Sr. Surface Land Negotiator - Quail Ranch

Midland, TXFull-timePosted Jul 22, 2026

Welcome to ConocoPhillips, where innovation and excellence create a platform for opportunity and growth. Come realize your full potential here.

Who We Are

We are one of the world’s largest independent exploration and production companies, based on proved reserves and production of liquids and natural gas. With operations and activities in 13 countries, we explore for, develop, and produce crude oil and natural gas globally. We are challenged with an important job to safely find and deliver energy to the world. Our employees are critical to our success, and with them we power civilization.

We’re grounded by our SPIRIT Values – safety, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork. These values position us to deliver strong performance in a dynamic business – but not at all costs. We believe it’s not just what we do – it’s how we do it – that sets us apart.

Fostering an Inclusive Work Environment

To deliver superior performance, we create an environment that respects the contributions and differences of every individual. Wherever possible, we use these differences to drive competitive business advantage, personal growth and, ultimately, create business success.

Job Summary

ConocoPhillips and its heritage companies have operated in the Permian Basin for almost 100 years. The transformational acquisitions of Concho Resources Inc. and Shell Enterprises LLC’s prolific positions in the Delaware and Midland Basins in 2021 further strengthened the company’s position in the Permian Basin. At year-end 2025, ConocoPhillips held over 250,000 gross acres of fee surface in the Permian and Western States.

Position Overview

ConocoPhillips is seeking a seasoned Senior Surface Land Negotiator to join our Company Owned Surface Land team. This is a high-impact role where your expertise will shape strategic decisions and directly influence the development of our company-owned surface land assets across the Permian Basin and Western States. As a key member of the team, you'll collaborate with internal stakeholders such as wildlife biologists and an integrated asset team. The asset team includes professionals from engineering, geology, legal, regulatory, land, and surface land.

This position offers the opportunity to lead complex negotiations, manage high-value contracts, and represent ConocoPhillips in interactions with third-party operators, midstream companies, state and federal agencies, and co-tenants. If you're a skilled communicator, strategic thinker, and passionate about land management and stewardship in the energy sector, we invite you to bring your experience to a company that values integrity, innovation, and long-term career development.

Key Responsibilities

  • Draft, negotiate, and review surface use agreements, easements, and other surface-related business agreements across company owned surface in the Permian Basin and Western States.

  • Ensure third-party compliance with contractual surface provisions in oil and gas leases and other surface-related agreements.

  • Provide recommendations regarding the acquisition and divestiture of surface rights.

  • Represent ConocoPhillips in negotiations and interactions with operators, midstream companies, co-tenant landowners, and local, state, and federal government entities.

  • Assess market rates and negotiate surface damages with operators and midstream companies.

  • Conduct title review and perform curative work related to the acquisition of surface rights.

  • Utilize relevant systems and tools, including Quorum, Webmaps, and OnBase, to support job functions.

  • Prepare financial and market analyses to support property acquisitions.

  • Provide input and recommendations for capital and operating budgets.

Success Profile

To thrive in this role, you'll demonstrate the following Leadership Competencies:

  • Takes Accountability: Takes ownership of actions and follows through on commitments by courageously dealing with important problems, holding others accountable, and standing up for what is right.

  • Drives Performance: Delivers results through realistic planning to accomplish goals.

  • Makes Decisions: Generates effective solutions based on available information and makes timely decisions that are safe and ethical.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements

  • Legally authorized to work full-time in the United States.

  • Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent.

  • 3 or more years of landman/land negotiator experience in the oil and gas industry.

  • Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Word).

Preferred Requirements

  • Bachelor's or Graduate degree (MBA, JD, etc.) with a focus on Energy Management or Energy Commerce.

  • Experience with land management software (e.g., Quorum, ArcGIS, Enverus).

  • Background in negotiating, drafting, and understanding surface agreements.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to mentor and share knowledge.

  • Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and results-driven mindset.

  • Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently on complex land matters while proactively identifying risks and opportunities.

Apply By: 

Aug 4, 2026

Sponsorship:

ConocoPhillips’ sponsorship for employment authorization in the U.S. is NOT available for this position.

Benefits Overview

ConocoPhillips offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and career growth:

  • Taking Care of Your Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, mental health support, and wellness programs.

  • Supporting and Building Financial Security: Competitive base pay, annual performance bonuses, and retirement savings plans.

  • Promoting Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, paid parental leave, and family support resources.

  • Offering Career Development: Access to training, mentoring, and internal career mobility tools.

  • Guiding Recognition & Inclusion: Peer-nominated awards, inclusive culture, and employee resource groups.

Why ConocoPhillips

At ConocoPhillips, we believe our people power the future of energy. We’re committed to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow—professionally and personally.

We don’t just offer jobs—we offer meaningful careers in a company that values how we work as much as what we achieve.

EEO:

In the US, ConocoPhillips is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

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