Surface Lease and Water Rights 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.

• 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

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.

• 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

Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.

• 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.

• 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.