Senior Petroleum Specialist; NMSLO

Senior Petroleum Specialist (NMSLO #) Why does the job exist?

The core mission of the New Mexico State Land Office (NMSLO) is to responsibly generate revenue through a wide array of leasing activities on state trust lands on behalf of public schools, universities and hospitals. This position is responsible for protecting the NMSLO's subsurface mineral interests and pore space, as well as evaluating and safeguarding trust lands with significant geologic resources and features.

This position will work on geothermal leasing, karst reviews, and other geological related topics. It will research, map, and track geothermal leasing nominations, gather public data related to geothermal in New Mexico, and monitor for new activity. The specialist will review geothermal leases for compliance and aid in managing any geothermal‑related research occurring on state trust land. It will also review karst surveys for possible interference with infrastructure, maintain a database and maps of karst in New Mexico, and provide recommendations when karst is encountered.

Additional geologic‑related research may be undertaken when needed.

Internal:
Oil, Gas, and Minerals Division;
Administrative Services;
Commercial Division;
Legal Division;
Surface Resources Division; and executive State Land Office management officials (Office of the Commissioner).

External:
New Mexico public schools, universities and hospitals; individuals; the general public; lessees (agricultural, oil and gas companies, commercial, rights‑of‑ways); natural resource authorization users; program enrollees; hunters; and other government entities (state, federal, city, county, tribal).

• A strong background in geology or geophysics
• Strong GIS mapping and geospatial analysis skills
• Knowledge in different methods of geothermal power generation
• Knowledge of drilling, reading and interpreting well logs, and geologic and geophysical survey interpretations
• A basic understanding of oil and gas leasing, unitization, and community actions
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to fit into a team environment and work with many different personalities
• Experience managing multiple projects at once

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental, Mechanical, Civil, or Geological Engineering and four (4) years of experience in a government regulatory role including oil field experience. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License. Must obtain and maintain a State of New Mexico Driving Certificate.

Work is performed primarily in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer use. Duties include working with computers, faxes, copiers and printers, and phone usage with extended periods of sitting, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, reaching, kneeling, and crawling. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. Some travel may be required.

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.