Older Listing

Posted: December 26, 2025 (20 days ago)

This job has been posted for 2-4 weeks. Consider applying soon if interested.

Surface Lease and Water Rights Manager

State of Utah

550 School and Institutional Trust Lands Admin.

Older

Location

Salary

$38.61 - $43.27

per hour

Closes

January 19, 2026More State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves managing water rights for land assets, overseeing leases for surface use, and handling land projects to generate revenue for Utah's public schools and institutions.

It requires travel for fieldwork and office-based planning, mainly in northern Utah.

A good fit would be someone with experience in land or water management who enjoys teamwork, negotiation, and supporting public education through practical land stewardship.

Key Requirements

  • Professional experience in water rights, land management, or contract management
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field (preferred)
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills
  • Experience with ArcGIS/ESRI software
  • Understanding of public land survey system (PLSS) and metes & bounds legal descriptions
  • Experience with contract negotiations and ability to perform fieldwork in remote locations

Full Job Description


This position requires a variable amount of in-state travel and field work (approximately 25%-30%) combined with time spent in the office (approximately 70%-75%). The position will be based in the Trust Lands Administration's Vernal field office but may require regular travel to the main office in Salt Lake City.


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


Additional 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..

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Posted on NEOGOV: 12/26/2025 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 12/27/2025

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-utah-5181338