Land Manager (Houston and Remote)

Grid United • Houston, TX

24d • Remote

About The Position

LAND MANAGER The Organization Grid United is a mission driven company aiming to solve the largest barrier to a more reliable, resilient and affordable grid by developing new long haul electric transmission lines in the United States. Established in 2021 by proven industry leaders, Grid United is developing utility-scale electric multi-state transmission projects that will provide long-term economic benefits to communities across the country, provide Americans with improved grid resiliency for our homes and businesses, and cost savings for electricity consumers. More information about the company can be found at www.gridunited.com The Position Grid United has numerous large scale transmissions projects underway and is currently identifying and studying additional prospective projects across North America. With patient capital backing led by experienced energy veterans, Grid United is in a fast-growth stage, boasting a purpose-built team of motivated and entrepreneurial talent. We are particularly focused on effective stakeholder engagement and positive involvement with the communities in the areas where we are working. This growing team is seeking to add a Land Manager to lead complex right-of-way (ROW) acquisition and land strategy for utility-scale transmission projects. The Senior Land Specialist will drive tract strategy, negotiate high-impact easements and access rights, resolve title/encumbrance issues, mentor agents, work with and manage external contract Right of Way Agents, and interface across development, engineering, environmental, legal, GIS, and external partners. This role will report to the VP, Land or Senior Land Manager and will be project-region flexible with travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in energy, energy management, energy land management or equivalent experience preferred
• 7–10+ years in ROW/land acquisition for linear infrastructure (transmission, pipeline, rail, or public works), including complex negotiations and title curative.
• Proven success closing multi-tract programs across private, state, and federal lands; comfort with eminent-domain context and relocation principles (as applicable to jurisdiction).
• Strong working knowledge of easement instruments, legal descriptions, and recording requirements; ability to review surveys and meets-and-bounds descriptions.
• Expert communicator and negotiator with high integrity and steady judgment in sensitive stakeholder settings.
• IRWA coursework/designation (RWP/SR/WA) or equivalent; notary/real estate credential preferred, must obtain.
• Transmission project experience integrating with engineering/constructability and environmental POD deliverables.
• Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task efficiently with constant regard for accuracy and quality.
• Articulate speaker with the ability to lead public presentations.
• Strong writing skills, including both technical and persuasive writing.
• Ability to read and digest large amounts of information rapidly.
• Deep curiosity for all functional areas of development including commercialization, engineering, land acquisition, public outreach, and US state and federal regulations.
• Adaptability and flexibility to manage deadline pressure, ambiguity and uncertainty, and project changes.
• Strong computer and data management skills, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small, nonhierarchical organization.
• Familiarity and basic proficiency with professional GIS systems and maps.
• Proactive and open to embracing new challenges.
• Positive, professional, and energetic team-oriented attitude.
• Embodies Grid United's core values of ingenuity, tenacity, humility, and grace.
• Ability to travel 50-75% of time.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end strategy for priority tracts: route micro-siting, option/easement negotiation, temporary access, and curative measures.
• Direct title updates, requirements clearance, endorsements, and curative actions to deliver insurable, marketable rights. Work with external parties, when needed, to review and inspect title commitments and policy endorsements.
• Apply GU ROW Policy Manual, document control, and execution workflow (signature routing, recordation, file return).
• Align with Development/Engineering on construction and pre-construction activities including workspace and access road development and acquisition, and Plan of Development inputs; synchronize with GIS on tract status and PMA (Project Mapping Application) governance; and support environmental and non-environmental permitting submittals.
• Lead the identification, application, tracking, and receipt of all non-environmental permits required for Grid United transmission projects (e.g., road, utility, railroad, county/city, highway, and other non-environmental agency permits). Ensure all permits are obtained and maintain compliance throughout the project lifecycle; proactively monitor permit conditions and deadlines, and coordinate renewals or amendments as needed.
• Lead day-to-day direction and QA of third-party land service providers (agents, title, abstractors); enforce reporting cadence and quality per GU standards.
• Demonstrate the Landowner-First method in every interaction; support meetings/open houses and manage sensitive negotiations with discretion.
• Maintain tract diaries, status dashboards, and document links consistent with PMA/GIS data capture policy; prepare regular status reports for project management and executive review, as needed.
• Mentor Land Specialists and vendor agents; share best practices on negotiations, curative, and records hygiene in alignment with GU People Strategy.
• Identify and escalate issues or concerns to Senior Land Manager and/or VP, Land.

Benefits

• Grid United offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a competitive base salary and bonus incentive plan, long term incentive plan, health benefits, 401(k), and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees