The Staff Landman - Surface, independently manages a broad range of surface land assignments supporting SM Energy's DJ Basin development and operations. This role brings strong land experience to surface use agreements, rights-of-way, easements, and access, and serves as a reliable, experienced resource on new-development and operational support projects. The Staff Landman - Surface works closely with the Land Manager - DJ Surface and the broader Surface Land team, and coordinates cross-functionally across the organization.
Essential Roles & Responsibilities
- Negotiate and administer surface use agreements, rights-of-way, easements, and access agreements for well pads, roads, pipelines, and related facilities.
- Manage landowner relationships and community interactions professionally, representing SM Energy and the Surface Land Department in line with company values.
- Coordinate with Legal, Operations, Development, Construction, Regulatory, and Environmental teams, as well as government agencies (e.g., ECMC, counties, municipalities), on surface land matters and approvals.
- Review title, mineral ownership, and other property records to identify and resolve surface use issues.
- Independently manage multiple concurrent projects, balancing new-development surface land needs with day-to-day operational support.
- Take initiative on assignments, lead meetings as needed, and bring recommendations to the Land Manager or Staff Landmen on complex or non-routine matters.
- Assess the financial and business implications of surface land transactions, including cost analysis and return on investment, and consult on project economics as needed.
- Prepare clear, organized documentation, reports, and presentations for internal stakeholders and external parties as needed.
- Stay current on surface land industry trends, technology, and best practices; represent SM Energy in relevant industry organizations.
- Follow safe operating practices and comply with SM Energy's Environmental, Safety & Regulatory requirements.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Competencies
- Strong working knowledge of surface land principles, including the interplay between surface and mineral estates.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills; able to build effective relationships with landowners, agencies, and internal stakeholders.
- Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail for title review, risk assessment, and agreement drafting.
- High level of ownership, accountability, and initiative on assigned projects.
- Able to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills; able to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Sound judgment and problem-solving ability, with a focus on practical, business-driven solutions.
Education & Experience
- Minimum 7 years of experience as an Oil & Gas Landman, with a demonstrated track record in surface land acquisition, negotiation, and agreement administration.
- Bachelor's degree in Land Management, Petroleum Land Management, or a related field preferred.
- Experience with title research, surface use agreements, ROW/easement negotiation, and landowner relations required.
- DJ Basin or Colorado surface land experience strongly preferred.
- Proficiency with land management software/tools and the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) required.
Travel Requirements
Based in the Denver and Windsor office, with regular travel to DJ Basin field locations.
SM Energy offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which include, but are not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations. Details are available at Careers :: SM Energy Company (SM) (sm-energy.com).
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.