Right of Way Agent or Senior Agent

Position Summary

As a Right of Way Agent, you will research and analyze land ownership documents to prepare land rights and easement grants. In this role, you will represent Black Hills Energy (its various entities) with all property owners in your assigned areas/projects, contacting, negotiating, recording, settling damages, and preparing and executing agreements for the acquisitions of pipeline or electrical property grants by easements, licenses, or permits, as needed, to accommodate the construction, operation, and maintenance of company facilities.

Essential Functions

• Researches, reviews, analyzes land title, identifies defects and outlines curative.
• Negotiates the acquisition of easements and other property interests as necessary to accommodate the construction, operation, and maintenance of company facilities.
• Negotiates property damage settlements and loss claims associated with capital projects and day to day operations necessary to maintain company facilities.
• Prepares right-of-way related cost estimates associated with land and right-of-way acquisition.
• Reviews, prepares, analyzes, interprets all land and right-of-way related agreements, easements, leases, permits, and licenses.
• Serves as liaison between internal departments, developers, cities, counties, states, federal lands, etc., in support of right-of-way activities.
• Solves encroachments, damage claims, landowner complaints and inquiries at appropriate business costs to company.
• Regularly use spreadsheets, database and word processing software, and periodically learn new programs to complete Right of Way Agent work.
• Manages contract ROW service providers in assigned areas/projects; and occasionally manages contract survey providers as well in support of project needs.
• Handles service contracts, invoices review and approvals, etc.

What Is Required

• Level I: Bachelor's Degree business, law or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of 3 years of experience as a right of way agent, land and real property rights, landowner negotiations, contracts or applicable work experience.
• Senior: Bachelor's Degree business, law or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of 7 years of experience as a right of way agent, land and real property rights, landowner negotiations, contracts or applicable work experience is required.

What Is Desired

• Requires technical and business knowledge in multiple disciplines/processes.
• Knows and applies the fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Working familiarity with legal easement documents and knowledge of legal descriptions.
• Represent Company in a professional manner when appearing before Planning and Zoning Committees, and other governmental boards, to advocate for approval of capital projects.
• Able to establish a rapport and build trust with landowners in a short amount of time, with excellent negotiating skills.
• Strong analytical skills and logical thought processes, with the ability to identify and resolve complex issues/problems.
• Able to analyze business reporting information and recommend improvements.
• Strong business systems knowledge.
• Able to organize, schedule and prioritize departmental and individual work to meet various schedules and objectives.
• Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Able to organize work effectively, reprioritize as new demands arise, and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft applications, including but not limited to Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access, and Excel.

About our Company

We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Annual discretionary bonuses
• 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave
• Company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term)
• Critical illness, accident & group hospital insurance
• Pet insurance
• An employee assistance program and well-being benefits
• Competitive medical, dental and vision insurance

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.