Right-of-Way Agent

About the role

This position will direct the procurement of property interests for construction and continued maintenance of Chugach facilities and assist with the establishment and maintenance of easement, permit and real property records for Chugach facilities.

Essential Functions

• Maintain, operate, organize and direct the acquisition of property interests.
• Prepare ROW services for internal projects and external agency projects.
• Prepare and administer easement and permit acquisitions for distribution and transmission projects.
• Compile and maintain records of easements, permits, leases and other Chugach property interests both original and by computer records.
• Research and verify the ownership of property and prepare all necessary legal land descriptions for the acquisition of easements or other property interests necessary to accommodate Chugach's construction schedule.
• Review requests for Encroachment Agreements and Letters of Non-Objection from member-owners.
• Research and prepare instruments for easement release.
• Prepare and assist with delivery of right-of-way training materials and documents.
• Prepare applications and acquisition of permits from Federal, State, Municipal and Borough agencies.
• Prepare easement recommendations for platting activity of Municipal and Borough Planning Authorities.
• Provide information to requesting parties regarding Chugach right-of-way policies or easement holdings.
• Prepare the notification of construction letters to property owners relative to scheduled construction or maintenance.
• Investigate complaints from member-owners or other parties regarding property matters.

Relationships

• Internal Manager, Land Services: Report to, receive direction, guidance and decisions from.
• Right-of-Way Agents: Work with, exchange information and provide assistance.
• Land Services Coordinator: Confer with, give and receive information.
• Other Chugach Departments: Confer with, give and receive information.

Competencies

• Current knowledge of Federal, State and Municipal land use regulations and applicable local geography.
• Knowledge of laws and practices related to the acquisition of land and right-of-way for utility use.
• Proficient in public and private land records research.
• Knowledge of the source and nature of records and documents related to real property, and property conveyance forms, instruments, methods and requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to organize workflow.
• Able to gather and analyze real property data and maintain accurate records.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to negotiate the acquisition of permits from governmental agencies.
• Ability to work effectively with the general public in the acquisition of easements.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Right-of-Way Agent I: Education - High School Diploma or equivalent, required. Active Right of Way certification with the International Right of Way Association, preferred. Experience - One (1) year of basic right-of-way land management activities with experience in researching, real estate land title, easement interests, and permit applications, required. Experience in easement interests of an electrical utility, preferred. Experience working in a utility or union environment, preferred.
• Right-of-Way Agent II: Education - Associate’s degree in business administration, real estate, or related field, required. Active Right of Way certification with the International Right of Way Association, preferred. Experience - Two (2) years of documented experience in governmental, public or commercial acquisition of real property interests, involving permit applications, easement negotiations, title examination, easement recordation, real property law, required. Experience working in a utility or union environment, preferred. Substitution - Additional professional experience in a similarly complex role or related field (above the 2-year minimum) may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Right-of-Way Agent III: Education - Bachelor's degree in business administration, real estate, or related field, required. Active Right of Way certification with the International Right of Way Association, preferred. Experience - Two (2) years of documented experience in governmental, public or commercial acquisition of real property interests, involving permit applications, easement negotiations, title examination, easement recordation, real property law, and related work to include but not limited to platting requests, letters of non-objection, encroachment permits for public and private use areas, required. Experience working in a utility or union environment, preferred. Substitution - Additional professional experience in a similarly complex role or related field (above the 2-year minimum) may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.