Occupation Profile: Land Negotiation and Land Administration Professionals. Under the Job Family: Specialty Business

Transcription

1 Occupation Profile: Land Negotiation and Land Administration Professionals

2 Occupation Profile: Land Negotiation and Land Administration Professionals Table of Contents Introduction...4! National Occupational Classification (NOC)...4! Examples of Benchmark Job Titles...4! Industry Context...4! Main Responsibilities...8! Generic Responsibilities Land Negotiation and Administration Professionals... 8! Landman and Land Negotiator Mineral Rights...9! Mineral Land Administrator and Analyst...9! Landman and Land Agent Surface Rights...10! Surface Land Analyst and Administrator...10! Pipeline Right-of-Way Agent...11! Minimum Qualifications for Entry...12! Education...12! Licensing...13! Certification...14! Characteristics and Nature of this Occupation...15! Unique Regional Considerations...15! Other Work-Related Conditions...15! Key Competencies and Related Training and Development...16! Competencies...16! Training and Development...17! Work Opportunities and Typical Career Path...17! Career Advancement and Occupational Options...17! Employment Outlook...18! November 2009 Page 2 of 24

3 Workplaces and Employers in the Petroleum Industry...18! Compensation: Wages, Salaries and Other Typical Remuneration...19! Extra Information...19! Related Web Links...19! Something to Think About and Helpful Tips...24! Copyright Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada. November 2009 Page 3 of 24

4 Introduction National Occupational Classification (NOC) #1225 Purchasing Agents and Officers (Land Administrator and Negotiator). Examples of Benchmark Job Titles Mineral Land Administrator; Mineral Lease Administrator; Mineral Land Analyst; Landman Mineral Rights; Land Negotiator Mineral Rights; Job titles vary in the industry, with the most common ones being: Mineral Land Coordinator; Surface Land Administrator; Surface Land Analyst; Surface Rights Negotiator; Surface Land Agent (Regulatory Agent and Pipeline Right-of-Way Agent); Surface Land Coordinator; Joint Interest Analyst; Contracts Landman and Analyst; and Authorization for Expenditure (AFE) Administrator. Industry Context Exploration is a risky and costly business. Companies cannot just drive up to a site and start drilling. There is a sequence of events that must take place before that happens. This Occupational Profile will highlight the important role that Land Negotiation and Land Administration Professionals play November 2009 Page 4 of 24

5 in ensuring that these preliminary events occur in an orderly, systematic fashion. Only then can exploration, development, production, processing and transportation activities take place. An exploration and drilling company or a pipeline transmission company is required to gain permission to access the land from the land owner. There are essentially two types of land ownership rights that companies need to acquire: Mineral Rights, e.g. the sub surface rights required to explore and produce the minerals and resources located beneath the surface of the earth; and Surface Rights, e.g. the land rights required to access and work on the surface of the earth only. Figure 1 outlines the interrelationship of land rights. Figure 1: The interrelationships of land ownership. Source: Devon Canada Corporation. What complicates obtaining rights to a specific parcel of land is that there are usually two different entities that hold the ownership rights. Mineral rights, for example, are typically owned by the federal or provincial government and are commonly referred to as Crown ownership rights. Private individuals, who are the descendants of early settlers, may also own the mineral rights for the land November 2009 Page 5 of 24

6 they own and are referred to as freehold owners. A company may also own both the land and mineral rights based on concessions received from the government in the 1800s. In increasing cases, Aboriginals are being granted surface and mineral rights by the Courts based on their claim of original ownership. Only in offshore areas do the surface and mineral rights consistently belong to the federal and provincial governments. Before purchasing or leasing the surface and mineral rights to land, operator companies conduct due diligence by completing a cost-benefit analysis to determine if the project is viable. This study involves examining geological and geophysical data to estimate the degree of risk involved. Other factors assessed might include: Mineral Rights Volume of expected crude oil and natural gas produced from the wells; Price each commodity will fetch on the world market; Cost of surface and mineral right acquisition; Operating costs which include getting the products to production facilities or pipelines for transmission; and Prevailing economic and financial factors such as taxes and royalties, inflation, interest rates and financial returns. Assuming the project has been deemed favorable, the Land Negotiator works on acquiring the mineral rights through the Crown, or with the freehold owners of the rights. Mineral rights can be owned by a wide variety of rights holders. These individuals will negotiate directly with the freeholder owners who own both surface and mineral rights for their land. If the mineral rights are owned by the Crown, the negotiation can become more complicated. Securing mineral rights from the Crown involves a competitive bidding process by which the rights in question are put up for auction. The highest bidder will receive an exploratory permit, license or lease, depending on the province or location of the rights to be acquired. The rights holder, whether they are freeholder owners or the Crown, are eligible to receive a royalty which is a partial compensatory stake in the company s future production revenue derived from the land in question. Surface Rights There are a number of reasons why oil and gas companies need to acquire surface rights from landowners, including: To construct drilling rigs and well sites; To construct new access roads for operational sites; and To build, expand or maintain pipelines. November 2009 Page 6 of 24

7 Figure 2 shows who might be impacted by operating activities. Land professionals may need to deal with any or all of these stakeholders on any given project. Furthermore, stakeholders do not have to own the land to have a say in the granting of a permit, license or lease. For example, if a gas company wishes to drill a sour gas well, any combination of environmental, community and/or Aboriginal groups may have a strong objection to the initiative. It is common to facilitate a public consultation process to provide all interested parties with relevant information. Strict regulation applies to companies who lease land from any of the above rights holders for the purpose of oil and gas operations. Rights holders are typically paid a rental fee and must receive assurances that all damages and inconveniences will be compensated for. Further, companies must ensure that if and when operations cease, land will undergo a reclamation process to restore it to its original condition. Offshore Operations Aboriginal groups Forestry companies Landowners Figure 2: Impact of exploration activities. Regulations for offshore operations are even more stringent regarding impending exploration, development, production and transportation activities. The ramification on marine life, water quality, fisheries and navigation could be catastrophic if these operational activities are not highly controlled. Companies must demonstrate their ability to follow regulations and remain vigilant of all offshore marine-related activities. Environmental impact assessment and public hearings are typically conducted before the approval is given for major projects. Land Negotiation and Land Administration Professionals play important roles in bringing multiple stakeholders (regulatory, owners, government and other interest groups) together in order for industry operations to proceed. This profession addresses the delicate balance between corporate and land ownership interests. Preserving this balance requires effective negotiation, influence, persuasion and communication techniques. The next section will deal with the typical responsibilities performed by positions within this occupation. s Impact of Exploration Activities Agricultural leaseholders Other oil and gas companies Government departments November 2009 Page 7 of 24

8 Main Responsibilities Land Negotiation and Administration Professionals are involved in acquiring the surface and mineral rights needed by oil, gas and pipeline companies and managing the required documentation. These professionals are usually the first point of contact between the landowner and the oil and gas company. As is the case with many other occupations in this industry, it is difficult to identify typical positions and their accompanying responsibilities that would be considered benchmarks since companies differ in size, scope and the way that they do business. For example, if an operator company is small, it may choose to hire senior experienced professionals who would undertake all responsibilities associated with surface and mineral rights acquisition. If the operator is a large company, they may decide to have a more specialized distribution of jobs. Also, the experience levels of incumbents in the jobs will influence how responsibilities are allocated. Furthermore, operator companies may contract out land negotiation and land administration services to third-party independent firms. This Occupational Profile includes some examples of jobs found in the industry. Job titles will vary based on preference. For instance, some companies choose to use the traditional title of Landman to describe their jobs. Others may take a more gender neutral approach when referring to these professionals. Still others will use more specialized titles such as Land Analyst and Administrator, Surface Land Agent, Mineral or Contract Land Negotiator, etc. The main responsibilities are grouped by: Generic Responsibilities Land Negotiation and Administration Professionals; Landman and Land Negotiator Mineral Rights; Mineral Land Administrator and Analyst; Landman and Land Agent Surface Rights; Surface Land Analyst and Administrator; and Pipeline Right-of-Way Agent. Generic Responsibilities Land Negotiation and Administration Professionals Responsibilities may include: Conducting public consultation and negotiations for project specific surface leases, mineral rights, pipeline right-of-way and other surface land and mineral requirements; Negotiating agreements and contracts regarding leasing or land purchase with stakeholders such as farmers, ranchers, Aboriginal groups and governments; November 2009 Page 8 of 24

9 Obtaining permits from various government agencies; Negotiating right-of-way access for pipeline construction and maintenance; Ensuring the appropriate reclamation takes place; and Manage the agreements with stakeholders on behalf of operator companies doing business in the oil and gas industry. Landman and Land Negotiator Mineral Rights Also known as Mineral Rights Negotiator or Mineral Land Coordinator, responsibilities may include: Negotiating for the acquisition or divestiture of mineral rights; Negotiating business agreements that provide for the exploration for and/or development of minerals; Determining ownership of mineral rights through researching public and private records; Reviewing the status of title, addressing title defects and otherwise reducing title risk associated with ownership in minerals; Managing rights and/or obligations derived from ownership of interests in minerals; and Pooling of interests in minerals. Mineral Land Administrator and Analyst Individuals in this role are responsible for mineral and contract land administration, e.g. specific administrative aspects of the acquisition, maintenance and disposition of mineral rights, as well as contracts and other land related documents. Responsibilities may include: Processing assignments and novations (new obligations under the agreement), notices, agreements (Trust, Amending, Joint Operating and Royalty), poolings, farm-outs and other land related agreements; Setting up newly acquired Crown and freehold leases in databases; Preparing caveat registrations, discharges and transfers; Reviewing estate documentation, lessor issues and making the necessary changes to records; Administering monthly expiries and continuations, offset obligations and compensatory royalties; Cross-referencing new wells to mineral and contract records and updating acreage fields as required; November 2009 Page 9 of 24

10 Investigating problem third-party lease rental invoices; Completing royalty set-up for new wells going into production; Building and maintaining positive and cooperative interfaces with internal groups, government offices, freeholders and others stakeholders; Acting as the focal point for communication with internal and external stakeholders by providing timely response to queries or requests for information; and Liaising with revenue accounting and others to ensure relevant accounting information is communicated promptly. Landman and Land Agent Surface Rights Also referred to as Surface Rights Negotiator or Surface Land Coordinator and Surface Regulatory Agent, this role is accountable for the acquisition, management and disposition of an operator company s surface land assets. Responsibilities may include: Planning strategies for resolving complex surface land issues, transactions and associated business arrangements; Ensuring the co-ordination of surface land requirements internally with project team members and externally with regulatory officials, government agencies and stakeholders; Overseeing the compliance and audit of a wide variety of requests regarding surface land services and information; Ensuring that files are reviewed on an ongoing basis and determining if they meet the requirements of existing legislation and regulation and accurately reflect negotiated agreements; Representing the company as a technical expert internally and externally in areas relating to surface land matters; and Acquiring surface access in support of company operations either directly or through a land broker. Surface Land Analyst and Administrator This role is responsible for maintaining an operator s land assets usually within an assigned geographical area. Surface Land Analysts and Administrators analyze, verify and interpret information in land records and manage the accounts related to the maintenance of land assets for mineral and contract land administration. Responsibilities may include: Administering specific aspects of the acquisition, maintenance and disposition of surface rights, and contracts and other land related documents; November 2009 Page 10 of 24

11 Executing land title registrations; Setting up files and managing documentation for acquisitions, damage settlements, rental reviews, lease amendments, third-party crossings and notifications; Ensuring the integrity of data in land records; Coordinating client billing; Communicating with key stakeholders, e.g. clients, landowners and land agents; Building and maintaining positive and cooperative relationships with internal groups, government offices, freeholders and others; Acting as a focal point for communication with internal and external stakeholders; Providing timely responses to queries or requests for information; and Ensuring that land transactions are appropriately handled and applied to the appropriate accounting system. Pipeline Right-of-Way Agent Pipeline right-of-ways (see Figure 3) are designated parcels of land on and around pipelines. Agents negotiate agreements or easements with landowners giving the company an interest in the land enabling them to conduct operational activities, e.g. testing, maintenance, replacement, troubleshooting, etc. Agents are also responsible for: Ensuring that landowner and operator company requirements and interests are well represented in negotiated agreements; Preparing compensation agreements for the establishment of easements; Communicating ongoing operational requirements with landowners; and Ensuring that all documentation (e.g. tax records, titles, etc.) necessary to establish agreement has been checked and updated. Figure 3: Pipeline right-of-way. Source: National Energy Board. November 2009 Page 11 of 24

12 Minimum Qualifications for Entry Education The Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary offers the only Petroleum Land Management (PLM) concentration in Canada, as part of its Bachelor of Commerce degree program. For more information, go to Diploma and certificate programs are also options for individuals interested in this career path. Land Agent Diplomas Olds College, located in Olds, Alberta, offers a two-year Land Agent diploma program that combines classroom, laboratory and field studies. Areas of training include surface land acquisition, land administration, mineral leasing, government procedures, negotiation techniques, public relations and more. Review the fact sheet at Northern Lights College, located in Fort St. John, British Columbia, offers a Land Agent diploma program that prepares graduates to effectively work and negotiate with landowners, and facilitate the acquisition of land selected for well sites, pipeline routes, highways and utilities. This program features hands-on training in the classroom, as well as lab and field work. Use the program s name to search the website Land Administration Certificates Olds College offers a one-year Land Administration certificate program targeted at paraprofessionals that covers communications, surface rights, land administration procedures, computer technology, law and documentation in a simulated office environment. Review at The Petroleum Land Contract and Administration Certificates from Mount Royal College, in Calgary Alberta, were developed in partnership with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Landmen (CAPL) and provide key skills to work in mineral land and contract administration. Programs cover how to analyze contracts, draft leases and exploration agreements, and how environmental legislation affects the petroleum industry. For more information, go to SAIT, also in Calgary, offers a Petroleum Land Administration Certificate program that uses a hands-on, instructor-facilitated approach to learning about mineral, surface and contract land administration topics. There is also an online program. For more information, go to Northern Lights College offers a Land and Administration program that teaches students organization and administration of land acquisitions and records, allowing them to work closely with land agents and land managers, and to perform liaison work between government agencies, corporate offices and other oil and gas companies. Search Land Administration at November 2009 Page 12 of 24

13 Energy Asset Management (Multiple Options) The Centre for Energy Asset Management Studies (CEAMS) is an independent non-profit organization, established to influence and promote asset management skills development for and within the energy sector. SAIT, in partnership with CEAMS, offers an Energy Asset Management two-year diploma with a specialized applied degree and an online certificate in approval stages as of this writing. Energy Asset Management is defined as the management and administration of regulatory, financial and contractual compliance pertaining to energy assets. The disciplines involved include Land (mineral, surface and contracts), Joint Venture, Production Accounting, Operations Accounting, and Well Operations. For more information, go to Licensing Land Agent For information about licensing and registration requirements across Canada, consult the respective provincial energy and regulatory departments. The Real Estate Council of British Columbia, for example, provides more information at Alberta s Land Agents Licensing Act stipulates that an individual must hold a license if he or she engages in activities of as a land agent, e.g. negotiating for or acquiring an interest in land for personal interest or on behalf of someone else. For more information on how to become a land agent in Alberta, go to Search this site for information about temporary (interim) and permanent land agent licensing requirements. An interim license is issued for a one-year period and allows a person to be trained and evaluated by a supervising land agent before acquiring a permanent land agent license. Land agent licenses are granted to individuals who are at least 18 years of age, pay the fee set out in Schedule 1 of the Land Agents Licensing Regulation and satisfactorily complete an examination prescribed by the Registrar. Filing a training agreement with the Registrar and providing proof of completion of a minimum of two years of post-secondary education relevant to the activities of a land agent. Interim licenses may be renewed for an additional one year period if justifiable reasons for renewal exist. An interim land agent may only apply for a permanent land agent license by paying the required fee, meeting all of the requirements and after having worked for a period of at least 12 consecutive months under the supervision of a permanent licensed land agent. The interim land agent's trainer must file a performance evaluation with the Registrar using the form prescribed by the regulation indicating that the person has met the requirements set out in the evaluation. If the application for a permanent land agent license and the performance evaluation are acceptable to the Deputy Registrar or the Registrar, the applicant must successfully complete an examination prescribed by the Registrar before a permanent land agent license is issued. November 2009 Page 13 of 24

14 Certification Professional Landman (P.Land) and Professional Surface Landman (PSL) Individuals may apply for certification as a Professional Landman (P.Land) and/or as a Professional Surface Landman (PSL) through CAPL at The requirements for obtaining certification include a combination of qualifying experience (qualifications, education and licenses, work experience and aspirations), completion of designated mandatory courses, academic achievement, payment of fees and successful completion of a written examination. Examination topics cover all areas of land related work, e.g. field services, ethics and fiduciary duties, oil and gas law, negotiations, regulations and contracts. Any applicant to the PSL designation must also be an active Permanent Land Agent in Alberta or hold a provincial equivalent. Re-certification is required every five years. To facilitate recertification and ongoing professional development, programs offered by CAPL focus on the categories of ethics, fiduciary duties, field services, oil and gas law, negotiations, regulations and contracts. Certified Petroleum Contracts Administrator, Mineral Administrator and Surface Administrator The Canadian Association of Petroleum Land Administration (CAPLA) has made certification available to active CAPLA members with five or more years of land experience in the industry. Individuals can assess their skills and knowledge within specific areas of expertise (contracts, minerals and surface). Successful completion of exams affirms a person's competence within areas of expertise. For more information, go to Commissioner for Oaths Appointment Some roles also require that the individual have a Commissioner for Oaths appointment. All provinces issue Commissioner for Oaths appointments. In Alberta, a Commissioner for Oaths administers oaths and takes and receives affidavits, declarations and affirmations that will be used in the province. A Notary Public, on the other hand, may deal with documents that will be used outside of Alberta (e.g. an affidavit to be used in a lawsuit elsewhere). A Notary also has the power to issue certificates under the Guarantees Acknowledgment Act, another Alberta statute. For information about requirements in Saskatchewan, go to or review websites of other Canadian geographic locations of interest. November 2009 Page 14 of 24

15 Characteristics and Nature of this Occupation A career as a Land Negotiator or Land Administrator will appeal to individuals with the following attributes, interests and preferences: Demonstrate high levels of integrity and ethical standards; Are equally comfortable talking to people from diverse backgrounds; Show an ability to thrive in an ever-changing environment; Demonstrate a penchant for accuracy and attention to detail; and An ability to work on their own and as a part of a team. Unique Regional Considerations The majority of land professionals are located in Western Canada where the bulk of oil and gas operations and transmission are located. However, these professionals are also located in east coast locations either working directly for operator companies or land service companies. Leasehold activity will continue in the oil sands, which holds the future for oil production in Canada. With the building of northern pipelines will come increased exploration and production activity in the Canadian Arctic. Land-related activities will involve federal, territorial and Aboriginal interests. Other Work-Related Conditions Surface Land Agents typically spend a considerable amount of time travelling in rural areas and working in a field environment. Therefore, a valid driver s license is required. Working hours can vary depending on the availability of stakeholders and clients. Senior Surface Land Agents and Mineral and Contract Land Negotiators spend more time in office environments, coordinating the activities of team members and providing consultative advice. November 2009 Page 15 of 24

16 Key Competencies and Related Training and Development Competencies Key competencies for this Occupation Profile are listed below. Business Technical Keep up with changing government regulations and applicable legislation; Understand land resources, land administration, land and agricultural management systems, legal rights, acquisition of land, petroleum fundamentals and specialized land and petroleum terminology; Understand different survey systems such as the National Topographic System (NTS) Lat and Long (used in northern provinces, the Arctic and Alaska) and the Dominion Land Survey (DLS); Able to read legal descriptions; Understand the processes involved in public consultation and hearings; and Understand the documentation associated with contract administration, freehold and Crown mineral leases, notices, caveats, transfers, assignments and continuations. Understand land titles and Crown land record systems, third-party agreements, surface leases and right-of-way agreements, and functions of the various regulatory agencies, e.g. Surface Rights Boards; Understand joint operating agreements and industry procedures such as farm-outs, royalties and assignments; Understand land terminology, land tenure systems, land survey systems, basic land documentation and online resources, e.g. land searches, bidding and postings; Proficient in Microsoft Office (MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint ); Proficient in land management systems, e.g. Accumap, CGI, Qbyte, Abadata, Enerlink, LandTraxx, iland and CS Explorer; Project management; and Business letter writing. November 2009 Page 16 of 24

17 Enabling Ability to work effectively with various government representatives, community groups, companies of all sizes, land owners, etc.; Attention to detail is critical, due to the high costs associated with mistakes made while negotiating contracts and reviewing leases; Organized and able to work with minimal supervision; Mature and motivated; Able to adjust to demanding hours and diverse circumstances; Communication skills both written and verbal; and Assertiveness, public relations and negotiation techniques. Training and Development Due to the continually changing industry and context in which land management occurs, it is critical for all Land Negotiation and Land Administration Professionals to stay current in their areas of expertise. Most hiring companies will have in-house, customized training and development programs that combine practical application with theory. This training is particularly important since not all companies use the same land systems. CAPLA and CAPL offer educational support as well as several institutes and universities. CAPLA and CAPL respond to emerging industry issues and work in consultation with education and provincial government bodies to deliver training and information about regulatory changes. Work Opportunities and Typical Career Path Career Advancement and Occupational Options A person can start as a Land Administrator or Land Analyst and work in contracts, minerals or joint interest. With suitable experience, someone may become involved in negotiations. Advancement opportunities vary depending on educational qualifications and work experience. November 2009 Page 17 of 24

18 Employment Outlook The oil and gas industry is key to Canada s economy and with many people retiring over the coming decade, the industry is expected to hire for years to come. The number of people retiring already outnumbers those joining the industry today. The Petroleum Human Resources Council has generated medium to long-term industry validated labour market information that forecasts employment demand to 2020 for exploration, development, production, service industries, pipeline transmission, gas processing and mining, and extracting and upgrading heavy oil (in situ) and bitumen. Overall, oil sands operations are expected to provide the most new employment opportunities, while conventional oil and gas activity is projected to decrease over time and not return to the peak experienced in In addition, the service and pipeline sectors are expected to provide increasing support to the heavy oil (in situ) extraction within the oil sands. Provincial government websites may include relevant employment outlook information links to these can be found at Workplaces and Employers in the Petroleum Industry Land professionals work in many areas of the upstream oil and gas industry with hiring companies including: Oil and gas exploration, production and transportation; Petroleum services; Engineering consulting; Environmental; Land consulting companies and self-employed consultants; and Government agencies. November 2009 Page 18 of 24

19 Compensation: Wages, Salaries and Other Typical Remuneration Compensation within the oil and gas industry is competitive when compared to similar jobs in other sectors, particularly for technical disciplines. A summary of published information links can be found at Typically, junior positions have varied starting salaries and advanced salaries are dependent on work experience and qualifications. Extra Information Related Web Links Table 1: Related web links. SOURCE DESCRIPTION URL LINK Alberta Association of Surface Land Agents (AASLA) An association of people involved in all aspects of surface land acquisition; and Members include mainly licensed and interim licensed Land Agents and other individuals closely associated with acquisition activities (surveyors, appraisers, environmentalists and lawyers). November 2009 Page 19 of 24

20 SOURCE DESCRIPTION URL LINK Canadian Association of Petroleum Landmen (CAPL) A professional organization for people involved in all aspects of petroleum land management; membership includes individuals responsible for the acquisition, administration and disposition of mineral and/or surface rights for petroleum exploration and production companies, as well as related service and financial companies in the energy industry; Job posting board; Useful links to associations, land sales and educational programs, etc.; Mentor Program; and Videos: Anatomy of a Landman and Petroleum Landmen: An Influence for the Nineties. Canadian Association of Petroleum Land Administration (CAPLA) Serves individuals and organizations involved in petroleum land administration; membership is comprised of Land Assistants, Mineral and Surface Administrators, Contract Analysts, Landmen, Supervisors and Land Managers; Brings together the different personnel involved in the land administration function, establishes standards of excellence, open lines of communication and gains recognition for the land administration discipline within industry; and Job Bank. November 2009 Page 20 of 24

21 SOURCE DESCRIPTION URL LINK Canadian Centre for Energy Information Provides information on the energy industry including a glossary of terms. Centre For Energy Asset Management Studies (CEAMS) An independent non-profit organization, established to influence and promote Energy Asset Management skills development for and within the energy sector which includes disciplines of: o Land (Mineral, Surface and Contracts); o Joint Venture; o Production Accounting; o Operations Accounting; o Well Operations; and Full-time studies in a blended learning environment that includes classroom time, electronic learning, field trips, collaborative projects and paid work experience. Government of Saskatchewan Surface Rights Board of Arbitration governed by The Surface Rights Acquisition and Compensation Act. It is an arbitration board used as a last resort when a landowner or occupant and an oil and gas operator are unable to reach an agreement; and Saskatchewan Energy and mines. November 2009 Page 21 of 24

22 SOURCE DESCRIPTION URL LINK Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) International Right of Way Association (IRWA) Provides a National Occupation Classification (NOC) description that includes main responsibilities, example titles, employment requirements, additional information and links to similar occupations. Incorporated as an association under the laws of the State of California for educational, social and charitable purposes; Prairie Chapter No. 48 is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada; The Right of Way (R/W) Certification is a professional designation granted to IRWA members who have achieved professional status through experience, education and examination in a specific discipline, e.g. Appraisal, Asset (Property) Management, Environmental, Negotiation and Acquisition and/or Relocation Assistance; and Comprehensive set of links to relevant federal and provincial websites. www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca Job Futures National Edition Land Agent Licensing Description of occupations work, education, training and experience, work prospects and important facts. Provincial Government of Alberta website. November 2009 Page 22 of 24

23 SOURCE DESCRIPTION URL LINK Land Titles Offices Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada Saskatchewan; British Columbia; and Alberta. This website provides information and resources on human resources issues facing the oil and gas industry including the Occupation Profiles Library; The site also includes an information package called Careers in Oil and Gas: Rich with Potential ; and The Careers in Oil and Gas website provides information about the industry, job search tips and other career management information. Petroleum Joint Venture Association (PJVA) (Land Affiliated) Develops and maintains model agreements; develops recommended practices and procedures; and provides a forum for addressing petroleum joint venture issues; Improves membership knowledge and skills through continuing education, networking, monthly luncheons and annual conferences; and Promotes an understanding and appreciation of the joint venture discipline within the oil and gas industry. November 2009 Page 23 of 24

24 Something to Think About and Helpful Tips Students, parents, career counselors and others who are interested in obtaining more information about the Land Negotiation and Land Administration Professionals occupation may find it useful to: Attend career fairs hosted by employers who offer jobs and careers in this occupation, and review their websites; Contact educational institutions that provide related post-secondary programs; and Review websites of industry and professional associations. Individuals are also encouraged to: Attend meetings of the various associations networking opportunities are open to both members and non-members; Contact CAPLA for details on the profession of Petroleum Land Administration; Download The Negotiator, a publication by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Landmen (CAPL) at and Read Negotiating Surface Rights, a pamphlet published by the Alberta Government at It provides basic information for landowners and occupants who are involved in negotiations related to the complex topic of surface rights. Potential Land Negotiation and Land Administration Professionals should consider acquiring skills and knowledge in the competency areas outlined in this Occupation Profile. This may include taking high school or technical college subjects that are relevant to this occupation (e.g. English, language arts, social studies, mathematics, chemistry, biology and computers) and honing communication, project management and team skills. November 2009 Page 24 of 24