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Executive Director

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Executive Director

Salary

$130,000.00 - $175,000.00 Annually

Location

Baton Rouge, LA

Job Type

Unclassified

Job Number

DCE-OAD-2025-215038-MMR

Department

DCE-Department of Conservation and Energy

Division

Office of Administration

Opening Date

11/19/2025

Closing Date

Continuous

+ Description

+ Benefits

About this Job

The Natural Resources Trust Authority (NRTA) was created by Act 727 of 2024 as a financial arm within the State Mineral and Energy Board (SMEB). The NRTA’s mission is to develop and manage financial instruments that secure obligations related to oil-field site restoration — particularly the plugging and abandonment of orphaned wells. The Authority assumed responsibility for the administration of financial security mechanisms previously managed by the Louisiana Oilfield Restoration Association.

The NRTA serves as the fiduciary and administrative body responsible for holding and managing state resources that secure plugging and abandonment obligations for orphaned wells. Because the Authority handles public funds and acts in a fiduciary capacity, both Louisiana law and federal banking standards require it to operate independently and at arm’s length from any other agency, office, or individual.

Statutes governing the NRTA place it under the oversight of the State Mineral and Energy Board and require coordination with the State Bond Commission and State Treasury. Public finance laws mandate that:

+ All funds are deposited in the state treasury,

+ Expenditures occur only through legislative appropriation, and

+ Balances are fully collateralized.

Ethical and fiduciary standards emphasize independence, impartiality, and the duty of loyalty to the Trust’s beneficiaries. Internal control frameworks further require segregation of duties, documentation of approvals, and transparent governance. Collectively, these requirements ensure that the NRTA cannot lawfully or prudently act without explicit authorization from the SMEB.

Maintaining this independence safeguards the integrity of Louisiana’s natural resource programs, protects public funds, and strengthens public confidence in government operations.

The Executive Director of the Natural Resources Trust Authority is responsible for leading, managing, and overseeing all operational, financial, and administrative activities of the NRTA. The position reports directly to the Undersecretary of the Department of Natural Resources and operates under the strategic direction of the State Mineral and Energy Board.

This leadership role requires a deep understanding of public finance, energy sector regulation, and fiduciary management. The Executive Director will design and implement the financial structures, investment mechanisms, and compliance systems that support and sustain the Authority’s mission.

Minimum Qualifications

+ A bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field. Given the complex nature of the responsibilities outlined in the job description, a master's degree or higher in a relevant field is preferred.

+ At least 3 years of demonstrated experience in financial management, regulatory compliance, and risk analysis within the energy sector, would be preferred.

+ Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly with executive audiences, legal counsel, and external stakeholders.

Job Duties and Other Information

In this role, the Natural Resources Trust Authority Executive Director plays a critical role in managing Louisiana’s financial security systems for oil-field site restoration and orphan well obligations. Key responsibilities include:

+ Implement and manage financial security mechanismsin accordance with Louisiana statutes, working closely with the Office of Conservation and the Department of Treasury to ensure full compliance.

+ Develop and refine financial management protocolsto improve efficiency, promote sustainability, and support sound fiscal stewardship within the state’s energy sector.

+ Lead risk assessment and mitigation efforts, identifying vulnerabilities and implementing strategies to safeguard against financial loss.

+ Establish and oversee a bonding authorityto streamline operations, stabilize revenue streams, and reduce exposure to volatile energy markets.

+ Promote and manage investment initiatives, including Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) bonds, to attract private investment and strengthen Louisiana’s energy economy.

+ Diversify financial instruments, such as letters of credit and other bonding mechanisms—to enhance financial resilience and reduce reliance on federal funding.

+ Ensure regulatory compliance, reviewing operator permits and financial security documentation, enforcing standards, and resolving instances of non-compliance.

+ Administer the Plugging Credit Certificate Program, evaluating applications, ensuring adherence to program guidelines, and facilitating credit transfers.

+ Manage data and reporting systemsto maintain accurate financial records, track compliance, and provide transparent updates to oversight bodies.

+ Engage and educate stakeholdersthrough collaboration, training, and outreach to promote understanding of financial security requirements and best practices.

POSITION-SPECIFIC DETAILS:

Appointment Type:Unclassified

Work Schedule:Work hours are flexible.

Compensation: $130,000 - $175,000

The final salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early submission is encouraged.

A cover letter and resume MUST be attached for consideration.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

For further information about this vacancy contact:

Human Resources

Department of Conservation and Energy

PO Box 94396

Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9396

Email:[email protected]

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

BENEFITS

Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.

As a state employee, you will earn competitive pay, choose from a variety of benefits, and have access to a great professional development program:

Insurance Coverage More information can be found at https://info.groupbenefits.org/

Parental Leave– Up to six weeks paid parental leave

More information can be found at https://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov/Parental-Leave/Default.aspx

Holidays and Leave– State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:

+ New Year's Day

+ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,

+ Mardi Gras,

+ Good Friday,

+ Memorial Day,

+ Independence Day,

+ Labor Day,

+ Veteran's Day,

+ Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

***** Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor

State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.

Retirement – State of Louisiana employees are eligible to participate in various retirement systems (based on the type of appointment and agency for which an employee works). These retirement systems provide retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. State retirement systems may include (but are not limited to):

+ Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (www.lasersonline.org). LASERS has provided this video (https://lasersonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Your\_Retirement\_System.mp4) to give you more detailed information about their system

+ Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (www.trsl.org),

+ Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (www.lsers.net), among others

Benefits for unclassified employees are determined by the individual hiring authority.

Employer

State of Louisiana

Address

For agency contact information, please refer to

the supplemental information above.

Louisiana State Civil Service, Louisiana, 70802

Phone

(866) 783-5462

Website

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/louisiana/default.cfm

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