Right of Way Agent

Matanuska Telecom Association Inc.•Palmer, AK

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We are searching for an experienced Right of Way Agent at our Palmer HQ facility. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: This position coordinates and implements right-of-way for MTA; acquires and certifies right-of-way to advance projects to the construction phase; makes frequent contacts with the public, utility companies, contractors, developers, government agencies, office staff, and managers to solve unusual and difficult right-of-way problems. Work is performed with considerable independence requiring the application of judgment and discretion. Agency networking and professional representation of MTA are required.

Requirements

EDUCATION: Degree desirable but not required; level of education required to establish a broad base of general skills and develop advanced areas of specialization. High school education required. Must obtain Right-of-Way Agent designation, through the International Right of Way Association (IRWA), within 24 months.
WORK EXPERIENCE: A minimum of two to five years documented experience in utilities right-of-way departments, governmental agencies, public administration, real estate law, construction management, or private right-of-way firms.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS: Considerable knowledge of professional right-of-way practices required with the ability to interpret engineering plans and specifications, real property title reports, and other legal documents for right-of-way certification. Knowledge of the application of surveying and engineering principles, mathematics, and application of legal documents related to right-of-way. Knowledge of environmental permit acquisition.
EFFECT OF ERROR: Errors in employee’s normal work activity may put employer at substantial risk. Most errors can be substantially corrected within one year after identification. Correction may require a relatively high level of disruption of normal departmental resource allocation.
JOB SCOPE: The individual employee is seen performing a multiplicity of functions or professional procedures which go beyond repetitive operation. The tasks assume a greater complexity; they are likely to require creativity and a demonstration of vocational and/or professional initiative. These activities require a working knowledge of the operations of more than one section within a department.
INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT: Job responsibilities are routine in general and are established by sectional practices and procedures. Independent judgments require research and/or analysis and are generally limited to the individual’s area of expertise.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Agent is exposed to mildly unpleasant conditions most of the day, such as pressure due to frequent deadlines and/or frequent confrontational contact with employees, subscribers, or others outside MTA. Field work and travel require exposure to a variety of adverse weather conditions and hazards.

Responsibilities

Negotiate and obtain all necessary right-of-way grants, permits, and easements necessary for the needs and protection of the Association.
Identify and coordinate environmental permitting requirements, such as SWPPP’s.
Maintains and operates the permit and easement management systems, including data entry and filing paper copies.
Notify agencies and landowners of upcoming projects in their area; may include mailers, phone calls, site visits, community meetings, etc.
Address community member and landowner inquiries/complaints and route them to the appropriate department or contractor if needed. Document communications and actions. Must be able to meet and deal effectively with a wide variety of people.
Obtain Precabling Subdivision Agreements and easements from Developers for new subdivisions.
Maintain a close working relationship with Federal, State and Local government and planning entities to ensure conformance to all rules and regulations and to promote an understanding and acceptance of MTA’s plans, policies and procedures. Consult on a daily basis with engineering staff relative to the progress of work order projects.
Perform title research, conduct special project research, and prepare reports as directed. Provide information relative to property ownership and addresses for engineering and survey research, as requested, and coordinate technical work with other MTA departmental staff, as needed.
Review proposed Platting Actions and/or regulations changes and recommend specifications and conditions relative to the MTA’s needs. Present information to the Platting Board, Assembly, Planning Commission, and other public entities in a public hearing environment.
Has P-Card Authority
Other duties as assigned