landman

A landman is a professional who negotiates the rights to explore for and produce oil and gas on behalf of an oil and gas company. They are essentially the negotiators and dealmakers of the upstream oil and gas industry. Their primary role involves securing mineral leases from landowners, which grant the company the right to drill for hydrocarbons.

Landmen conduct extensive research to determine mineral ownership. This often involves searching public records, such as county courthouse deeds and probate records, to establish clear title. They then approach landowners, explain the terms of a lease agreement, and negotiate compensation, royalties, and other provisions.

Beyond leasing, landmen are involved in various other aspects of land acquisition and management. This can include obtaining rights-of-way for pipelines and access roads, negotiating surface use agreements, and resolving title disputes. They must possess strong negotiation skills, a thorough understanding of real estate law and oil and gas contracts, and the ability to build rapport with diverse groups of people. The work is often characterized by travel and requires flexibility.