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Land Agent

Land agents negotiate with landowners to acquire surface rights agreements. They negotiate rights-of-way for well sites, pipelines, power lines, coalmines, roadways, cell towers, wind and solar installations, road easements, and other surface uses.

Also Known As

Land Negotiator, (Licensed Surface / Oil and Gas Company / Petroleum) Land Agent

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 1225: Purchasing Agents and Officers

2006 NOC-S

  • B315: Purchasing Agents and Officers

2011 NOC

  • 1225: Purchasing agents and officers

2016 NOC

  • 1225: Purchasing agents and officers

2021 NOC

  • 12102: Procurement and purchasing agents and officers

2023 OaSIS

  • 12102.00: Procurement and purchasing agents and officers
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Licensed land agents negotiate with landowners to acquire interest in land on behalf of industry. They also may:

  • Acquire freehold mineral leases and easement agreements from private individuals who own the mineral rights for the land
  • Negotiate for or acquire surface leases for renewable energy projects
  • Consult with neighbouring landowners or occupants about projects in proximity to their property
  • Assess and settle damages such as crop and livestock damages, and damages to fences or gates
  • Negotiate road-use agreements
  • Perform analyses for annual rent reviews on surface leases, as required by regulations
  • Act as a link between corporations, government agencies, the agriculture industry, and landowners
  • Prepare reports and legal documentation for land interests
  • Testify before regulatory boards in hearings or dispute-resolution conferences
  • Act as public affairs liaison for their employers (such as with Indigenous communities)
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Land agents most often work in an outdoor field setting. They may spend a lot of time travelling in rural areas. They stay in motels, eat in restaurants, and work on their own for the most part. Senior land agents may spend more time in offices coordinating the activities of junior land agents. They may respond to questions, such as concerns about project management on well or pipeline projects. They advise senior management on potential difficulties and benefits of development plans.

Working hours vary depending on stakeholder availability. For example, landowners may only be able to attend early morning or late-night meetings during seeding and harvest times. Some land agents may be on call 7 days a week, depending on project needs.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Purchasing Agents and Officers

2006 NOC: 1225

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in compiling information to establish delivery schedules and to monitor progress

DIRECTIVE

Interest in negotiating or determining contract terms and conditions and in awarding supplier contracts or recommending contract awards; may hire, train and supervise purchasing clerks

social

Interest in contacting clients and suppliers to resolve problems

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Land agents need:

  • Integrity and high ethical standards
  • The ability to read and interpret survey plans
  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Interpersonal, negotiation, and public relations skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Patience and attention to detail
  • The ability to work alone

They should enjoy co-ordinating office and field services, dealing with legal matters, and working with people from all walks of life.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Purchasing agents and officers

2016 NOC: 1225

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 04, 2022 and Mar 18, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Purchase general and specialized equipment, materials or business services
Tasks: Consult with suppliers
Tasks: Establish delivery schedules
Tasks: Review quotations
Tasks: Contact clients and suppliers to resolve problems
Tasks: Determine contract terms and conditions
Tasks: Monitor progress of delivery schedules
Tasks: Assess requirements of establishment
Tasks: Develop specifications for equipment, materials and supplies to be purchased
Attention to detail
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

For entry-level land agent positions, employers may prefer applicants with relevant post-secondary education.

Employers may require a land agent to:

  • Be eligible to become a Commissioner for Oaths
  • Have knowledge and experience of the agriculture industry, the oil and gas industry, or other related fields
  • Have an Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence
  • Be bondable (acceptable to an insurance company as a responsible, law-abiding person)
  • Have knowledge on drafting contracts
  • Be computer literate and have knowledge of and experience with specialized software such as GIS

Employers may also need land agents to be familiar with several acts, including:

  • Surface Rights of Alberta
  • Land Compensation Act
  • Electrical Act
  • Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act
  • Alberta Environmental Assessment Act
  • Alberta Energy Regulators requirements

Licensed land agents need a good understanding of contracts and leasing agreements for interests in land or commitments to landowners or occupants. This includes a working knowledge of related legislation and regulations. They should understand potential impacts on residents and communities.

They must also have knowledge on subjects such as the oil and gas industry, lease-site construction techniques, farming and ranching practices, remediation and reclaiming processes, renewable energy, and transportation projects. They should have an understanding of environmental assessments, requirements for starting a project, as well as issues arising throughout the project’s life cycle.


Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Land Agent

Land agents negotiate with landowners to acquire surface rights agreements. They negotiate rights-of-way for well sites, pipelines, power lines, coalmines, roadways, cell towers, wind and solar installations, road easements, and other surface uses.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Land Agents Licensing Act [pdf] and Land Agents Licensing Regulation [pdf], you must be a licensed land agent to:

  • Negotiate agreements with landowners to acquire certain surface interests in Alberta (unless exempted as set out in the Act and Regulation)
  • Act as a Land Agent or advertise yourself a Land Agent

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Land Agent.

Additional Information

Land agents may obtain industry certification such as:

  • Professional Landman (P.Land)
  • Professional Surface Landman (PSL)
  • Senior Right of Way Professional (through the International Right of Way Association)

In Alberta, people who work as active permanent land agents or hold a provincial equivalent may apply for certification through the Canadian Association of Petroleum Landmen (CAPL) or the International Right of Way Association (IRWA). The requirements for certification include a combination of qualifying experience, designated mandatory courses, academic achievement, and successful completion of a written exam.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Land agents work for oil and gas companies, land service companies, engineering firms, pipeline companies, electric and gas utilities, railways, communications companies, sustainable energy companies (such as wind and solar), and government agencies. They may work in various positions, such as:

  • Contract land agent
  • Land management technician
  • Lease negotiator
  • Land representative
  • Land use technician
  • Liaison co-ordinator
  • Municipal land agent
  • Petroleum landman
  • Public consultation co-ordinator
  • Right-of-way planner
  • Surface land agent

Some land agents work as self-employed consultants. Work as a land agent may be seasonal and depends on construction in the energy sector. This may include new well sites, pipelines, and wind and solar installations.

Advancement opportunities vary depending on the agent’s educational qualifications and experience.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 1225: Purchasing agents and officers occupational group, 77.6% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 1225: Purchasing agents and officers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.4% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 156 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Salaries for land agents vary greatly depending on the type of work involved, the individual’s background, and the employer.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Purchasing agents and officers

2016 NOC: 1225
Average Wage
$44.05
Per Hour
Average Salary
$87,546.00
Per Year
Average Hours
38.3
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 1225 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $20.00 $59.51 $34.84 $31.74
Overall $25.00 $79.18 $44.05 $38.75
Top $26.87 $111.90 $53.24 $47.60

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Oil & Gas Extraction
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Transportation and Warehousing
Information, Culture, Recreation
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
20%
20%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
18%
18%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
1%
1%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Agriculture and Related Technologies
  • Business, Management and Administrative Studies
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
  • Engineering, Architecture and Related Studies
  • Environment, Forestry and Related Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Sciences
  • Social Sciences, Law and Religious Studies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Alberta Association of Surface Land Agents (AASLA) website: aasla.com

Canadian Association of Petroleum Land Administration website: caplacanada.org

Canadian Association of Petroleum Landmen (CAPL) website: landman.ca

Careers in Oil + Gas website: www.careersinoilandgas.com

International Right of Way Association (IRWA) website: www.irwaonline.org

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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