Executive Director

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 NRTAs 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 arms 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 Trusts 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 Louisianas 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 Authoritys mission.

• A bachelors degree in finance economics business administration or a related field. Given the complex nature of the responsibilities outlined in the job description a masters 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.

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

• Implement and manage financial security mechanisms in 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 protocols to improve efficiency promote sustainability and support sound fiscal stewardship within the states energy sector.
• Lead risk assessment and mitigation efforts identifying vulnerabilities and implementing strategies to safeguard against financial loss.
• Establish and oversee a bonding authority to 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 Louisianas energy economy.
• Diversify financial instruments such as letters of credit and other bonding mechanismsto 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 systems to maintain accurate financial records track compliance and provide transparent updates to oversight bodies.
• Engage and educate stakeholders through 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:$130000 - $175000

The final salary will be determined based on the selected candidates qualifications and experience.

HOW TO APPLY:

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

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:

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