Right-of-Way Agent

CLS is seeking an experienced Right of Way Agent local to El Paso, TX. This role involves field-level investigations to gather essential information such as land values, required permits, crop data, and potential concerns along project routes.

Responsibilities

• Contact owners of land interests regarding acquisition of real property rights, amendments, notifications of entry, settlement of claims, and other related matters.
• Purchase property by negotiating with property owners, analyzing appraisals, and making recommendations to the client using real estate practices, legal concepts, and governmental standards.
• Represent the client in complex negotiations with property owners and attorneys.
• Recommend to the client whether to pursue further negotiations or condemnation litigation based on the likelihood of a reasonable compromise.
• Recommend payment increases if the property owner has a legitimate basis for seeking a higher amount.
• Estimate potential damage areas before construction and document damages occurring during construction.
• Prepare lawsuit packages for condemnation proceedings, assist the client’s attorney, and serve as an expert witness in mediation or trial if negotiations fail.
• Work unsupervised across a variety of roles and specialized areas such as regulatory matters or acquisition.
• Oversee Right of Way operations and maintenance as needed.
• Collaborate with office staff to ensure a healthy work environment and staff satisfaction.
• Maintain professional and effective communication with office staff, clients, and landowners.

Requirements

• 1-3+ years of acquisition experience.
• Must be local to El Paso, TX.
• Pipeline experience required; utility experience is a plus.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Associate’s degree or two years of college and two-plus years of Right of Way experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience interpreting documents and using tools required in the Right-of-Way field.
• Extensive acquisition experience and broad knowledge of all phases of Right-of-Way.
• Understanding of environmental issues.
• Valid driver’s license and maintenance of minimum automobile liability insurance ($100,000/$300,000/$100,000).

Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely for reports, specifications, and correspondence.
• Proficiency in basic mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) using whole numbers, fractions, percentages, and decimals.
• Ability to apply common-sense understanding to written, oral, or diagram-based instructions.
• Ability to handle problems involving multiple variables in standardized situations.
• Intermediate computer skills and familiarity with general PC operation.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to learn new computer programs quickly.
• Willingness to travel frequently and meet tight deadlines.
• Flexibility, multitasking ability, and a positive attitude.
• Strong teamwork skills.