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Land Manager Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Surface Land Manager - DJ

Denver, CO · On-site

$201K - $248K/yr

This position manages all surface land related activities within a designated district, including oversight of the Surface Land Team across various assigned areas. The individual will focus on all ...

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Land Surveying Manager

Centennial, CO · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Progressive Land Surveying Company based in Centennial Colorado in search of Land Surveying Manager. Duties include oversight and supervision of Field Crews, including QA/QC. LSIT required at a ...

Project Manager - Land/ROW

Denver, CO · On-site

$91K - $107K/yr

The Right of Way Land Manager serves a major role in field operations, providing critical functions related to internal and external relationships, human resource management, development, as well as ...

Project Manager - Land/ROW

Denver, CO · On-site

$91K - $110K/yr

The Right of Way Land Manager serves a major role in field operations, providing critical functions related to internal and external relationships, human resource management, development, as well as ...

The Land Administrator plays a key role in maintaining well records, tracking ownership and ... Manage ownership and inventory of wells across operating states, including Colorado, Oklahoma, New ...

D.R. Horton, Inc., the largest homebuilder in the U.S. , was founded in 1978 and is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange. It is engaged in the construction and sale of high ...

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Land Manager information

See Colorado salary details

$35.2K

$111K

$193.5K

How much do land manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for land manager in Colorado is $111,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $134,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Land Manager vs Land Surveyor?

AspectLand ManagerLand Surveyor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in land management, environmental science, or related fields; certifications varyRequires a degree in surveying, geomatics, or civil engineering; licensure or certification often necessary
Work EnvironmentOffice-based planning, field inspections, project managementFieldwork involving land measurement, mapping, and boundary determination
Industry UsageReal estate, land development, environmental managementConstruction, engineering, land development projects

While both roles involve working with land, Land Managers focus on overseeing land use, conservation, and development projects, whereas Land Surveyors specialize in measuring and mapping land boundaries. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What does a land manager do?

A Land Manager is responsible for overseeing the use, development, and conservation of land resources. Their duties often include managing leases and permits, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, negotiating land use agreements, and coordinating with government agencies, landowners, and other stakeholders. Land Managers aim to balance economic, environmental, and social factors to achieve sustainable land use and development. They may work in industries such as agriculture, energy, forestry, or real estate.

What is a land manager?

A land manager oversees the use, preservation, and development of ranges of land. As a land manager, your duties include ensuring land use is compliant with regulations, making suggestions for sustainable use, and researching the impact of development. You also help craft policies and agreements for parties involved in the use and conservation of the land, potentially in collaboration with environmental science professionals. You are also responsible for guaranteeing that these policies and their implementation comply with agreed upon terms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a land manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Land Manager, you need expertise in land use planning, environmental regulations, and property management, often supported by a degree in environmental science, forestry, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, land management databases, and relevant permitting or compliance certifications is typically required. Strong negotiation, leadership, and problem-solving skills help build consensus among stakeholders and effectively address land use challenges. These abilities are crucial for balancing environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and the economic objectives of landowners or organizations.

Is land management a good career?

Land management is a viable career that involves overseeing the use, conservation, and development of land resources. It often requires knowledge of environmental regulations, GIS tools, and fieldwork, with opportunities in government agencies, private companies, and conservation organizations. The profession can offer stable employment and the chance to work outdoors, but job availability and salary vary by region and experience.

What are some typical challenges a land manager faces when coordinating with multiple stakeholders on land use projects?

Land Managers often work with a diverse group of stakeholders, including property owners, government agencies, environmental groups, and developers. One common challenge is balancing competing interests while ensuring compliance with legal and environmental regulations. Effective communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills are crucial for aligning goals and keeping projects on track. Staying current with local land use policies and fostering strong working relationships can help overcome these challenges and ensure project success.

How much do land managers make?

Land managers in Texas typically earn an average salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the size of the land portfolio. Advanced certifications and skills in environmental management or GIS can lead to higher compensation. Salaries may also vary based on the specific industry, such as agriculture, conservation, or real estate development.
What are the most commonly searched types of Land jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Land jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Land Manager jobs in Colorado? For Land Manager jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Land Manager jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Land Manager jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Land Manager jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Land Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Land Manager job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,025 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Surface Land Manager - DJ

SM-Energy Company

Denver, CO • On-site

$201K - $248K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

This position manages all surface land related activities within a designated district, including oversight of the Surface Land Team across various assigned areas. The individual will focus on all current and prospective surface land matters including rights-of-way, easements, surface use agreements, surface damage settlements, and landowner relations. The role requires close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams of engineers, geoscientists, operations, regulatory, accounting, land administration, and legal. This person will provide all necessary surface land support in the execution of assigned Asset Teams' goals. Additional responsibilities include overseeing human resources functions such as evaluating performance, coaching, training, and career development. The individual must have supervisory and organizational skills, along with surface land experience across multiple operating areas and basins.

Essential Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Lead due diligence efforts related to surface rights in acquisitions and divestitures of producing assets; settle surface damage claims and negotiate all commercial terms associated with the purchase and/or sale of surface-related rights within the assigned geographic area
  • Manage all surface land activities including right-of-way acquisition, surface use agreement negotiations, easement administration, and surface damage settlements
  • Manage surface land staff (including Surface Landmen and Land Techs), providing appropriate guidance and mentoring to deliver necessary surface land support to the Asset Team
  • Identify, analyze, and resolve complex surface land issues including landowner disputes, permit conflicts, and access challenges
  • Work with internal and external partners on legal issues, regulatory matters, surface access, environmental compliance, and landowner relations
  • Collaborate with VP of Land, business development, and asset managers to establish and manage annual budget for surface rights acquisition and maintenance
  • Lead projects and act as a liaison with operations, environmental, legal, and other departments on surface-related matters
  • Lead the acquisition, maintenance, management, and disposition of surface rights, easements, rights-of-way, and other related surface interests to meet corporate, regional, and Asset Team goals and objectives
  • Strategize and collaborate with key asset team members on executing surface land development plans and implementing a growth strategy that supports corporate, regional, and asset team goals
  • Closely track and monitor G&A and Capital budgets versus spending in order to provide timely status reports to management
  • Act on recommendations for hiring, promotions, development needs, or status changes of personnel
  • Conduct business with the highest ethical standards and make decisions that ensure the safety of all persons associated with SM facilities

Computer/Software Applications:

  • Strong level of skill in Microsoft Office, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
  • Experience leading others with industry/company software including, but not limited to, QLS & AFE Navigator.
  • Familiarity with Enverus, GIS mapping tools (e.g., ArcGIS), and the latest industry intel resources available to SM.

Role-Specific Technical Knowledge & Skills:

  • Strong knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, and government regulations as they relate to surface rights and land use.
  • Thorough understanding of surface land management principles including rights-of-way, easements, surface use agreements, surface damage claims, and landowner negotiations.
  • Skilled at negotiating, constructing, and presenting surface use and commercial agreements.
  • Strong understanding of surface permitting processes, pipeline corridors, well pad surface agreements, and ingress/egress rights.
  • Working knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance requirements affecting surface operations.
  • Understands geological, engineering, and operations principles as they relate to surface land needs.
  • Familiar with resource play evaluation methods in the context of surface land requirements.
  • Knowledge of multiple basins and surface ownership structures within a Region.

Typical Education

  • B.B.A. degree in Energy Management, Land Management, or other Business degree
  • Registered Landman (RL) or Certified Professional Landman (CPL) status preferred.

Typical Experience

  • Minimum of 10 years of industry work experience, with significant focus on surface land activities including rights-of-way, easements, and landowner relations.


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.