Right of Way and Damages Agent III, Right of Way

Acquires rights-of-way, site easements, leases, and real property; negotiates and settles damage claims. Facilitates permits, term rights-of-way, etc. with city, state, county, and federal government officials.

• Conduct land-related activities for internal stakeholders, including project activities, landowner contacts, encroachment, and proactively pursuing the obtainment of private land rights by using best practices and knowledge of internal and external business issues to optimize overall results.
• Research and analyze complex problems to obtain and maintain easement rights, grants, and other land or land rights from private, federal, state, and local entities.
• Work independently with federal, state, and local agencies and landowners to research existing land records to determine compatible uses of the easement corridors to assist internal stakeholders, infrastructure integrity, and preservation of rights.
• Negotiate settlements that are complex and sensitive to build a consensus on multiple land use scenarios (i.e., Agricultural, Residential, Industrial, Commercial, and Public Property.)
• Exercise judgment based on analysis of multiple sources of information for land records and title information and ensure the accuracy of the data in the land records management system.
• Prepare project cost estimates for acquisition, damages, tract costs, and contract land agent costs during projects within broad guidelines and policies.
• Interpret, decipher, and plan for impacts of laws on acquiring private land rights within service territories.
• Collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, operational groups, projects, and service activities to improve right-of-way (ROW) outcomes.
• Provide project leadership, land contractor oversite, and timely project progress updates. Identify and elevate project obstacles that impact cost and/or time. Ensure quality performance of tasks such as land contract adherence and timely processing of invoices and land rights documents and ensure adherence to records information management.
• Lead acquisition efforts on projects and serve as a resource for contract land staff and colleagues with less experience.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required in performance of job.
• Employee may be required to perform additional duties as assigned.

Education Requirements 

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and additional work experience. (Typically, one and a half to two years of relevant experience is equivalent to one year of formal education.)

Experience 

• In addition to education, this role typically calls for five to seven years of relevant professional experience.  (Minimum of four years’ relevant experience are required).
• Previous experience securing rights-of-way and/or acquiring real estate.
• Experience and/or skills training related to: 
  • Conflict resolution
  • Negotiation
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Time management
  • Reporting 
  • Organization 
  • Land law knowledge 
  • Problem solving 
  • Conflict resolution
• Experience and/or training related to:
  • Legal descriptions
  • Utilization of tax assessments
  • Market study appraisals to compile monetary negotiation offers
  • Negotiation techniques
  • Researching public land records
  • Reading land appraisals
• Ability in the use and function of tools and equipment applicable to position including accessing mainframe computers, personal computers, and/or mobile phone.
• Experience with the application of math and algebraic formulas.
• Experience reading and interpreting survey descriptions, maps and plats, legal opinions, contracts, real estate records, court documents, and correspondence.
• Experience researching and/or preparing legal documents, leases, contracts, damage appraisals, right-of-way agreements, easements, crossing permit applications, bills of sale, and correspondence.
• Experience interacting, advising, negotiating, testifying, and communicating effectively.
• Experience negotiating with city, state, county, and federal government entities to facilitate permits and easements.
• Demonstrated ability to read and write fluently in English.
   

Licenses and Certifications 

Applicable driver's license required.
Notary Public for appropriate location required.
Certified Senior Right-of-Way Agent preferred.
 

Additional Requirements 

• Mobility to travel in and around office surroundings and job sites out-of-doors.
• Communicate and/or exchange information; conduct oral presentations.
• Sufficient to perform job duties.
   

This job description is meant as a guideline for employees of ONE Gas, Inc. It is not a definitive or exhaustive description and consequently may not include all tasks or functions related to the position. This document does not create, and is not part of, an employment contract. Please note the position may change to meet the changing requirements of the business. Employees may be assigned duties either, in addition to or instead of, those set out in this document and the position is subject to further changes at management’s discretion.