Finance Officer (Natural Resource Trust Authority)

Finance Officer

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.

As the fiduciary body responsible for holding and managing state resources tied to plugging and abandonment obligations, the NRTA must operate independently and at arm's length from any agency or individual. Louisiana statutes place the Authority under the oversight of the SMEB and require coordination with the State Bond Commission and State Treasury. Public finance laws mandate treasury deposits, expenditures only through legislative appropriation, and full collateralization of balances. Ethical and fiduciary rules further require impartiality, segregation of duties, and transparent governance. These safeguards protect public funds, uphold legal compliance, and ensure the NRTA acts only with explicit authorization from the SMEB.

The NRTA is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing financial assurance mechanisms that reduce the state's fiscal exposure and provide long-term environmental protection. These mechanisms include pooled financial assurance programs, site-specific trust accounts, alternatives to traditional surety instruments for oil and gas operators, and decommissioning funds for renewable energy facilities. As Louisiana expands its portfolio of energy development, the Authority's work ensures that long-term liabilities associated with resource extraction, restoration, and environmental remediation are financially secured and responsibly managed.

Within this framework, the Finance Officer serves as C&E's lead specialist for financial assurance, ensuring that all financial security instruments required for environmental and energy regulatory programs are properly established, validated, tracked, enforced, and aligned with statutory and policy requirements. This role protects the State's natural resources and taxpayers by ensuring adequate financial guarantees exist to cover site restoration, decommissioning, closure, or long-term liability across a diverse regulatory portfolio.

The Finance Officer serves as the Department's lead specialist for financial assurance programs, managing instruments that safeguard Louisiana's natural resources and minimize fiscal exposure to the state. This role oversees the full lifecycle of financial instrumentsincluding bonds, letters of credit, cash escrows, and other financial guaranteesacross regulatory programs such as oil and gas site restoration, renewable energy decommissioning, carbon sequestration, and other environmental or infrastructure closure activities.

The Finance Officer ensures that all financial obligations are accurately documented, legally enforceable, and aligned with permitting conditions. This position collaborates extensively with operators, financial institutions, and departmental program offices, providing strategic financial oversight, risk mitigation, and fund stewardship.

This role requires independent judgment, precise financial documentation, and proactive coordination with operators and financial institutions.

Minimum Qualifications :

• A bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, economics, or a closely related field. Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., CFA, CPA, CTP) are strongly preferred.
• Five (5) years of progressive experience in financial analysis, banking, public finance, or regulatory financial assurance.
• Demonstrated experience with financial instruments such as surety bonds, letters of credit, and escrow agreements in either public or private sector roles.
• Familiarity with government processes related to fund collection, bonding, and permitting compliance is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with attention to financial detail and regulatory context.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet modeling and data platforms; experience with ERP, workflow, or financial tracking systems is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface across technical, administrative, and external stakeholders.

Job Duties and Other Information :

Position-Specific Details :

Appointment Type : Unclassified

Work Schedule : Work hours are flexible.

Compensation : $75,000 - $110,000 annually

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