Right of Way/Forestry Specialist

About the Role

Coates Field Service, Inc is seeking an experienced Right of Way Agent/Forestry Specialist to support a client’s project. This position is responsible for conducting field evaluations along utility, pipeline, transmission, or infrastructure corridors to assess vegetation management needs, environmental constraints, and right-of-way conditions. The role serves as a liaison between project teams, landowners, and regulatory agencies while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, landowner agreements, and project specifications.

The ideal candidate will have experience in right-of-way operations, forestry, vegetation management, environmental resource identification, and landowner relations. This role requires extensive fieldwork, including walking project corridors to identify trees and vegetation that may be removed, protected, or require special consideration based on applicable environmental regulations and the presence of sensitive flora and fauna.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections and walk project corridors to assess vegetation, trees, and environmental conditions.
• Identify and document trees and vegetation eligible for clearing, trimming, or removal based on project requirements and environmental regulations.
• Recognize and evaluate protected, threatened, endangered, or sensitive plant and wildlife species and habitats.
• Assess project areas for environmental constraints affecting vegetation management activities.
• Coordinate with environmental, forestry, engineering, and construction teams to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Review right-of-way boundaries and verify work activities occur within approved easements and property limits.
• Meet with landowners to discuss planned vegetation management, access requirements, and project activities.
• Address landowner concerns professionally and work to resolve issues while maintaining positive stakeholder relationships.
• Maintain accurate field records, maps, photographs, and inspection reports.
• Utilize GIS, GPS, mapping software, and mobile data collection tools to document field observations.
• Assist with obtaining property access permissions and coordinating field activities with landowners.
• Ensure all vegetation management practices comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Collaborate with environmental specialists regarding wetlands, protected habitats, and wildlife concerns.
• Monitor contractor compliance with project specifications, environmental requirements, and right-of-way agreements.
• Support project planning and execution through field assessments and reporting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, Wildlife Management, Land Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in right-of-way management, forestry, vegetation management, environmental consulting, utility operations, or a related field.
• Knowledge of tree identification, vegetation management practices, and native plant species.
• Understanding of environmental regulations related to protected species, habitats, wetlands, and vegetation clearing activities.
• Experience working directly with landowners and resolving property-related concerns.
• Ability to interpret maps, plats, easements, survey information, and right-of-way documents.
• Proficiency with GPS technology, GIS platforms, and digital field data collection tools.
• Strong professional communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Familiarity with federal and state environmental permitting requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk several miles per day across uneven terrain and remote project sites.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to identify vegetation, trees, and environmental features in the field.
• Ability to climb over obstacles, navigate wooded areas, and access challenging terrain.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when necessary.
• Ability to travel regularly throughout assigned project areas.

Right of Way Agents may have prior experience as attorneys, paralegals, real estate, or land professionals, working in industries such as electric utility power or communication companies, pipeline, engineering firms, or government agencies specializing in land development.

About the Company

Coates has a 76-year history providing comprehensive land acquisition and right-of-way services to municipalities, utilities, energy providers, and oil and gas companies nationwide. The first firm of its kind, Coates is widely recognized as a leader in the land and right-of-way acquisition industry. A national corporation, Coates has the depth of knowledge and agility to respond to client needs in all 50 states. Coates is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with regional offices located throughout the United States.

It is our mission to provide professional, high-quality, cost-efficient land acquisition and right-of-way services our clients need, when and where they need us.

Benefits

Coates offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability (STD/LTD)
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Company-paid holidays