Right of Way Acquisition Agent (In-house)

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Percheron is looking for an experienced acquisition agent to work in our client office in downtown Houston. Must be willing to commute downtown on a daily basis. 

The Sr. Right of Way Agent, under the direction of the Lead Agent or ROW Supervisor, possesses excellent working knowledge of all right of way disciplines; title, permitting, acquisition, and documentation. very knowledgeable about property valuation, survey drawings, and alignments sheets.

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 Requirement

• Must have a minimum of two years of experience in the Right of Way industry.
• Excellent working knowledge of 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.
• Very knowledgeable about property valuation, survey drawings, and alignments sheets.
• 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 independently.
• 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.
• 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 100% of time in an office environment.
• 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.
• Is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.