DNR recruiting for DO&G director position

Petroleum News

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is recruiting for the position of director of the Division of Oil and Gas.

The previous director, Chantal Walsh, resigned in February, effective March 1, to return to Petrotechnical Resources of Alaska, a consulting firm she and her husband Tom Walsh co-founded in 1997.

Jim Beckham, deputy director of the division, was named acting director following Walsh’s departure.

Dan Saddler, DNR legislative liaison/communications director, told Petroleum News in a March 5 email that Beckham would serve as acting director; he said the recruitment process for a director would probably begin within a few weeks.

“Until the permanent job is advertised and recruitment begins, I can offer no thoughts on whether he is interested in, or being considered for, the permanent job,” Saddler said.

Walsh, a lifelong Alaskan, joined the division as director on Nov. 28, 2016, with more than 32 years of private-sector experience in Alaska’s petroleum industry. Prior to co-founding PRA, Walsh worked for Standard Alaska Production Co. beginning in 1985, and later for BP and ARCO.

Beckham, known for his organizational skills, attention to detail, hard work, willingness to be a team player and sense of humor, is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in marine science. Following his Coast Guard career, Beckham was vice president of operators for Harbor Enterprises for more than 10 years, and then managed planning and support services for the startup of the nonprofit Alaska Maritime Prevention & Response Network.

The recruitment notice says applications are required by May 24; educational requirements include a college degree in petroleum engineering or geoscience with a post baccalaureate degree in resource management or law preferred.

The notice says the successful candidate will demonstrate “excellent skills and work experience with:” Alaska oil and gas issues; technical aspects of oil and gas exploration and development; Alaska Statutes; strong project management; outstanding communication skills; and strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.

- Petroleum News