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Surface Land Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SM-Energy Company

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 ...

Permian Resources

Surface Land Technician

Midland, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $22/hr

The Surface Land Technician is responsible for preparing complex and routine correspondence for other required documentation signers. The position will assist the Surface Land Coordinator in ...

Permian Resources

Surface Land Technician

Midland, TX

$20.25 - $22/hr

The Surface Land Technician is responsible for preparing complex and routine correspondence for other required documentation signers. The position will assist the Surface Land Coordinator in ...

Chord Energy

Surface Land Tech

Williston, ND · On-site

The Surface Land Technician supports surface land, land administration, and operations within Chord Energy's Land team. This role is responsible for assisting with land records, documentation ...

Tasman Inc

Surface Land Representative

Wheat Ridge, CO

$35 - $45/hr

Surface Land Representative Coordinate Access. Support Projects. Keep Work Moving Forward. Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Location: Field-Based / Hybrid Travel:

Chord Energy

Surface Land Tech

Williston, ND · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

The Surface Land Technician supports surface land, land administration, and operations within Chord Energy's Land team. This role is responsible for assisting with land records, documentation ...

Chevron

Land Representative

Greeley, CO · On-site

$120K - $274K/yr

Serve as the surface land subject matter expert on cross functional business unit teams. * Compile, analyze, and communicate land data and concepts. * Conduct public records research to determine ...

Bracane Co

Land Associate

Plano, TX

... and gas surface land contracts, OR 4-year college degree preferred - Extremely detail oriented, organized and able to multi-task - Strong written and oral communication skills - Proficient in ...

BKV Corporation

Surface Landman II

Fort Worth, TX

Work with Barnett land team to manage and maintain BKV's surface land position (tracking, organizing, curative, correspondence, etc.) * Negotiate and draft surface use agreements and ROW ...

BKV Corporation

Surface Landman II

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Work with Barnett land team to manage and maintain BKV's surface land position (tracking, organizing, curative, correspondence, etc.) * Negotiate and draft surface use agreements and ROW ...

BKV Corporation

Surface Landman II

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Work with Barnett land team to manage and maintain BKV's surface land position (tracking, organizing, curative, correspondence, etc.) * Negotiate and draft surface use agreements and ROW ...

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Surface Land information

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$23

$35

$45

How much do surface land jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface land in the United States is $35.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.73 and $39.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Surface Land professionals when negotiating land agreements, and how can they be effectively managed?

Surface Land professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing the interests of landowners, regulatory requirements, and project timelines during negotiations. Effective communication, transparent information sharing, and strong relationship-building skills are key to managing these challenges. Additionally, staying updated on land use laws and environmental regulations helps ensure agreements are compliant and sustainable, while proactive problem-solving can help prevent disputes and delays.

What is the difference between Surface Land vs Geologist?

AspectSurface LandGeologist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a technical certificateBachelor's degree in geology or related field; often a master's or PhD for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentField sites, construction areas, and land management officesLaboratories, field sites, research institutions
Industry UsageOil & gas, land development, environmental consultingNatural resource exploration, environmental assessment, academia

Surface Land professionals primarily focus on land rights, leasing, and management in the field, often working directly on site. Geologists analyze earth materials, conduct research, and interpret geological data. While both roles are involved in land and resource industries, Surface Land roles are more operational and administrative, whereas Geologists are more scientific and analytical.

What is surface land in the context of the energy industry?

In the energy industry, 'surface land' refers to the rights and interests associated with the surface of a parcel of land, as opposed to subsurface mineral rights. Surface land professionals manage the acquisition, negotiation, and permitting processes for the use of land required for activities such as drilling, pipelines, or infrastructure projects. Their work ensures that companies have legal access to land, address landowner concerns, and comply with regulatory requirements. Surface land management is crucial for smooth project development and maintaining good relationships with landowners.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surface Land Agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surface Land Agent, you need a solid understanding of land acquisition processes, property rights, and relevant legal regulations, often supported by a diploma or degree in land management or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, land databases, and contract management systems is typically required. Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills help you effectively liaise with landowners, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. These skills ensure successful land agreements, compliance with regulations, and the maintenance of positive community and client relationships.
More about Surface Land jobs
What cities are hiring for Surface Land jobs? Cities with the most Surface Land job openings:
What states have the most Surface Land jobs? States with the most job openings for Surface Land jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Surface Land jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Surface Land jobs are:
Surface Land jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Land job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,270 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Surface Land Manager - DJ

SM-Energy Company

Denver, CO • On-site

$201K - $248K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 22 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.