Right of Way Agent Assoc-Sr

American Electric Power•Zanesville, OH

10d•$79,000 - $101,000

About The Position

Responsible, with minimal supervision and the ability to supervise contract agents, for acquiring land, land rights, licenses, leases, permits, and other documents necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution lines. This single vacancy may be filled at the Right of Way Agent or Right of Way Agent Sr level; education and/or relevant experience will determine the appropriate salary and salary grade. The posting lists annual salary ranges of $79,000–$89,000 for Right of Way Agent and $91,000–$101,000 for Right of Way Agent Sr. Travel is required in the assigned territory.

Requirements

Driver license and Notary Commission.
Right of Way Agent: Associate degree in business, real estate, engineering, paralegal studies, or a related field; or a high school diploma and 2 years of experience in real estate acquisition, right of way, or a related field.
Right of Way Agent: 4 years of experience in real estate acquisition, right of way procurement, surveying, title research, or related work, in addition to any experience listed under the education alternative.
Right of Way Agent Sr: Associate degree in business, engineering, paralegal studies, real estate, or a related field; or a high school diploma and 2 years of experience in right of way procurement, surveying, title research, or related fields.
Right of Way Agent Sr: 6 years of experience in real estate acquisition, right of way procurement, surveying, title research, or related work, in addition to any experience listed under the education alternative.
Travel in the assigned territory.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to walk long distances and/or climb steep terrain.
Ability to use distribution electronic mapping and easement imaging systems.
Strong computer skills.

Responsibilities

Handle complicated negotiations with landowners or their designees to acquire rights for construction, reconstruction, enlargement, or maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities, and supervise contract agents as required.
Settle complicated damage claims with landowners or their designees related to property damage caused by AEP during construction, reconstruction, enlargement, maintenance, or removal of transmission and/or distribution facilities, and supervise contract agents as required.
Search courthouse and other available records to determine current property ownership and the extent of property interests.
Remain knowledgeable about real estate values and accepted appraisal practices; advise and assist the Right of Way Supervisor in establishing a range of fair market values for acquiring land and land rights.
Draft or supervise preparation of rights of entry, damage claims, contracts, easements, licenses, leases, permits, options to purchase, and other documents needed to acquire adequate rights for AEP facilities.
Assist the ROW Supervisor in providing functional support to other AEP Business Units regarding land and land-rights acquisition questions and procedures.
Act as a witness and assist in selecting witnesses and commissioners for condemnation and other court actions involving electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
Maintain property-owner files, maps, drawings, exhibits, and detailed progress reports.