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Surface Landman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Landman will be responsible for the leadership of an asset area and will coordinate with ... Negotiate oil, gas, and mineral leases, surface use agreements, and other contracts to secure ...

... surface and mineral title and water rights in various western states (especially Alaska, Idaho, and ... Engage with the local landman community, mining community, and oil and gas community in western ...

OH · On-site

We have an immediate need for an available landman to start ASAP on an initial project in Adams ... Research county records to determine surface and mineral ownership by utilizing online databases ...

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Surface Landman information

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$60K

$103.6K

$127K

How much do surface landman jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 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.

Is there such a thing as a landman job?

Yes, a landman is a professional who manages land and mineral rights for energy companies, often negotiating leases, rights-of-way, and title research. Landman jobs typically require knowledge of property law, strong negotiation skills, and familiarity with land records and title work.

How much do mineral landman make?

Surface landmen typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, with experienced professionals or those in high-demand regions earning higher salaries. Compensation can vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of land negotiations, often supplemented by bonuses or benefits.

What does a surface landman do?

A surface landman is responsible for managing land rights related to the surface estate, including negotiating leases, resolving land use issues, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They often work with landowners, government agencies, and oil and gas companies, using tools like title research and mapping software. Strong communication and knowledge of property laws are essential for this role.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

High-paying roles such as senior executives, specialized surgeons, and successful entrepreneurs can earn $500,000 or more annually. In the oil and gas industry, experienced Surface Landmen working in high-responsibility positions or with extensive experience may reach this level, especially with bonuses and profit-sharing. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and significant industry experience.

What are Surface Landmen?

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, and why are they important?

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.
More about Surface Landman jobs
What cities are hiring for Surface Landman jobs? Cities with the most Surface Landman job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Surface Landman jobs? The most popular types of Surface Landman jobs are:
What states have the most Surface Landman jobs? States with the most job openings for Surface Landman jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Surface Landman jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Surface Landman jobs are:
Infographic showing various Surface Landman job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,583 per year, or $49.8 per hour.
Title Abstractor Landman - Lexington, KY (Hybrid)

Title Abstractor Landman - Lexington, KY (Hybrid)

Purple Land Management

Lexington, KY

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Are you a detail-oriented title researcher with a deep understanding of chains of title and ownership calculations? Do you thrive in an environment where consistency, accuracy, and accountability are key? We are seeking a Title Abstractor Landman to join our team in Morgantown, WV. This is a critical role in our land services team, where you will conduct title research and provide comprehensive reports to support energy development projects.

If you have a minimum of 2 years of experience in title or mineral research and excel in a structured, deadline-driven environment, we encourage you to apply!

Job Description
As a Title Abstractor Landman, your primary responsibility will be conducting title research and verifying surface and mineral rights ownership. You will work closely with project managers to ensure timely and accurate reporting while maintaining high-quality standards in all research activities.

This role is ideal for someone with a proven track record in title research, courthouse record analysis, and mineral ownership verification.

Compensation: Competitive, based on experience
Location: Lexington, KY
Start Date: TBD
Career Path: Opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization

Responsibilities
  • Research county records to determine surface and mineral ownership using online databases or by traveling to local courthouses to review records.
  • Analyze and document research findings, ensuring accuracy and completeness in title reports.
  • Identify and compile relevant information for inclusion in reports for submission to clients.
  • Meet deadlines and balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with shifting timeframes.
  • Maintain organized and detailed records in internal systems.
  • Collaborate with project managers and land professionals to support project needs.
  • Contribute to additional duties as assigned based on business needs.
Mandatory Requirements
  • Must be local to the Lexington, KY area and willing to conduct in-person research at local courthouses.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in title/mineral research.
  • A Juris Doctorate or degree in Energy Management may be substituted but must be accompanied by relevant job-related experience.
  • Strong ability to meet specific daily and weekly deadlines based on internal and client requirements.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high productivity.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with all levels of management and clients.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and Adobe Acrobat.
Preferred Qualifications
  • AAPL membership.
  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Juris Doctorate or Degree in Energy Management/Commerce.
Company Description
  • Purple Land Management, LLC (“Purple”) is one of the nation’s largest tech-enabled providers of land services, specializing in title research, lease acquisition, and due diligence for energy projects. We provide clients with accurate and timely title research to support lease negotiations, drilling operations, and mineral acquisitions. Our proprietary software, Overdrive, enables seamless tracking of title data in a GIS-based platform powered by ESRI.
  • Based in Fort Worth, Texas, and founded in 2010, Purple is backed by Satori Capital, a Texas-based investment firm supporting long-term, mission-driven companies.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.