Land Agents - NY

Merjent•City of Albany, NY

71d•Hybrid

About The Position

Merjent, Inc. (Merjent) has a need for a motivated land agent based in New York. This will be a long-term project opportunity, and work is anticipated to start in spring 2026. Land agents with capital projects, renewable projects, and transmission line infrastructure and development experience are highly preferred. The land agents will be the point of contact for stakeholders, local governments, and community organizations for proposed or existing projects. The land agents will assist with market expansion initiatives and negotiate and secure legal land agreements (rights-of-way, leases, easements, fee purchases, right of entry, etc.) necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities on behalf of our clients. The land agents must be able to work independently and in a team, be able to manage multiple deadlines, and be able to make decisions that balance the interests of the company and the property owners. This is an excellent opportunity for a career professional to join a growing and exciting service team! Land agents will be based out of Albany, New York, and surrounding cities. Preference will be given to experienced land agents local to the project. However, if the agent is not local, per-diem rates will be available, and/or there may be opportunities for a relocation fee. The pay rate for these roles will be $30-$45/hour. Pay will be based on several factors, including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs. Retirement and health benefits are available.

Requirements

Associate's degree with at least 2 years of land services experience in the energy industry.
Knowledge of real estate principles gained through education and experience.
Ability to work autonomously.
Initiative taker with strong organizational skills.
Demonstrated efficiency in managing multi-disciplinary tasks.
Willingness to travel and work flexible/long hours.
Positive attitude and a desire to work with people of all backgrounds, in all types of environments.
Proactive problem solver with the ability to negotiate and solve complex land related issues and rights.
Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to complete assignments, meet client expectations, and track daily field progress.
Ability to negotiate difficult situations, taking all points of view into consideration to determine the best course of action for Merjent and the client.
Ability to work in both office and field environments.
Microsoft Office applications, mapping platforms such as Google Earth, and ability to interpret and research (abstract) legal documents.

Nice To Haves

Capital projects, renewable projects, and transmission line infrastructure and development experience are highly preferred.
Experience in capital projects, and transmission line projects preferred but not required.
Title experience is preferred but not required.
Preference will be given to experienced land agents local to the project.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact between the client and key stakeholders; managing 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 both for permanent and/or temporary rights, and 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 the leadership.
Analyze local land values for development of the acquisition offer range and a pre-assessment of damage payments.
Analyze existing land rights and determine land rights required for the assigned work.
Represent the client by setting up and/or attending business-related meetings with various 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 and/or other daily data entry platforms.
Review, understand, and comply with Merjent processes, procedures, and forms with minimal supervision; including adoption of all submitted safety policies/procedures and completion of all required training for affected staff.