Right of Way Acquisition Agent (In-house / Hybrid)

Row Agent

The ROW Agent, performs all aspects of right-of-way and real estate related activities necessary to maintain and protect company's property rights, while negotiating favorable terms to various land and right-of-way related agreements secured on behalf of the client, including the acquisition, relinquishment, and modifications of easements, fee land purchases, franchise & permit rights, encroachment resolution and the settlements of damage claims.

Must be willing to travel to client office located in downtown Houston, TX - potential for hybrid after training.

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Responsible for researching, negotiating and electing to purchase short- and long-term lease of land agreements and Right of way for construction that meet the organization's goals.
• Searches for and determines various land ownership interests, including, but not limited to, surface ownership of land and the locations of such owners. Identifies and provides details of all required construction permits and permit requirements and acquires permits as directed.
• Oversees all land-related legal issues, including transfers of titles and deeds, construction, mortgage concerns, and zoning.
• Responsible for resolutions and other legal forms related to land acquisitions. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.
• Prepares adequate daily activity reports and prepares special agent's reports relative to complex negotiations for easements, damage settlements, and/or permit acquisition. May work in the office or out in the field.
• Perform internal and external due diligence to ensure accuracy and completeness of land rights or to identify and bring forward deficiencies requiring remedial action.
• Serve as liaison with landowner/tenant on ownership, easement rights, damage claims, and access issues.
• Effectively use established company and client policies, procedures, and processes to perform work.
• Review 3rd party development plans and relevant Right of way records (i.e. easements, permits, etc.) to determine any conflicts.
• Maintains up-to-date status with designated upper-level Right of way agent or project manager/supervisor to ensure the assignment is completed following the client's procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Must have a minimum of one year of experience in the Right of Way industry.
• Good understanding of applicable laws, rules, regulations, right-of-way policies, procedures, terminology, and right-of-way/real property acquisition policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of settlement instruments and contract terms.
• Good understanding of various land-related contracts and agreements for construction, operation, and maintenance of existing and new facilities, including but not limited to, fee simple, rights-of-way, leases, temporary workspace agreements, licenses, permits, ordinances, and franchise agreements with the ability to complete right of way transactions with some oversight.
• Experience with acquisition & relocation documents, notices, processes, and procedures.
• Ability to plan and organize workload, adjust to changing priorities, and work well under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Ability to complete right-of-way transactions independently with some oversite from Lead Agent or ROW Supervisor.
• Ability to interpret alignment sheets and plats.
• Must be able to perform land title research.
• Must have strong oral and written communication skills and be customer-focused.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships with others.
• Exercises good judgment and has experience handling confidential information.
• Ability to work autonomously and to collaborate fully as a team player.
• Ability to pay close attention to details, and present good planning, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance as per work schedule agreed with the manager (may require working an adjusted work schedule based on project assigned and work overtime if warranted).
• Ability to comply with applicable laws and regulations and Company policies and procedures.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Spends 25% of the time in an office environment and 75% of time in the field.
• Is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
• Is occasionally required to stand, walk, and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.