Right of Way Agent

TIERRA RIGHT OF WAY SERVICES LTD•Albuquerque, NM

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Right of Way Agent is an entry-level position in the right-of-way agent series, based on-site in Tierra’s Albuquerque, New Mexico office. Under the close supervision of a Division Manager, Program Manager, or more senior Right of Way Agent, the Agent receives formal and rotational on-the-job training in appraisals, acquisitions, relocation assistance, utility relocation, and property management. The role also performs routine administrative office and field duties, with frequent local travel to landowners and clients; overnight travel is not expected. Travel may be up to 25%. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. The Agent obtains property rights for utility, public, and private projects on behalf of Tierra’s clients, including negotiating with property owners and their representatives. The role supports right-of-way projects through title and property research, review of plans and legal documents, appraisal and acquisition work, preparation of project materials, coordination with agencies, and recording of conveyance documents. The Agent explains relevant documents, property-owner rights, applicable laws, and regulations to affected owners. Decision-making is generally restricted, and public and interdepartmental contacts are closely supervised.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Two years of experience working in the right-of-way industry, including experience reading plans, understanding legal descriptions, reading title reports, and negotiating with property owners.
Valid driver’s license.
Valid real estate license in the state of assignment.
Ability to pass a background check.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, communicate and collaborate with a wide variety of people, and work as a team player.
Strong organization, attention to detail, and accuracy; ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work.
Ability to work independently, apply decision-making skills, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
Working knowledge of right-of-way disciplines including title, engineering, appraisal, and negotiations.
Knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to create accurate maps and maintain appropriate files, logs, and records.
Ability to understand direction and follow established procedures; understand, remember, and communicate routine factual information; complete routine forms using existing form letters; and conduct routine communication.
Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Obtain fee titles, easements, permits, agreements, and other property rights for utility, public, and private projects on behalf of Tierra’s clients.
Research property titles and records to verify ownership and recorded encumbrances; conduct or obtain title searches to locate property owners.
Review title reports and other documents in preparation for negotiations.
Contact property owners and participate in negotiations to secure property rights, including purchases, leases, donations, easements, and claims settlements.
Review survey drawings, legal descriptions, right-of-way and construction plans, and related documents for accuracy and conformity to standards.
Participate in appraisal site inspections; review appraisal reports; order and review appraisals and title reports.
Inspect affected property and identify implications of County projects for the property and structures.
Prepare preliminary cost estimates, acquisition documents, letters of opinion of value, and short-form appraisals for total or partial acquisitions and easements to establish just compensation.
Prepare and review legal descriptions, maps, offer packages, permit applications, documents, correspondence, and reports; explain their content and ramifications to affected property owners.
Serve as a liaison with agencies to pursue approved permits, leases, agreements, and other project needs.
Inform property owners of their rights and applicable laws and regulations.
Draft or review legal instruments conveying rights of way to the County, including deeds, mortgages, and purchase contracts.
Prepare recommended resolutions for payments to owners and mortgage owners; record documents and order title insurance.
Create accurate maps and maintain appropriate project files, logs, and records.
Perform other related responsibilities as requested or required.