Transmission Right of Way Manager

American Electric Power • Tulsa, OK

1d • $136,539 - $177,503 • Onsite

About The Position

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you The Transmission Right of Way (TROW) Manager reports to the Managing Director of Transmission Siting, Outreach, and Right of Way. Responsible for managing the activities for multiple transmission regions, in coordination with efforts of the Transmission Right of Way (TROW) group. This group is responsible for securing land rights, licenses, leases, permits and other documents necessary for the construction, operation and maintenance of AEP's electric transmission facilities, and supporting the joint venture and Transource project TROW needs that are outside of AEP-Transmission territory. The position is responsible for timely, efficient and cost effective and proper execution of the group's duties, as such the manger is responsible for implementing organizational and process improvement and reporting organizational performance. Manager's duties include responsibility for interactions and negotiations with high profile or multi-state entities such as government agencies, corporations or major customers., The group's duties also include responsibility for interaction with landowners on existing transmission lines. Activities Include: enforcing AEP's easement rights, coordination as necessary with Forestry on tree trimming activities, including resolving disputes, resolving property owner complaints due to noise, nuisance shocks or other transmission line related landowner complaints. Has Board authorization to sign easements and documents that are binding to AEP. Works with AEP Legal and outside counsel on land rights matters affecting the Company.

Requirements

• Education: Associate of Science degree is required plus nine (9) years' related experience; OR, Bachelor of Science degree is preferred plus seven (7) years' related experience.
• Experience: depending on education, seven to nine (7-9) or more years of experience including work in these areas: business, management, real estate, law, electric transmission and/or distribution right-of-way with a minimum of four (4) years in a previous leadership position.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication, presentation and organizational skills with a strong proficiency working with Microsoft Office products (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and right-of-way/land management (i.e., geoAMPS or other land management databases) or other equivalent databases and a background with project controls.
• The individual filling this position will be required to travel within the AEP Transmission service territory; however, on rare occasions may be assigned to special projects and travel outside the transmission service territory.
• Must have a valid driver’s license issued by the appropriate State.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in project management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct employees, both internal AEP and a large contract workforce engaged in transmission right of way activities throughout the region.
• Within the designated region, assure adherence to approved processes and documents including rights of entry, damage claims, contracts, easements, licenses, leases, permits, options to purchase and other legal documents.
• Ensure the proper maintenance and administration of company records including easements, right of way maps and records.
• Prepare and revise annually (where applicable) tax reports and other regulatory reports on all transmission land rights owned by AEP.
• Plan, organize and provide training to the regional TROW staff on the acquisition of land and land rights for transmission projects.
• Plan, organize and manage the regional efforts related to acquisition of land rights for transmission projects.
• Render guidance to other departments for the acquisition of land and land rights.
• Develop estimates and provide guidance for scheduling of right of way acquisition.
• Identify qualified suppliers; develop, bid and administer contracts with right of way procurement companies for work on transmission projects.
• Within the designated region, oversee, review and approve the preparation of nonstandard documents.
• Responsible for consistent interpretation easements and agreements.
• Ensure that all documents and forms used are acceptable to the AEP Legal.
• Develop procurement strategies within the region, monitor costs, provide reports, develop and maintain budgets, ensure targets and goals are achieved, and assure alignment with Business Unit and Corporate strategy.
• Maintain awareness of industry practices and trends and assure alignment with industry best practices.
• Assist and confer with legal counsel and project managers in the region in the preparation of condemnation cases and/or other court actions involving land and land rights matters, together with law suits which may result from the construction, operation or maintenance of AEP's electric transmission facilities; appear as a witness in court actions as required.
• Provide right of way expert testimony on behalf of AEP in civil courts or regulatory proceedings.
• Manage TROW electronic tools and databases, and ensure efficient utilization, including associated wireless and workstation hardware.
• Ensure the quality and consistency of the TROW records systems and legal documents.
• Approve vouchers for payments of expenses incurred in the acquisition of land and land rights involving electric transmission and/or distribution facilities such as, but not limited to: contractual obligations for the purchase of options, easements damage claims settlement, attorney fees, outside appraisal services and contractor invoices.
• Prepare and issue periodic reports indicating the status and cost of managed projects.
• Also track the project quality, timeliness and performance against annual work plans.
• Monitor the closeout process for TROW projects.
• Review lessons learned and recommend process improvements as appropriate.
• Determines resource needs, designating staff members to work on projects, and assigning work to staff members.
• Individual is expected to gain an understanding of the entire transmission line project process including scoping, estimating, risk assessment, siting, design, project management and construction.

Benefits

• In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree