Right of Way Acquisition Agent (In-house)

About the role

Percheron is looking for a Senior Acquisition Agent willing to work out of Salt Lake City supporting pipeline operations and maintenance. Local candidate preferred; per diem is available if needed. 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 — and is very knowledgeable about property valuation, survey drawings, and alignment sheets.

Responsibilities

• Research, negotiate, and execute purchase of short- and long-term lease agreements and rights of way for construction that meet the organization's goals.
• Search for and determine various land ownership interests, including surface ownership and owner locations.
• Identify and provide details of all required construction permits and permit requirements; acquire permits as directed.
• Oversee all land-related legal issues, including transfers of titles and deeds, construction, mortgage concerns, and zoning.
• Prepare resolutions and other legal forms related to land acquisitions; a degree of creativity and latitude is required.
• Prepare adequate daily activity reports and special agent's reports relative to complex negotiations for easements, damage settlements, and/or permit acquisition.
• 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 third-party development plans and relevant right of way records (easements, permits, etc.) to determine any conflicts.
• Maintain 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.

Requirements

• Minimum of two years of experience in the Right of Way industry.
• Excellent working knowledge 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 alignment sheets.
• Good understanding of various land-related contracts and agreements for construction, operation, and maintenance of existing and new facilities, including fee simple, rights-of-way, leases, temporary workspace agreements, licenses, permits, ordinances, and franchise agreements; 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.
• Ability to perform land title research.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; customer-focused.
• 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.
• Close attention to detail; 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 per agreed work schedule (may require adjusted schedule based on project and overtime if warranted).
• Ability to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies and procedures.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Spends some time in an office environment. Regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Occasionally required to stand, walk, and stoop, kneel, or crouch. 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.