Right of Way Agent

Right-of-Way Agent

ATCO is seeking a qualified Right-of-Way (ROW) Agent to work out of our office in Snohomish, WA.

The ideal candidate will report to our home office in Snohomish, WA, with a negotiated balance of remote workdays.

The Right-of-Way (ROW) Agent supports the Manager, Right-of-Way, working as part of a team to acquire complex rights of way and easements for telecommunications utilities and others. This involves reading and interpreting engineering plans and other design drawings, communicating complex technical information in non-technical terms to property owners and others involved, researching and understanding property rights, complex property legal descriptions, instruments of ownership, survey, and assessor maps, valuing and negotiating easements with property owners via phone, email, or in person, recording documents via mail or in person, project management, and communication.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Reviewing engineering plans, profiles and other project documents to determine scope of work, understand technical details of the project, determine easement/permitting requirements, and identify trespasses
• Researching in county records, both online and in person if necessary, to determine property ownership, quality of ownership, legal descriptions, and existing easements. Obtaining deeds, liens, leases, mortgages, estates, tax data, plats, surveys, and related title interests of subject properties
• Determining/calculating easement values, obtaining property owner contact information, contacting property owners via email, phone, or in person if necessary
• Drafting/creating easement offer packages, easement documents, easement legal descriptions, exhibit maps, offer letters and other documents as needed
• Negotiating and dealing effectively with property owners, tenants under difficult conditions, and outside agency personnel to reach consensus and agreement
• Recording documents with county recording offices, both in person and via mail
• Keeping detailed notes and maintaining comprehensive and organized project files
• Entering data into both client and internal software programs
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, other departments, agencies, and the general public.
• Analyzing title reports and the interpretation of encumbrances identified in the reports
• Tracking progress of ongoing projects to ensure projects are completed on time
• Attending weekly team meetings
• Providing guidance and direction to team members as needed
• Reviewing offer packages for accuracy and completeness
• Collaborating with billing department to invoice completed work

Qualifications/Skills Required:

• Thorough understanding of right-of-way principles, including: negotiation strategies, valuation methods, legal descriptions, real estate law, and contracts
• Thorough understanding of utilities and the outside plant/telecommunications industry, including: copper and fiber networks, commonly used equipment/facilities, and construction methods, both aerial and underground
• Ability to read and interpret real estate and property interest documents, abstracts, civil plans, maps, surveys, legal descriptions, and construction plans
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, clients, individuals from other governmental agencies, departments, and the general public
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing with a variety of internal and external individuals, groups, and agencies, and prepare oral presentations
• Ability to arrange meetings and go door to door to make contact with property owners in person to discuss projects and negotiate easements
• Ability to travel to county offices to record easements and research documents in person
• Ability to work in a professional manner - independently and collaboratively, within a team environment
• Must be organized, able to prioritize workload, and meet deadlines
• Strong computer skills with experience using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Understand and follow instructions as given
• Good command of the English language with effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills

Licenses/Certifications:

• Membership and Designation with the International Right of Way Association is desired
• Notary Public in Washington or ability to obtain if working from the Snohomish, WA office

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED) required OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant work experience that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the essential duties of the position
• Coursework/experience in real estate, engineering or drafting and experience in the sale and/or acquisition of real estate is desired

Other Requirements:

• Candidates must be able to pass a Background Check and Drug Screen, post offer
• The physical ability, on occasion, to work in the field walking, twisting, balancing, exposure to inclement weather, noise, and slippery and/or uneven surfaces
• Driving is required for business on an occasional basis or to accomplish work which requires the use of a personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and safe driving record throughout the course of employment.

Benefits: Group Medical Plans along with voluntary Dental and Vision plans, 401k Savings Plan with a company match

Pay Range: $26.00 - $40.00 per hour, DOE