Lead Right of Way Specialist

PPL Corporation•Louisville, KY

About The Position

The Lead Right of Specialist will guide the Company’s encroachment management program and support right of way acquisition projects for gas and electric transmission operations. The Lead ensures the safety of Company personnel and protects equipment from damage through the prevention of public interference, protection of the Company’s property rights, and enhanced awareness of rights of way. By leveraging relationships throughout gas and electric operations, the Lead position will elevate the Company’s encroachment management efforts through proactive and responsive communications while advancing the customer experience.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, public administration, natural resource management, or related field and a minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in electric or gas transmission/distribution operations, land acquisition, right-of-way, or construction.
Strong understanding of land surveys, construction drawings, real estate contracts, real estate valuations, or easement documents is required.
Must be proficient with Microsoft Office products. Excellent organizational skills are required to be able to work with limited supervision and drive initiatives to completion.
Must possess a valid driver’s license. Individual will need to possess or become a commissioned Kentucky Notary Public.

Nice To Haves

The ability to develop rapport with all type of personalities while working to resolve problems and complex land acquisitions. Strong interpersonal skills including communication, negotiation, presentation, conducting effective meetings, team facilitation or management with demonstrated diplomacy/tact.
Strong written and oral communication skills to include public speaking skills, ability to develop effective proposals and prepare/maintain accurate records and reports in an organized manner. Great attention to details, processes and documentation is preferred.
Experience with GIS software is a plus. Certifications with the International Right of Way Association (IRWA) or American Association of Professional Landman (AAPL) are desired.

Responsibilities

Manages all aspects of the Company’s T&D encroachment program
Leads the encroachment investigation and review with internal stakeholders leveraging technology and ensuring accountability of internal stakeholders
Conduct site visits with field personnel and property owners to review activities, concerns and risks associated with structures and obstructions on Company’s rights of way
Utilizing collaborative decision making determine the Company’s position and course of action to resolve encroachment issues with the property owners
Conduct effective verbal and written communications with property owner
Provide right of way guidance and direction for capital projects to contractions on acquisition strategy, field issues, and property owner issues
Creates right of way acquisition strategies and budgets
Negotiates the acquisition of rights of way for the construction, operation, and maintenance of gas and electric T&D facilities
Develops the terms and conditions of encroachment agreements with stakeholder input
Performs due diligence easement reviews to identify gaps in Company’s property rights
Participates in damage resolution claims and right of way litigation matters including mediation and condemnation
Produce and maintain right of way website, communication materials, pamphlets, etc.
Develops outreach program with local governments, regulatory authorities, developers, and property owners to improve the understanding and education of permissible and non-permissible activities within the Company’s rights of way
Publish encroachment activity and tracking reports for internal stakeholders to include senior management
Provides supervisory support and guidance to right of way agents.
Serves as a member of the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT) in an on-call responsibility for a two-week period every eight (8) to ten (10 weeks
Performs other duties as directed by Sr. Manager Real Estate & Right of Way