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Surface Landman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Talos Energy

Landman

Houston, TX · On-site

The Landman is responsible for all assigned onshore and offshore land and commercial activities ... Mineral and surface owner relationship management, including administering surface use agreements ...

Caturus Management Services, LLC

Landman

Houston, TX · On-site

Negotiate and prepare leases; identify and procure needed surface contracts include easements, ROWs ... Landman required * Texas asset experience required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Proven ...

Talos Energy

Landman

Houston, TX

The Landman is responsible for all assigned onshore and offshore land and commercial activities ... Mineral and surface owner relationship management, including administering surface use agreements ...

Prairie Operating Co LLC

Senior Landman

Denver, CO · On-site

Senior Landman Land Location: Denver Reports to: Executive Vice President Land Salary Range: ($187 ... Surface: Surface Damage Agreements, Surface Use Agreements, Easements, Rights-of-Way, Road Use ...

XRI

Senior Landman

Midland, TX · On-site

Less than 50% Purpose The Senior Landman is responsible for managing land and surface rights activities that support XRI Water's produced water gathering, transportation, recycling, disposal, water ...

Prairie Operating Co LLC

Senior Landman

Denver, CO · On-site

$187 - $250/hr

Position Title: Senior Landman Department: Land Location: Denver Reports to: Executive Vice ... Surface: Surface Damage Agreements, Surface Use Agreements, Easements, Rights-of-Way, Road Use ...

XRI Water

Senior Landman

Midland, TX · On-site

Less than 50% Purpose The Senior Landman is responsible for managing land and surface rights activities that support XRI Water's produced water gathering, transportation, recycling, disposal, water ...

By Prairie Operating Co.

Senior Landman

Denver, CO · On-site

$187 - $250/hr

Position Title: Senior Landman, Department: Land Location: Denver Reports to: Executive Vice ... Surface: Surface Damage Agreements, Surface Use Agreements, Easements, Rights-of-Way, Road Use ...

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Surface Landman information

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$103.6K

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How much do surface landman jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for surface landman in the United States is $103,583.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surface landman?

Surface Landmen are professionals in the oil, gas, and energy industries who specialize in negotiating and securing land agreements related to surface rights. Their primary role is to acquire permissions and easements from landowners for activities such as drilling, pipeline installation, and access roads. Unlike mineral landmen, who focus on subsurface mineral rights, Surface Landmen handle agreements that pertain specifically to the land’s surface. They also help ensure all operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations, and often serve as a liaison between energy companies and landowners.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surface landman?

To thrive as a Surface Landman, you need a solid understanding of land management, property law, negotiation, and real estate principles, typically supported by a relevant degree or experience in land or energy sectors. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, title databases, and land management systems is commonly required, and certifications like the Certified Professional Landman (CPL) can be advantageous. Outstanding interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and strong organizational abilities help build relationships with landowners and manage complex documentation. These skills are essential for effectively securing land agreements, ensuring legal compliance, and facilitating energy development projects.

What are the typical challenges a surface landman faces when negotiating land access agreements?

A Surface Landman often encounters challenges such as balancing the interests of landowners with those of the energy or utility company, navigating complex property rights issues, and addressing concerns about land use and environmental impact. Negotiations can require patience, strong communication skills, and a solid understanding of local regulations. Building trust with landowners and effectively resolving disputes are key to successful agreements and maintaining positive relationships for future projects.

Is being a surface landman a hard job?

Surface landmen often work in field environments, handling tasks such as title research, lease negotiations, and property access for energy companies. The job can be physically demanding and requires attention to detail, knowledge of land laws, and strong communication skills, making it challenging for some individuals. Experience with legal documents and land management tools can help manage the workload effectively.
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Surface Landman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Landman job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,583 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Surface Landman Right of Way Midland TX

Bracane Company

Dallas, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Surface Landman – Right-of-Way Acquisition | Midland, TX
Compensation: $150,000–$170,000 base + bonus
Location: Midland, TX
Schedule: Full-time | On-site/field-based with travel as required
Job Summary
A well-established organization in the energy and land management industry is seeking an experienced Surface Landman – ROW Acquisition to join its Midland, Texas operations.
This is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced land professional with strong Permian Basin surface and right-of-way acquisition experience. The Surface Landman will serve as a primary negotiator for assigned ROW projects and will be responsible for acquiring surface rights, easements, leases, licenses, permits, and rights-of-way while working closely with Land, Legal, Contracts Administration, GIS, Business Development, and Operations teams. 
Key Responsibilities
  •  Conduct title research to confirm surface ownership. 
  •  Negotiate surface easements, leases, licenses, permits, and ROW agreements directly with landowners. 
  •  Manage surface transactions from negotiation through execution and documentation. 
  •  Coordinate land access, surveys, construction timing, and release-to-build activities. 
  •  Partner with Legal and Contracts Administration on agreements, templates, and risk requirements. 
  •  Work closely with GIS and Operations to ensure accurate easement and infrastructure mapping. 
  •  Prepare documentation and instructions for contract setup, recording, and payment processing. 
  •  Develop and maintain strong relationships with landowners, operators, internal stakeholders, and service providers. 
  •  Monitor Permian Basin surface rates, market conditions, and operator activity. 
  •  Provide guidance to other Surface Landmen and Land Associates as needed. 
  •  Support improvements to ROW acquisition processes and best practices. 
Qualifications
  • 5+ years of surface land and right-of-way acquisition experience required.
  •  Strong experience negotiating complex surface agreements. 
  • Recent Permian Basin ROW acquisition experience strongly preferred.
  •  Experience with easements, surface leases, licenses, permits, and ROW agreements. 
  •  Ability to conduct and interpret surface ownership/title research. 
  •  Experience managing multiple ROW projects simultaneously. 
  •  County and/or TxDOT temporary and long-term ROW acquisition experience preferred.
  •  Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and land management systems. 
  •  Ability to travel as required. 
  •  AAPL Registered Landman (RL) or Registered Professional Landman (RPL) designation preferred. 
  •  Petroleum Land Management or related degree preferred. 

Ideal Candidate
The strongest candidate will already know the Permian Basin, understand how to work directly with surface owners, and have a track record of independently negotiating and closing ROW agreements. This is not an entry-level or developmental land position; the organization is seeking someone who can step in and contribute quickly.
All inquiries and applications will be handled confidentially.