Right of Way and Property Acquisition Program Manager

Location: Hybrid in Bakersfield, Chico, San Jose or Torrance

Employment Type: Full Time, permanent position.

Position Summary:

Are you passionate about shaping the future of water infrastructure by securing the land and property rights needed for critical programs and projects? As a Right-of-Way & Property Acquisition Program Manager at our firm, you’ll lead strategic property acquisitions for California’s largest water utility.

You’ll work across departments, coordinate with legal and engineering teams, and manage external partners to ensure smooth and timely property transactions. If you thrive in a leadership role where strategy, collaboration, and impact come together, this is your opportunity to make a difference!

Why join us?

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Innovation Consulting LLC, you will play a crucial role in driving our commitment to emotional intelligence, efficiency, and innovation, ensuring that we deliver positive outcomes for our clients and the communities we serve.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and Execute Property Acquisition Strategies – Establish policies, processes, and tools to efficiently acquire the land rights needed for water system improvements and integrate existing utility processes.
• Lead a Statewide Right-of-Way Program – Manage internal teams and external consultants (brokers, real estate agents, right-of-way specialists) to drive successful acquisitions.
• Ensure Program and Project Success – Oversee the acquisition process from start to finish, ensuring the program and projects stay on scope, schedule, and budget.
• Build Strong Partnerships – Work closely with Engineering, Operations, Legal, and external stakeholders to align on project goals and navigate acquisition challenges.
• Track & Optimize Performance – Maintain forecasting and tracking systems to monitor acquisitions, identify risks, and develop solutions to keep projects moving forward.
• Support Regulatory & Compliance Needs – Ensure that acquisitions align with financial principles, Public Utilities Commission (PUC) requirements, and best practices.
• Lead Continuous Improvement – Identify ways to enhance efficiency, improve workflows, and adopt technology that strengthens the acquisition process.

Who You Are:

You’re a proactive, strategic leader who excels at managing complex land acquisition programs. You have a strong understanding of right-of-way, real estate negotiations, and project management, and you thrive in a collaborative environment where you can drive results and solve challenges.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Real Estate, or a related field.
• 5 years of progressive experience in right-of-way, real estate acquisitions, civil engineering, program management, project management, property contracts, or real estate law.
• Strong knowledge of right-of-way acquisition, property transactions, and real estate law.
• Experience reviewing title reports, easements, leases, and property rights.
• Skilled in negotiations and contract development.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and align property acquisitions with large-scale infrastructure needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Project, SharePoint, Power BI, and financial tracking tools.
• Understanding of Public Utilities Commission (PUC) processes and regulations.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills—comfortable engaging with executives, legal teams, and field personnel.
• A problem-solver who can anticipate acquisition challenges and find creative solutions.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills to guide internal teams and external consultants.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.Preferred Additional Qualifications
• Utility, energy industry, engineering or construction industry experience.
• Industry certifications (PMP, PgMP)
• Water Distribution or Water Treatment Operator certifications are also beneficial.

Work Environment & Additional Requirements:

• This role is primarily hybrid, with flexibility for occasional remote work in or near Bakersfield, Chico, San Jose or Torrance.
• Travel is estimated 0% to 10% of the time.

Compensation:

• Salary Range: $150,000 to $225,000
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision, retirement plans, reimbursement accounts, PTO (Paid time Off) and discount plans.
• No waiting period on benefits package. They are available immediately and accrual items begin accruing immediately.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.

Medical, Dental and Vision:

• Benefits are provided through Covered California, where you can choose from over 48 health plans that best fit your and your family’s needs.
• Our Health Reimbursement Account helps us cost-share the premiums with our employees
• Premiums are mostly, or sometimes entirely covered by the Health Reimbursement Account, depending on the level of plan you select.
• HRA (Health Reimbursement Account) can be used for covering costs of plan premiums as well as point-of-service costs and copays
• Benefit amounts for 2025 (12-month period):

• Employee only: $6,600
• Employee plus one: $10,320
• Employee plus family: $14,040
• All plans may carryover up to $5,000 to the next year

Retirement Savings Plan:

• 401K program with safe-harbor company matching contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 6% of employee contributions.
• 401K program custodian with a history of high-performing funds.
• Discretionary supplemental match each year.

PTO (Paid Time Off)

• Holidays: Paid holidays for full-time employees, averaging 11 days per year, following utility holiday schedules.
• Sick time: 40 hours per year accrued on a bi-weekly basis, carryover allowed to next year.
• Vacation pay: accrued on a bi-weekly basis, carryover allowed to the next year.
• Vacation accrual details based on years of employment with our firm:
• 0-2 years: 2 weeks or 80 hours per year
• 3-4 years: 3 weeks or 120 hours per year
• 5 years: 4 weeks or 160 hours per year

Additional Benefits:

• Discount program on memberships, hotels, travel, concerts, electronics and other items.
• No waiting period on benefits package. Benefits eligibility is available immediately and accrual items begin accruing immediately.
• With our 401K program, you are 100% vested in all deposits from day one, no vesting period on your contributions or company contribution.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.

At Innovation Consulting LLC, you’ll be part of a team that believes in building a better world—starting with you. We’re committed to creating an environment where you feel valued, supported, empowered, and inspired to bring your unique talents to the table, driving positive change for our clients and communities.

Join us, and you’ll have the opportunity to grow with a company that values diversity, ethical leadership, and sustainability, all while making a real impact in the world through our innovative and inclusive culture.