Right of Way and Damages Agent III, Right of Way

ONE Gas•Oklahoma City, OK

About The Position

The Right of Way and Damages Agent III acquires rights-of-way, site easements, leases, and real property; negotiates and settles damage claims; and facilitates permits and term rights-of-way with city, state, county, and federal government officials. The role conducts land-related activities for internal stakeholders, researches land records and title information, obtains land rights from public and private entities, and negotiates sensitive, complex settlements involving varied land uses. It also prepares project cost estimates, interprets laws affecting land acquisition, collaborates with stakeholders, and leads project acquisition efforts while overseeing land contractors and supporting less-experienced colleagues. Regular and reliable attendance is required. Additional duties may be assigned. The position may change as business requirements change and this description is not an employment contract.

Requirements

At least four years of relevant professional experience; the role typically calls for five to seven years in addition to education.
Previous experience securing rights-of-way and/or acquiring real estate.
Experience or skills training in conflict resolution, negotiation, written and verbal communication, time management, reporting, organization, land law, and problem solving.
Experience or training with legal descriptions, tax assessments, market-study appraisals for monetary negotiation offers, negotiation techniques, public land-record research, and reading land appraisals.
Ability to use tools and equipment applicable to the position, including mainframe computers, personal computers, and/or mobile phones.
Experience applying math and algebraic formulas.
Experience reading and interpreting survey descriptions, maps and plats, legal opinions, contracts, real estate records, court documents, and correspondence.
Experience researching and/or preparing legal documents, leases, contracts, damage appraisals, right-of-way agreements, easements, crossing permit applications, bills of sale, and correspondence.
Experience interacting, advising, negotiating, testifying, and communicating effectively.
Experience negotiating with city, state, county, and federal government entities to facilitate permits and easements.
Ability to read and write fluently in English.
Applicable driver's license required.
Notary Public for the appropriate location required.
Mobility to travel in and around office surroundings and outdoor job sites.
Ability to communicate and exchange information and conduct oral presentations as needed to perform job duties.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent education and additional work experience may substitute.
Certified Senior Right-of-Way Agent preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct land-related activities for internal stakeholders, including project activities, landowner contacts, encroachment matters, and pursuing private land rights.
Research and analyze complex issues to obtain and maintain easement rights, grants, and other land or land rights from private, federal, state, and local entities.
Work independently with agencies and landowners to research existing land records and determine compatible uses of easement corridors, supporting internal stakeholders, infrastructure integrity, and preservation of rights.
Negotiate complex and sensitive settlements and build consensus on multiple land-use scenarios, including agricultural, residential, industrial, commercial, and public property.
Analyze multiple sources of land-record and title information, exercise judgment, and ensure data accuracy in the land records management system.
Prepare project cost estimates for acquisition, damages, tract costs, and contract land-agent costs within broad guidelines and policies.
Interpret and plan for the impacts of laws on acquiring private land rights within service territories.
Collaborate with stakeholders, operational groups, projects, and service activities to improve right-of-way outcomes.
Provide project leadership, oversee land contractors, and provide timely project progress updates.
Identify and elevate obstacles affecting project costs or schedules; ensure quality performance, contract adherence, timely invoice and land-rights document processing, and compliance with records information management requirements.
Lead acquisition efforts on projects and serve as a resource for contract land staff and less-experienced colleagues.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and perform additional duties as assigned.