Land Agent Consultant

NW Natural • Happy Valley, OR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Land Agent is part of the Claims and Land Team who provides advanced expertise and leadership in managing the Company’s real property assets including leases, easements, storage agreements, and related permitting matters, transactions, and special projects. This role ensures accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all land related processes while serving as a primary resource for internal and external stakeholders on land acquisition matters, title issues, easements, etc. and coordinates with Legal Department on land rights issues.  The Lead Land Agent oversees land-related reporting, supports process improvements, mentors team members with land responsibilities, and ensures activities comply with contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Minimum 8 5 years of progressively responsible experience in land, real estate, utility operations, or related fields.
• Knowledge of utility operations, federal and state regulations, land acquisition, and real property processes preferred.
• Experience with SAP (Real Estate module), land database systems, and SharePoint preferred.
• Attention to detail, independent judgment, and ability to manage deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to maintain tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
• Advanced proficiency in office software, database systems, and document management tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and support team members.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of utility operations, federal and state regulations, land acquisition, and real property processes preferred.
• Experience with SAP (Real Estate module), land database systems, and SharePoint preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert for land-related acquisitions, leases, easements, permits and storage processes.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to Claims and Land Agents on land-related matters.
• Coordinate cross functional work with Legal, Engineering, Accounting, Technical Accounting, and Operations on land related matters.
• Lead process improvements, standardization efforts, and documentation updates for land-related functions, particularly with cross-departmental coordination and support.
• Lead land acquisition efforts and projects in coordination with the business
• Oversee creation, management, and tracking of land records for acquisitions, leases, easements deeds, payments, and related documentation.
• Ensure accurate data entry and maintenance within SAP Real Estate and related databases.
• Support land and related land rights acquisition processes and ensure proper recordkeeping, recording and compliance for land acquisitions, leases, easements and other land-related items.
• Review and validate as needed data, reports, and payment documentation prepared by team members.
• Oversee mortgage notifications and reporting, and other land, lease, easement and other land-related payments and SAP Real Estate data entry.
• Assist as needed in supporting the business with the acquisition, management and oversight of surface, mineral, and royalty agreements related to gas storage.
• Ensure accurate SAP Real Estate data, payment preparation, and agreement maintenance.
• Support acquisition and renewal processes and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Lead the creation, tracking, renewal, and distribution of designated permits, licenses, and railroad agreements.
• Oversee payment processing in coordination with Accounting for data entry and documentation accuracy.
• Ensure timely renewals and proper distribution to all NW Natural sites.
• Assist with departmental budget oversight, land bank account management, and payment distribution.
• Coordinate quarterly lease reviews with Accounting and Technical Accounting.
• Compile, analyze, and report land related data and metrics.
• Maintain reference information, databases, and audit ready documentation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for complex inquiries regarding leases, easements, storage agreements, land-related permits, and other land matters.
• Provide guidance, research, and problem solving support to internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver land related reports and information as needed.
• Coordinate activities closely with Legal Department to ensure compliance and with key business stakeholders on acquisition and project matters.

Benefits

• Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
• Free access to an online wellness resources platform
• Up to 23 Vacation Days
• 80 Hours of Sick Time
• 10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
• Flexible work arrangements
• 3 weeks paid parental leave
• Green Team / Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council / Safety Team / Women’s Network and many other Employee Resource Groups
• 1500 sq foot exercise facility and secure bike room
• Meaningful annual incentive bonus opportunity in addition to base salary
• Competitive 401K company contribution and match
• 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
• Wellness incentive program
• 20% off natural gas service
• Up to 30% discount at NW Natural Appliance Center
• TriMet Pass for all HQ employees
• Generous discounts with Verizon & AT&T Wireless

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree