Right Of Way Agent

PPL Corporation•Bloomsburg, PA

About The Position

PPL Electric Utilities is seeking a Right Of Way Agent to acquire legally acceptable rights of way for electric distribution and communication facilities and manage easement rights and distribution license agreements. The role addresses inquiries about existing or proposed facilities and supports internal and external customers on right-of-way matters. It also contributes to the vision and strategy of the distribution right-of-way organization and supports process improvement initiatives. The position requires interpersonal and negotiation skills to work with residential, industrial, and commercial customers, government entities, and community leaders. The company reserves the right to assign the position onsite, remotely, or in a hybrid arrangement; the assigned work location may change, and in-person attendance may be required for coordination. The role may also be assigned emergency and storm responsibilities, which can require work outside the normal schedule.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and three years of field experience in right of way, real estate, surveying, civil engineering, and/or land management; or an associate degree and five years of such field experience.
Working knowledge of real estate law, terminology, procedures, and practices, as well as courthouse functions and practices.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
Ability to read and interpret legal documents related to real estate and right-of-way transactions.
Pennsylvania Notary Public appointment.
Valid in-state driver's license with a satisfactory record.
Interpersonal and negotiation skills to work with residential, industrial, and commercial customers, government entities, and community leaders.

Nice To Haves

Strong public relations, negotiation, and leadership skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including SharePoint, GIS, work management tools, and related technologies supporting Real Estate and Right of Way programs.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to collaborate with internal and external teams, adapt to changing conditions and priorities, and work flexibly.
Ability to process information quickly, research and analyze data, and develop solutions.
Change management experience within Real Estate.
Excellent organizational and documentation skills.
SRWA designation through IRWA.

Responsibilities

Determine the need for and acquire valid rights of way for construction, reconstruction, relocation, or improvement of electric distribution and communication facilities; negotiate job modifications or design changes with property owners.
Obtain rights of way within the time needed to meet engineering and construction schedules.
Investigate property ownership using courthouse records, tax maps, field inspections, or other means, and ensure compliance with state, county, and local land-use laws and ordinances.
Secure access road agreements for distribution lines when required or when access outside the right of way is needed.
Assist with all phases of major distribution projects and work with contracted engineering firms to support construction schedules.
Plan and manage workload and contractors, including obtaining approvals from the Supervisor – Right of Way for use of right-of-way contractors.
Identify properties and negotiate temporary laydown-area leases for large distribution projects.
Respond to, coordinate, and resolve customer matters involving land use, crop damage claims, facility status, and interpretation of existing right-of-way agreements.
Serve as liaison between property owners and the Company before, during, and after assigned projects, resolving right-of-way customer issues promptly and efficiently.
Communicate project status to managers, engineers, inspectors, crews, foremen, developers, contractors, customers, and others; keep work management systems updated.
Prepare documentation of the right-of-way process, including agreements and modifications, correspondence, special instructions, contact logs, memoranda, reports, and formal releases; notarize and record required agreements.
Facilitate acquisition of, or prepare and secure, permits from government agencies and railroads.
Provide right-of-way support to other departments as needed.
Participate in storm restoration efforts in designated areas as assigned.
Review and approve right-of-way agreements obtained by area distribution technicians before submission to corporate files.
Conduct title searches to determine property rights and assist the Office of General Counsel as needed.
Support and participate in departmental initiatives and process improvements.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with company policies and standards.
When assigned an emergency and storm role, support power restoration or other responses affecting customer service, potentially working after hours and outside the normal schedule.