Surface Land Representative

Position Summary 

The Surface Land Representative is responsible, with minimal to no supervision, for a full range of surface land activities.  Coordinates primarily with Operations, Regulatory, and technical personnel on permitting efforts, surveying, selecting well pad locations and ensuring compliance with surface agreements and land restoration/reclamation projects.   Negotiates various surface-related agreements and settles surface damage claims while maintaining positive working relations with landowners, working interest owners, and governmental authorities.  Works closely with landmen to accomplish the Company's business objectives. To be successful, this position will also exhibit Berry's core values of Stronger Together, Own it, Breed Excellence, Do the Right Thing and Responsible. 

Key Accountabilities

• Negotiates and drafts all types of surface-related agreements, including, but not limited to, surface use and damage agreements, surface leases, rights-of-way, and easements supporting drilling and field development activities.
• Conducts on-site meetings with landowners, government agencies, and other surface use authorities for selecting well pad locations and other surface operations supporting development activities.
• Assists in infrastructure surveying and mapping. Coordinates field surveys with surveying consultants.
• Assists landmen with negotiating mineral development and exploration agreements with governmental authorities, including oil and gas leases and unit agreements. Assists in conducting rental reviews and extension negotiations when assigned.
• Coordinates permitting efforts for drilling programs and facilities.
• Coordinates archeological site clearances and related activities with regulatory agencies when necessary.
• Keeps abreast of general Company and industry activity, government regulations, farming practices and trends, land values and recent prices paid by competitors for surface rights in an acquisition area.
• Coordinates with Operations to ensure proper compliance of land restoration and reclamation projects.
• Participates in defining strategy for mineral rights leasing programs. Initiates documentation for acquired surface rights and pipeline rights-of-way.
• Investigates and settles damage claims with surface owners.
• Recommends fair compensation rentals for surface use agreements and consideration for easements and pipeline rights-of-way.
• Ensures Company's operations are conducted in accordance with applicable rules, regulations, and permits in assigned asset areas.
• Develops and maintains contacts with government and agency representatives involved in the administration of public land disposition and regulatory oversight of public lands.
• Develops and maintains positive working relations with landowners and working interest partners.
• Keeps current on applicable legislation and government policies and direction affecting Company's operating basins.
• Actively seeks ways to improve the efficiency of work processes and policies. Acts as a resource for co-workers and management.
• Mentors and reviews work performed by less experienced surface landmen.
• Collaborates with both the operational and HSE team to effectively meet area and departmental HSE goals.
• Complies with all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) policies, practices, and programs of the Company and actively collaborates with operational and HSE teams to promote and provide a safe work environment.
• Participates in and adheres to all training programs designed to enhance HSE knowledge and safety standards and improve job performance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education, Certificates, Licenses

• Bachelor's Degree in Business or closely related discipline (Petroleum Land Management is preferred) or commensurate experience in related field.
• Member of American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL).
• Member of local professional landman association.

Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years' experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Uintah Basin Experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

 Critical:

• Demonstrates a positive attitude and support for Company's culture and goals.
• Advanced in negotiation, analysis, and interpretation, and possesses a strong independent work ethic.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Advanced oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high priority projects and meet established deadlines.
• Advanced professional networking and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to adhere to both the AAPL ethical standards and Company standards at all times.

Required:

• Completion of some technical training and assignment of well site development programs to develop needed skills and abilities.
• Ability to effectively communicate, work with multi-discipline teams, and continuously learn.
• Comprehensive, broad knowledge of regulations, documentations, and negotiations.
• Detailed knowledge of statutes and regulations affecting oil and gas operations.
• Expert in reading of Land position maps and surveys.
• Proficient use of ArcGIS.
• Advanced in file research of digital and physical files.
• Advanced understanding of oil and gas production activities and operations.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe and general Internet mining.
• Leadership skills.

Desired:

• Experience working oil and gas assets in the Rocky Mountains.
• Member of American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL).
• Member of local professional landman association.

Work Environment

• Primarily office work environment with regular field visits.
• Routine work involves common office activities during a typical 9-hour day such as standing, sitting, walking, typing, and twisting as necessary.
• May be required to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Must follow all company safety policies, including when visiting field locations

Compensation and Benefits 

The pay range for this position is between $131,840 and $156,560 annually based on a full-time schedule.  Please note that the annual salary information is a general guideline, and that annual salary will vary depending on your location and that Berry Corporation (“Berry”) will consider factors such as (but not limited to) scope of responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considers when extending an offer.  This position is eligible for short-term cash incentive bonus and long-term incentive awarded in restricted share units, excellent benefits including full health benefits, 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, 9/80 flex schedules, and generous paid time off.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

Berry Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. 

LINK to Equal Employment Opportunity Posters:  https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm 

Reasonable Accommodation Notice 

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at 661-616-3900 or HR@bry.com.

Pay Transparency Notice 

Berry Corporation (“Berry”) will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against an applicant or employee because they have inquired about or discussed compensation.

Notice to Third Party Agencies 

Please note that Berry Corporation (“Berry”) does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Agreement, Berry will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Berry explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, will not be reviewed or considered in part of the application process.

This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties nor account for all abilities required to perform the job. It is a general description of the nature of the position. 

Salary : $131,840 - $156,560