations, and acreage site control for lands that we conduct geothermal exploration and development on. You will be a key partner to the Head of Land and exploration scientists to create a portfolio of developable lands with high geothermal power potential.

Outcomes - Problems you’ll solve

In your first three months of the job, your key objective will be to expand our portfolio of high-potential geothermal land assets through acquisition of full surface and subsurface lease rights that enable us to explore and develop the lands.

You will achieve this goal by managing external contractors (e.g., outside counsel and landmen on title and lease) to understand the leasing environment and to coordinate with internal teams (e.g., prioritizing certain resources, pricing, payments, reporting and permitting) to effectively and fairly negotiate directly with landowners. You will also manage the regional land lease program by ensuring timely reporting and payments made to landowners, lessors and appropriate stakeholders.

Daily activities will include:
-Track title and legal documents per prospect in internal tracking systems.
-Review title work for accuracy across multiple contractors and distill findings into action items related to the company’s ability to execute leases and land purchases.
-Coordinate and provide title, lease and ownership status reports to Head of -Land and relevant team members for project financing and permitting efforts.
-Manage working with outside counsel on improving complex legal agreements and contracts, including assignments and purchase and sale agreements
-Negotiate and close land lease, rights of way and purchase agreements.
-Calculate working interest and net revenue interest, both before and after payout.

Competencies – What we’re looking for

Experience in title work & leases: Ability to analyze chains of title and ownership reports for accuracy, especially split estates and mineral title. Can accurately draft legal and lease agreement documents for accurate party information and record those with relevant government agencies. Certified Professional Landman certification preferred.

Relationship builder: Can gain the trust and build relationships with a variety of land owners across the Western US where reputation and long-term relationships matter. You can frame the value we create for landowners in a way that builds long-term partnerships.

Negotiator and closer: Can lead and close negotiations and deals through well-executed preparation and communication of geothermal benefits to landowners that provides best outcomes for Zanskar and landowners.

Organized manager: You will effectively utilize and manage brokers and attorneys in acquisition, title and curative matters, including ordering title opinions, directing leasing efforts, and obtaining curative.

Reliable prioritizer: The people who perform well in our company are able to understand and respond to the highest priority issues proactively. Regarding land, we unearth new discoveries and respond to market conditions that sometimes make juggling a few priorities an important part of succeeding. You will identify and reliably execute on highest-priority assets in order to create the main outcome of delivering full site control for a portfolio of high-potential geothermal land assets that enable us to explore and develop the lands.

Logistics

We are located in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area with a hybrid in-person role. Pay includes competitive salary and stock options. Benefits include medical and dental coverage and growth opportunities in a fast-paced startup and a growing market. Zanskar is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practice laws. Please reach out to careers@zanskar.us with any questions.