- Salary: $38.61 – $43.27 Hourly
- Location: Salt Lake County, UT
- Job Type: Full Time
- Job Number: 47457
- Agency: 550 School and Institutional Trust Lands Admin.
- Unit: 2645 TLA DEPUTY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
- Opening Date: 12/26/2025
- Closing Date: 1/18/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
- FLSA: Exempt
- Recruiter: Melanie Butters; mbutters@utah.gov
- # of Openings: 1
- Location: Salt Lake, Richfield, or Vernal
- Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
- Schedule Code: AS – Employees whose appointment is required by law to be exempt. This is a career service exempt at will position.
- Schedule Code Description: This is a career service exempt job. Incumbents placed in this title are appointed, non-classified, exempt from 67-19-12, and are required to be placed in a position schedule of AS.
- Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package. See benefits tab below for details.
- Driver License Requirements: Employees hired for this recruitment will be subject to the Driver Eligibility standards found at the following link: https://adminrules.utah.gov/public/search/driver%20eligibility/Current%20Rules
- EEO Statement: The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
Job Description
The Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (Trust Lands Administration) seeks a qualified professional to join its Surface Resources Group as a Water Rights and Surface Lease Manager.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The roles and responsibilities of the Water Rights and Surface Lease Manager include:
- Manage the protection and maintenance of water rights through title review, filing applications (change applications, proof of beneficial use, etc.), maintaining water rights records, and advising leadership on water policy and strategy.
- Oversee the life cycle of surface use leases, including negotiating business terms, drafting agreements, conducting compliance reviews, and ensuring adequate bonding.
- Oversee land stewardship projects, identify and prepare properties for sale, and serve as the primary agency interface with counties, government agencies, and the public in the northern portion of the state.
This position requires a variable amount of in-state travel and field work (20%) combined with time spent in the office (80%). The position could be based in the Trust Land Administration’s office in either Salt Lake City, Richfield, or Vernal.
Minimum Requirements:
- Enthusiastic support of the Trust Lands Administration’s mission to generate revenue for the trust beneficiaries
- Demonstrate professional experience in water rights, land management, or contract management
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
- Excellent organizational and project management skills
- Experience with ArcGIS/ESRI
- Understanding of the public land survey system (PLSS) and metes & bounds legal descriptions
- Experience working effectively in teams
- Ability to perform field work, including inspections of remote locations
- Experience with contract negotiations
What is the Trust Lands Administration?
The Trust Lands Administration manages approximately 3.3 million acres of surface lands and 4.4 million acres of minerals exclusively for the economic benefit of public schools and other important state institutions. Please visit trustlands.utah.gov for additional information.
Why You Should Join Our Team
- Great Company Culture. The Trust Lands Administration attracts and retains the best in the industry because we offer more than just competitive salaries. Trust Lands professionals know they are serving a higher purpose because their work improves the lives of Utah students.
- Work that Stays at Work. Genuine work/life balance!
- Rest and Relaxation. Earn 4 hours of paid time off and 4 hours of sick leave every pay period.
- Health Benefits. Medical with HSA and FSA options, dental, and vision
- Prepare for the Future. Pension or 401(k) options. State matches up to $26 per paycheck into your 401k on top of what you will already be receiving.
- You can learn more about the benefits offered here
Supplemental Information
Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.
Physical Requirements
- Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.
Working Conditions
- Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc..
Employer: State of Utah
Address: 4315 S. 2700 W., Suite 2100, Taylorsville, Utah, 84129
