Transmission Land Agent - MN

Merjent•Greenfield Township, MN

11d•$35 - $50•Hybrid

About The Position

Merjent, Inc. (Merjent) has an upcoming project(s) need for motivated land agents in the state of Minnesota, with demonstrated success in large scale transmission projects. Land agents with capital projects, operations, and transmission infrastructure and development experience are highly preferred. The land agents will be the point of contact for stakeholders, local governments, and community organizations for proposed or existing projects. The land agents will negotiate and secure legal land agreements (rights-of-way, leases, easements, fee purchases, right of entry, etc.) necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities on behalf of our clients. The land agents must be able to work independently and in a team; be able to manage multiple projects and deadlines; and be able to make decisions that balance the interests of the company and the property owners. This is an excellent opportunity for a career professional to join a growing and exciting service team! Land agents will be based in Minnesota. However, while we are seeking individuals living in this state, we will also consider agents willing to travel to project sites for extended periods. Daily or limited per diem rates may be available. The pay rate for these roles will be $35-$50/hour. Pay will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs. Retirement and health benefits are available.

Requirements

5+ years of right-of-way, easement, or land acquisition experience, with demonstrated experience working in suburban, urban, or other high-density property environments.
Proven experience negotiating easements and property rights involving residential properties, small parcels, commercial properties, and developed transmission corridors where impacts to individual properties require detailed landowner coordination.
Experience managing acquisitions where multiple landowners and parcels are located within a condensed project area and maintaining consistent communication, documentation, and negotiation strategy across the corridor.
Strong understanding of property impacts beyond acreage alone, including impacts to access, landscaping, driveways, improvements, setbacks, future development potential, and overall property use.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with homeowners and residential property owners, including explaining project impacts, easement terms, compensation methodology, construction impacts, and restoration requirements.
Experience navigating complex or sensitive negotiations, including landowner objections, attorney or realtor involvement, appraisal questions, counteroffers, and potential condemnation situations.
Demonstrated knowledge of Minnesota condemnation and eminent domain requirements, including Minn. Stat. Chapter 117, with experience supporting acquisitions through appraisal, offer preparation, negotiation, final offer, and condemnation referral when voluntary settlement cannot be reached.
Ability to identify potential acquisition risks early and communicate landowner sentiment, negotiation challenges, schedule risks, and escalation items to project management and the client.
Experience coordinating with engineering, survey, appraisal, title, legal, environmental, and construction teams to resolve property-specific issues during acquisition.
Strong documentation and parcel-management skills, including maintaining contact records, negotiation notes, commitments, document status, and next steps for a high volume of active parcels.

Nice To Haves

Land agents with capital projects, operations, and transmission infrastructure and development experience are highly preferred.
Utility transmission, distribution, pipeline, transportation, fiber, or other linear infrastructure acquisition experience in developed or suburban corridors strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact between the client and key stakeholders; managing the acquisition, negotiation, and communication of all types of real property rights related to energy projects.
Negotiate acquisition of easements, leases, fee property, permits and other agreements both for permanent and/or temporary rights, and damages settlement (minor and/or complex damage issues).
Work with landowners and key stakeholders to understand development limits, access, and other site considerations that could affect a project's layout and installation.
Examine and search public records to determine land ownership, title chain/reports, including the names and addresses of surface owners, tenants, renters, mortgages, etc.
Identify and track project milestones, reporting progress to the leadership.
Analyze local land values for development of the acquisition offer range and a pre-assessment of damage payments.
Analyze existing land rights and determine land rights required for the assigned work.
Represent the client by setting up and/or attending business related meetings with various government or agency officials (state, county, etc.).
Document all communication and correspondence with landowners including in-person meetings, email, phone, and mail using standard Microsoft Office applications.
Review, understand, and comply with Merjent processes, procedures, and forms with minimal supervision; including adoption of all submitted safety policies/ procedures and completion of all required training for affected staff.