- Job ID: 13413
- Location: Midland, TX
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Earliest Start Date
Immediately
Salary
Salary commensurate with experience
Hours per Week
40 hours weekly
Hiring Department
University Lands
Required Application Materials
A resume is required to apply. Candidates under final consideration will also be required to submit professional references, college degree information, and employment history to an online third-party vendor.
About Us
For more than 140 years, The University of Texas System has improved the lives of Texans — and people all over the world — through education, health care, and research. The System consists of nine academic institutions, five health institutions, and The University of Texas System Administration. The institutions of the UT System employ more than 116,000 faculty, health care professionals, researchers, support staff, and student workers.
The UT System Administration is primarily based in Austin, Texas. It supports the missions of the System’s fourteen institutions by providing financial, legal, planning, purchasing, government relations, communications, development, and other central services. Serving a growing state, the UT System Administration strives to provide a welcoming, supportive work environment that embraces different perspectives – not only because it enables the organization to be stronger, creative, and thoughtful, but because it is the right thing to do. To that end, UT System Administration embraces state laws on military and former foster children employment preferences.
Purpose of Position
The Director of Environment and Surface Sustainability is a key member of the University Lands (UL) management team. The Director directly supervises a team overseeing water stewardship, environmental and sustainability requirements, regulatory compliance, and advanced land management. The Director works with the VP Surface Operations and team, Mineral Land, Commercial Surface, Legal, and other UL teams, as needed. The Director is accountable for enhanced landowner management and solutions to sustainably maximize revenue for the Permanent University Fund (PUF) Lands. The Director is responsible for contributing to and reinforcing a strong UL culture and achieving business objectives to position University Lands as the leading land management organization in the country.
Essential Functions
- Responsible for enforcing environmental performance of customers and contractors, including spill reporting, groundwater and soil remediation, emissions management, and produced water recycling. Manage and maintain direct interaction with state and federal regulatory agencies, as needed.
- Directly responsible for identifying, monitoring, and reporting key environmental metrics, such as emissions, water usage, and conservation activities, to demonstrate superior environmental stewardship.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and organizational environmental regulations.
- Direct oversight for land reclamation and restoration projects to improve vegetation, soil carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, rangeland conditions, and grazing sustainability.
- Promote environmental stewardship by exploring and implementing advanced monitoring technologies and sustainability policies.
- Champions enhancements in efficiency and value creation through performance analysis and business development opportunities.
- Collaborate with regulatory agencies, wildlife organizations, and stakeholders to create conservation plans and implementation of Federal Endangered Species Act – Enhancement of Survival Permits (ESPs).
- Authorize Texas Historical Commission cultural resource survey permits and reports.
- Track land stewardship metrics for large-scale infrastructure projects, such as water transfers systems, renewable energy infrastructure development, and reclamation efforts.
- Ensure compliance with the University Lands Groundwater Management Plan, including application for and the installation of new water wells, management and reporting of existing water wells and proper plugging and site restoration of water wells that are no longer viable.
- Coordinate and communicate the application, approval, and installation of Produced Water Frac Pits for mineral development.
- Collaborate with University Lands managers, directors, and vice presidents during negotiations for surface use agreements, renewable energy projects, and rangeland stewardship and improvement initiatives across diverse land resources.
- Develop bid packages, negotiate contracts, and oversee the execution of land improvement projects from inception to completion.
- Evaluate and implement technologies (e.g., Satellite Imagery, Drones, Artificial Intelligence) to enhance surveillance monitoring.
- Utilize technology to assess land health, track environmental impacts, and ensure operational compliance.
- Supervise and mentor a diverse team of Surface Operation professionals in land management, sustainability, and environmental compliance.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with lessees, contractors, regulatory bodies, and internal teams to align objectives and maximize outcomes.
- Directly influence best practices to stakeholders, including executive leadership and regulatory agencies.
- Participate in operator safety meetings to promote organizational missions and share best practices within and across teams.
- Prepare and present detailed reports on land use efficiency, environmental compliance, and sustainability metrics to key leaders across University Lands and other industry experts.
- Advance the organization’s culture through leadership skills and ability to teach and learn from other team members across the organization.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Proven expertise in negotiating complex agreements involving a diverse array of stakeholders.
- Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to lead and manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
- Expert knowledge and understanding of land stewardship, improved conservation strategies, and broad knowledge of land sustainability practices.
- Comprehensive knowledge of groundwater regulations, including water rights and sustainable water development and utilization practices for oil and gas operations, emerging energy needs, municipal and agriculture water markets.
- Technological proficiency in advanced monitoring systems and data analysis tools.
- Excellent writing and communication skills, capable of fostering collaboration and resolving conflicts effectively.
- Experience in preparation and presenting executive and board level material.
- Strong team management, delegation and coaching coupled with the ability to lead by example and motivate a desire for personal and professional growth for themselves as well as other teams.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or Energy-related field.
- Ten (10) years of oil and gas experience in land and contract negotiations, project management, and environmental compliance inclusive of minimum 3 years managing multi-disciplinary teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Development expertise in water resource management, oil and gas development, renewable energy, rangeland restoration or large-scale land management.
- 5+ years managerial and supervisory experience.
- Certifications such as Registered Professional Landman (RPL), Certified Environmental Professional (CEP), or equivalent.
- The candidate must have senior level experience navigating complex land management strategies and the ability to cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders.
Working Conditions
- Driving is required and an essential part of the position.
- May work around standard office conditions.
Additional Information
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to a minimum of 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. Participation in TRS is mandatory.
A background check will be conducted on candidates under final consideration. The background check may include any or all of the following: criminal history check, prior employment verification, education verification, professional references check, and motor vehicle records check. Background checks are conducted by third-party vendors. Upon request form the third-party vendor, candidates under final consideration must provide the required information for the background checks to be completed.
EO/AA Statement
The University of Texas System Administration is a federal contractor committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees in all terms and conditions of employment. U. T. System will provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state laws.
For information on accommodations for individuals with disabilities, please contact the Office of Talent and Innovation at oti@utsystem.edu.
