ROW Agent

DESCRIPTION

Appalachian Field Service (AFS) is looking for an entry-level to experienced Acquisition Agent for work in Pennsylvania. Those considering this position need to live within two (2) hours of State College, Pennsylvania. This position is responsible for the negotiation and acquisition of rights for electric transmission service and any associated duties. This person is an experienced agent, able to perform a variety of duties independently. This position reports directly to the ROW Supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Contact the owners of interest in land regarding the acquisition of real property rights, amendments of rights, notifications of entry, settlement of claims and other matters.
• Responsible for purchasing property by negotiating with the property owners, analyzing property appraisals, and making recommendations to the client using real estate practices, legal concepts, governmental standards, and regulations.
• Represent the client in complex negotiations with property owners and attorneys.
• Responsible for recommending to the client whether a reasonable compromise is likely, and further negotiations should be pursued or whether to pursue condemnation litigation.
• Responsible for recommending payment increases to the client if the property owner has a legitimate basis for seeking a substantially higher amount.
• Responsible for estimating areas of potential damage in advance of construction and accumulating information as to damages occurring during construction.
• Responsible for preparing lawsuit packages for condemnation proceedings, assisting the clients attorney, and serving as an expert witness in mediation or trial if the negotiation process fails.
• Capable of working unsupervised in a variety of roles.
• Well qualified in a specialized area such as land title, regulatory matters, or acquisition that they are selected to work only in this area of special expertise.
• May be responsible for Right of Way operations and maintenance.

Accountability: This position is responsible for working with all office staff, ensuring a healthy work environment and the satisfaction of all staff. Must be able to work effectively and professionally with office staff, the client, and landowners.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Project/Job Requirements:

• Prior ROW experience preferred, entry-level welcomed.
• Must be willing to travel to other areas around Pennsylvania as needed (expenses covered) but No Per Diem associated with this role.

Education:

• Associate degree or two years of college and two plus years of Right of Way experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

• Experience in interpretation of documents and in the use of all the tools required in the Right of Way field.
• Extensive acquisition experience.
• Broad array of knowledge in all phases of Right-of-Way.
• Understanding of environmental issues.

Equipment:

• Must have a smartphone, computer and reliable internet connection.

Licensing:

• Must currently have a Pennsylvania Notary or be willing to get on upon hire.
• Must have a valid drivers license.
• Must maintain minimum automobile liability insurance in the amount of $100,000/$300,000/$100,000.

Language Skills:

• Requires excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Must be able to write clearly and concisely to prepare reports, specifications, and correspondence.

Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, percentages, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Intermediate computer skills and familiarity with general PC operation.
• Intermediate software skills with all Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to learn new computer programs rapidly.
• Ability and willingness to move rapidly from place to place and meet timeline constraints.
• Capacity to be flexible, multi-task and maintain a great attitude.
• Ability to be a team player.