Contract Operator Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

About this Job C&E's Office of State Resources (OSTR) primary goal and purpose is to maximize the economic value of Louisiana's natural resources through responsible leasing, transparent royalty management and strategic resource development that supports long-term returns while promoting environmental stewardship and energy diversification. This office is comprised of four Divisions: Income, Land Administration, Resource Analytics, and Water Administration. Together, these divisions administer and oversee contracts for use and development of state-owned property for energy-related purposes, including mineral leases, gas storage and sequestration, alternative energy development, and rights-of-way.

The Executive Director position is the chief executive of the Office of State Resource, a division of the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy and one of the most economically significant administrative offices in the State of Louisiana. The Office of State Resources is charged with the stewardship, administration, and strategic development of Louisiana's publicly owned land, mineral, water, and subsurface resources. It functions in conjunction with the State Mineral and Energy Board as the state's fiduciary resource manager-operating at the intersection of public land management, economic development, energy regulation, contract negotiation, and fiscal administration.

Revenues generated by contracts executed by the Office of State Resources and the Board make up a considerable portion of annual revenues for parishes, the state general fund, and the Department. The Executive Director oversees and manages the Office of State Resources' internal Executive Division and the Office of State Resources' four operating divisions: Land Administration, Resources Analytics, Income, and Water Administration. Together, these offices manage and oversee the use and production of State-owned energy resources from start to finish, including negotiation and preparation of initial contracts; supervision and monitoring of operators to ensure compliance with their terms; and collection, audit, and allocation of resulting revenues.

The incumbent is expected to create operational goals for the Office-and performance metrics to monitor them-and tailor all staffing practices, functional strategies, and operational policies to achieve satisfactory performance levels. As Executive Director, the incumbent serves as the ex officio secretary of the State Mineral and Energy Board, and thus maintains ultimate responsibility for Board communications, policy, and coordination of the agenda, recommendations, and programming for the Board's monthly meetings. The Executive Director also serves as a liaison between the Office of State Resources and the Secretary, Undersecretary, and other divisions within the Department, promoting cross-departmental communication and collaborative solutions in the interest of efficiency and continuity.

The Executive Director's role demands active engagement and decision-making across a broad spectrum of subject areas, including Louisiana's mineral, energy, and water resource governance; energy project development fundamentals and economics; the legislative and regulatory process; complex contract negotiation and drafting; geologic and engineering principles; and sound fiscal management practices. Success in this role requires a well-rounded skill set that includes strategic planning, high-level communication, personnel and time management, effective task delegation, and the ability to synthesize legal, technical, and financial considerations into clear and actionable decisions. Minimum Qualifications Preferred Qualifications A bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, finance, geology, public administration, or a related field.

An advanced degree in one of these areas is strongly preferred. At least 3 years of demonstrated professional-level experience in mineral, surface, or water resource management, or A Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited institution and experience as a practicing attorney, preferably in areas related to natural resources, contracts, or public law. Familiarity with Louisiana's Mineral Code, public fiduciary standards, and water governance frameworks is essential.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly with executive audiences, legal counsel, and external stakeholders. Job Duties and Other Information The Executive Director's primary responsibility will be to provide executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the Office of State Resources (OSTR) and its four divisions-Land Administration, Resource Analytics, Income, and Water Administration. The Executive Director will serve as ex officio Secretary of the State Mineral and Energy Board and will be responsible for ensuring the effective management and development of Louisiana's state-owned mineral, surface, and water resources.

Responsibilities may include the following: Provide executive leadership, policy direction, and operational oversight for OSTR, ensuring the Office's functions are carried out efficiently, legally, and in alignment with its mission and strategic priorities. Serve as ex officio Secretary of the State Mineral and Energy Board, overseeing Board communications, requests, correspondence, action items, meeting programming, and materials to support timely and informed decision-making. Maintain executive decision-making authority over significant administrative, operational, contractual, and enforcement matters while promoting effective delegation, accountability, and timely completion of critical action items.

Develop and monitor performance metrics, organizational structures, and operating procedures to improve efficiency, eliminate redundancy, strengthen accountability, and optimize workflows across OSTR. Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing executive team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, employee development, performance management, engagement, and retention. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Department leadership, the State Mineral and Energy Board, the Louisiana Legislature, state agencies, political subdivisions, and external partners to promote information sharing, coordinated initiatives, and effective use of public resources.

Participate in legislative, regulatory, and policy development affecting OSTR, including reviewing proposed legislation and rules, preparing testimony and policy positions, and supporting efforts to modernize Louisiana's natural resource governance framework. Lead strategic and special initiatives involving emerging resource opportunities, including carbon capture and sequestration, hydrogen, wind leasing, water market frameworks, and orphaned well remediation, while aligning OSTR priorities with evolving state needs and resource markets. Provide fiscal and strategic oversight of OSTR's revenue generation, budgeting, and financial accountability, including monitoring revenue performance, forecasting collections, and evaluating the economic impact of leasing, auditing, and compliance activities.

Oversee pricing, fee, and valuation policies and other resource management strategies designed to maximize fair market return and the long-term economic value of Louisiana's natural resources while supporting responsible resource development and fiscal stewardship. POSITION-SPECIFIC DETAILS: Appointment Type: Unclassified Work Schedule: Work hours are flexible. Compensation: $120,000 - $165,000 annually The final salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities. How to Apply: To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process.

Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. For further information about this vacancy contact: Human Resources Department of Conservation and Energy PO Box 94396 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9396 Email: _DCE-Recruiting@la.gov Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early submission is encouraged

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.