Lease Analysts do a variety of tasks related to making sure that property is well-managed and accounted for. This can include researching and monitoring new and old leases, analyzing contracts and agreements, and more. This means that a lease analyst has to be dependable, a quick thinker, and have a good eye for tiny detail. This job is essential to oil and gas companies because without proper leases, no drilling can be done.
Today we’re going to highlight Jamie Williams, a Lease Analyst at Cabot’s Pittsburgh’s office. Jamie started working at Cabot as a Completions Technician and later became a Lease Analyst. We’ll find out what she does, what her day is like, and some of her favorite parts of working here, and what life is like in the land department.
 

What is your title?
Lease Analyst
How many years have you worked at Cabot?
3
What is your educational background?
BA in Theater Arts (2006), MBA (2014)
What are some of your responsibilities?
I analyze and process fee, state, and federal leases, and ensure bonus checks are paid.  I also set up/close Land AFE’s, track, and account for costs of lease acquisition and search AFE’s, and prepare overspent summaries. Amongst other duties, I prepare weekly cost reports and monthly land calendars for the corporate office.
Note: An AFE is an Authorization for Expenditure, it allows for a purchase to be made on someone’s behalf
Can you give me a brief overview of what your department does and is responsible for?
Essentially, the Land Department is responsible for acquiring land for potential drill sites. We work with Geology to determine what land is worth leasing, then our Landmen approach land owners to negotiate leases for their property.
If you had to explain your job to someone who doesn’t work in the industry, what would you say?
It can be related to any bound agreement such as renting a house, leasing a car, etc. Leases are documents where someone lends land, services, property in exchange for periodic payments, normally over a set period of time. I make sure the leases are legit and the right people are getting paid.
What is one thing you would like people to know about your job?
You have to be able to work well under pressure. There are points in time where matters are extremely urgent. Failure to work quickly and efficiently could result in the loss of leases.
What is one thing you’d like people to know about this industry?
As most folks in the industry would tell you, you can’t believe everything you see on TV. More people should get educated about what we do and how it benefits our country.
And lastly, what is your favorite part of your job here?
My favorite part of my job is knowing I make a difference. Each staff member is truly valued and treated as such.