Right-of-Way Agent

Right of Way AgentPosition Summary

The Right of Way Agent is responsible for securing, managing, and maintaining property rights necessary for the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of electric transmission, distribution, substation, and related infrastructure projects. This role serves as the primary liaison between the company, property owners, governmental agencies, attorneys, surveyors, engineering teams, and contractors to ensure timely acquisition of land rights while maintaining positive stakeholder relationships.

The successful candidate will possess strong negotiation skills, a solid understanding of real estate and land rights principles, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Acquire easements, rights-of-way, permits, licenses, and other property interests required for infrastructure projects.
• Negotiate with landowners, tenants, business owners, municipalities, and governmental agencies to secure land rights and project approvals.
• Conduct title review and coordinate with title companies, attorneys, and surveyors to identify ownership interests and resolve encumbrances.
• Research public records, deeds, plats, legal descriptions, and property ownership information.
• Coordinate appraisal activities and support compensation discussions with property owners.
• Prepare and maintain accurate acquisition records, project documentation, and status reports.
• Explain project impacts, construction activities, and property rights to stakeholders in a clear and professional manner.
• Assist with damage claims, restoration issues, and post-construction landowner relations.
• Support eminent domain and condemnation proceedings when voluntary agreements cannot be reached.
• Collaborate with engineering, environmental, project management, legal, and construction teams throughout project lifecycles.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and company policies and regulations.
• Participate in public meetings, open houses, and community outreach efforts as required.
• Travel regularly within assigned territories to meet with landowners and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business, Land Management, Environmental Studies, Public Administration, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of right-of-way, land acquisition, real estate, utility, pipeline, transportation, telecommunications, or related experience.
• Knowledge of easement acquisition, title research, property law, and land rights processes.
• Experience negotiating agreements with private landowners and public agencies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering plans, plats, legal descriptions, and survey documents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management systems.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively within the service territory.

Preferred Qualifications

• Right of Way Professional (RWP), SR/WA, or related IRWA certification.
• Experience supporting electric transmission, distribution, substation, renewable energy, or utility infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with eminent domain and condemnation processes.
• Working knowledge of GIS, land management databases, and mapping applications.
• Experience working with agricultural, commercial, and rural property owners.
• Understanding of regulatory and environmental permitting requirements.

Key Competencies

• Negotiation and conflict resolution
• Relationship building and stakeholder engagement
• Project coordination and organization
• Business acumen and professionalism
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving and critical thinking
• Adaptability and resilience
• Ethical decision-making

Working Conditions

• Combination of field and office work.
• Frequent travel to project sites and property locations.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Occasional evening or weekend meetings with landowners and community groups.

Success in This Role

The ideal candidate is a proactive relationship-builder who can confidently negotiate complex land rights agreements, navigate challenging stakeholder situations, and help deliver critical infrastructure projects on schedule while maintaining positive community relationships.

For a utility like Xcel, I would especially emphasize transmission line easement acquisition, landowner relations, public engagement, and title research because those tend to be the hardest skills to find and the most predictive of success.

WORK HARD

BE HONEST

TREAT PEOPLE HOW YOU WANT TO BE TREATED