Right of Way Agent Associate-Right of Way Agent Senior

American Electric Power•Gahanna, OH

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible, with minimal supervision and the ability to supervise contract agents, for the acquisition of land, land rights, licenses, leases, permits, and other documents necessary for the construction, operation and maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution lines. The role encompasses multiple levels: Right of Way Agent Associate, Right of Way Agent, and Right of Way Agent Senior, each with increasing levels of responsibility and complexity in negotiations, damage claims, and document drafting. The position requires interfacing with various AEP departments, government agencies, and the public, while promoting safety and ensuring compliance with all applicable requirements, including railroad permits and agreements.

Requirements

Driver license.
Associate’s degree in business, real estate, engineering, paralegal or related field OR High school diploma and 2 years’ experience in right of way procurement, surveying, title research or related fields (for Associate).
2 years’ experience in right of way procurement, title research, surveying or related field of work (for Associate).
Associate degree in business, real estate, engineering, paralegal or related field OR high school diploma and 2 years’ experience in the acquisition of real estate and right of way or related field (for Agent).
4 years’ experience in the acquisition of real estate or right of way procurement, surveying, title research or related type of work (for Agent).
Associate degree in business, engineering, paralegal, real estate or related field OR High school diploma and 2 years' experience in right of way procurement, surveying, title research or related fields (for Senior).
6 years’ experience in the acquisition of real estate or right of way procurement, surveying, title research or related type of work (for Senior).
Notary Commission (required for Agent and Senior, must be obtained within 6 months of hire for Associate).
Travel throughout assigned territory.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Strong computer skills.
Mastery of all distribution electronic mapping and easement imaging systems.

Responsibilities

Negotiates with landowners for the acquisition of rights for electric distribution facilities.
Settles damage claims with landowners related to property damage caused by AEP.
Searches courthouse and other records to determine property ownership and interests.
Drafts documents for rights of entry, damage claims, contracts, easements, licenses, leases, permits, options to purchase, and other necessary rights.
Provides functional support to other AEP Business Units regarding land and land rights acquisition.
Interfaces and cooperates with other AEP departments to resolve challenges impacting ROW procurement and schedules.
Maintains right of way and property records, including files, maps, drawings, exhibits, and detailed progress reports.
Develops and maintains favorable relationships with the general public, landowners, and government agencies.
Promotes, supports, and enforces safety practices.
Responds to customer inquiries and complaints related to company distribution right of way activities.
Processes, coordinates, and manages railroad permits, licenses, and agreements.
Handles complicated negotiations and settles complicated damage claims with landowners.
Supervises contract agents as required.
Remains knowledgeable in real estate values and appraisal practices.
Advises and assists supervisors in establishing fair market values.
Acts as a witness and assists in the selection of witnesses and commissioners in court actions.
Assists and confers with legal counsel in the preparation of condemnation cases and other court actions.
Promotes, coordinates, and supports efforts to acquire distribution easement requirements.
Walks long distances and/or climbs steep terrain.