Executive Director

Natural Resources Trust Authority 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 NRTA's mission is to develop and manage financial instruments that secure obligations related to oil-field site restorationparticularly 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 include :

Key responsibilities include :

Position-specific details :

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

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.

A cover letter and resume MUST be attached for consideration.

For further information about this vacancy contact : Human Resources Department of Conservation and Energy PO Box 94396 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9396 Email : _DCE-Recruiting@la.gov

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

Benefits include :