ROW Agent

About the role

The Right of Way (ROW) Agent, under the direction of a Lead Agent or ROW Supervisor, performs survey permission, acquisition, and some title research with a fair degree of experience.

Responsibilities

• Research, negotiate, and elect to purchase short- and long-term lease agreements and Right 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 land-related legal issues, including transfers of titles and deeds, construction, mortgage concerns, and zoning.
• Resolve legal forms related to land acquisitions, requiring creativity and latitude.
• Prepare daily activity reports and special agent’s reports for complex negotiations involving easements, damage settlements, and/or permit acquisition.
• Perform internal and external due diligence to ensure accuracy and completeness of land rights or identify deficiencies requiring remedial action.
• Serve as liaison with landowners/tenants 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 (e.g., easements, permits) to determine conflicts.
• Maintain up-to-date status with designated upper-level Right of Way agent or project manager/supervisor to ensure assignments are completed following client procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of one year of experience in the Right of Way industry.
• Good understanding of applicable laws, rules, regulations, Right of Way policies, procedures, terminology, and real property acquisition policies.
• Knowledge of settlement instruments and contract terms.
• Understanding of land-related contracts and agreements for construction, operation, and maintenance (e.g., fee simple, rights-of-way, leases, temporary workspace agreements, licenses, permits, ordinances, franchise agreements) with the ability to complete transactions with some oversight.
• Experience with acquisition and relocation documents, notices, processes, and procedures.
• Ability to plan and organize workload, adjust to changing priorities, and work under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Ability to complete Right of Way transactions independently with some oversight from a Lead Agent or ROW Supervisor.
• Ability to interpret alignment sheets and plats.
• Proficiency in performing land title research.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with a customer-focused approach.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships.
• Good judgment and experience handling confidential information.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaborate as a team player.
• Attention to detail, with strong planning, organization, and time management skills.
• Willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance as per agreed work schedule (may require adjusted hours or overtime based on project needs).
• Compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies and procedures.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Spends 25% of time in an office environment and 75% in the field.
• 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, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.