Transmission Land Agent - MN

Merjent, Inc. has upcoming project needs for motivated land agents in Minnesota with demonstrated success in large-scale transmission projects. Candidates with experience in capital projects, operations, and transmission infrastructure are highly preferred. Land agents will serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, local governments, and community organizations for proposed or existing projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the client and key stakeholders; manage the acquisition, negotiation, and communication of all types of real property rights related to energy projects.
• Negotiate acquisition of easements, leases, fee property, permits, and other agreements for both permanent and/or temporary rights, including damages settlement (minor and/or complex damage issues).
• Work with landowners and key stakeholders to understand development limits, access, and other site considerations that could affect a project's layout and installation.
• Examine and search public records to determine land ownership, title chain/reports, including the names and addresses of surface owners, tenants, renters, mortgages, etc.
• Identify and track project milestones, reporting progress to leadership.
• Analyze local land values to develop acquisition offer ranges and pre-assess damage payments.
• Analyze existing land rights and determine land rights required for assigned work.
• Represent the client by setting up and/or attending business-related meetings with government or agency officials (state, county, etc.).
• Document all communication and correspondence with landowners, including in-person meetings, email, phone, and mail using standard Microsoft Office applications.
• Review, understand, and comply with Merjent processes, procedures, and forms with minimal supervision, including safety policies/procedures and required training.

Requirements

• 5+ years of right-of-way, easement, or land acquisition experience, with demonstrated experience in suburban, urban, or high-density property environments.
• Proven experience negotiating easements and property rights involving residential, small parcels, commercial properties, and developed transmission corridors where impacts require detailed landowner coordination.
• Experience managing acquisitions with multiple landowners and parcels in condensed project areas while maintaining consistent communication, documentation, and negotiation strategy.
• Strong understanding of property impacts beyond acreage, including access, landscaping, driveways, improvements, setbacks, future development potential, and overall property use.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with homeowners and residential property owners, explaining project impacts, easement terms, compensation methodology, construction impacts, and restoration requirements.
• Experience navigating complex or sensitive negotiations, including landowner objections, attorney or realtor involvement, appraisal questions, counteroffers, and potential condemnation situations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Minnesota condemnation and eminent domain requirements, including Minn. Stat. Chapter 117, with experience supporting acquisitions through appraisal, offer preparation, negotiation, final offer, and condemnation referral.
• Ability to identify potential acquisition risks early and communicate landowner sentiment, negotiation challenges, schedule risks, and escalation items to project management and the client.
• Experience coordinating with engineering, survey, appraisal, title, legal, environmental, and construction teams to resolve property-specific issues during acquisition.
• Strong documentation and parcel-management skills, including maintaining contact records, negotiation notes, commitments, document status, and next steps for a high volume of active parcels.
• Utility transmission, distribution, pipeline, transportation, fiber, or other linear infrastructure acquisition experience in developed or suburban corridors strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits available.
• Health benefits available.

Pay

$35–$50/hour, based on education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, and business needs.

Schedule

Land agents will be based in Minnesota but may require travel to project sites for extended periods. Daily or limited per diem rates may be available.

About Merjent

The Merjent difference is based on a commitment to our values, which guide how we work with clients and each other. We prioritize quality and professional integrity in everything we do and are proud of our reputation for delivering quality work and building long-term, trusting relationships with clients and regulatory agencies.

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