Right-of-Way Agent

Right-of-Way Agent

Please submit both a cover letter and resume to apply for this role.

POSITION SUMMARY

Northern Water is seeking a Right-of-Way Agent to lead entry-level right-of-way services including negotiating the acquisition of lands and easements for pipeline and related appurtenances. This person will secure permission to enter properties from landowners and tenants, as well as draft documents associated with property acquisition. In addition, this person will be knowledgeable of Northern Water projects and current developments to provide information to property owners and the public. This individual will assist others in developing and administering right-of-way related policies and represent Northern Water and the Municipal Subdistrict.

Northern Water is growing and we’re seeking employees who are passionately committed to helping us collect and deliver water to more than 1 million people and about 615,000 acres of irrigated farmland. Since 1937 our strong and stable reputation has attracted employees to be a part of our mission. We offer competitive pay, exceptional benefits and a workplace environment that offers great culture and collaboration. With more than 190 employees, most are based at our beautiful Berthoud, Colo. headquarters, and about 20 are based in scenic Grand County on the West Slope of the Continental Divide.

This is an exciting time to become a part of our organization as we embark on building two of the largest water storage projects in recent United States history. Construction on the Chimney Hollow Reservoir Project began in August 2021 and will wrap up in summer 2025. We are also anticipating to start construction on Northern Integrated Supply Project in 2026, which will help meet the growing water needs of the region for generations to come.

We’re proud of our reputation as a leading water delivery, conservation and management organization, not only in the western United States, but across the nation. Be sure to check out these interviews with Northern Water staff where they highlight the many benefits of working for our organization. Come join our team!

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

The Real Estate Services and Security and Emergency Management Department manages, protects, acquires and disposes of real property (fee) and easements for Northern Water, the Municipal Subdistrict and enterprises established by the two. Management includes canal and pipeline right-of-way and management of properties held for future projects. The department also provides utility location services for future utility crossings of the Colorado-Big Thompson, Southern Water Supply Project pipeline, Southern Water Supply Project II pipeline and Pleasant Valley Pipeline projects. In addition, this department is responsible for protection of all assets owned or operated by Northern Water, the Municipal Subdistrict and the enterprises, which includes the protection of its employees. The Security and Emergency Management team works with local, state and federal agencies, as well as the United States Bureau of Reclamation to prepare for emergencies. The department leads all security and emergency operations and training to ready Northern Water employees for any type of incident. 

GENERAL STATEMENT

The candidate will perform entry level right-of-way services including but not limited to negotiating the acquisition of lands and easements for pipeline and related appurtenances. This position will work as a part of a multidiscipline team including, engineering, surveying, environmental and communications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Secures permission to enter properties through a right-of-entry from landowners and tenants.
• Reviews and interprets appraisals and comparative market analysis to calculate offers to purchase real estate interests.
• Negotiates acquisitions of land and easements, drafts Notices of Intent to Acquire, Final Offer Letters to Purchase, Purchase and Sale Contract pursuant to Northern Water’s and its Enterprises Eminent Domain authority.
• Follows Northern Water’s and its Municipal Subdistrict’s Right-of-Way acquisition process to negotiate easements and fee interests in accordance with the Acquisition Process Manual.
• Answers questions and provides information to property owners and the public regarding Northern Water’s projects.
• Contacts property owners to explain activities related to their properties and provides acquisition information.
• Conducts research of county records in matters related to real property and right-of-way.
• Drives to various locations throughout northern Colorado for the purpose of right-of-way and property acquisitions, management and the protection of all properties owned and operated by Northern Water.
• Maintains a detailed diary containing the facts of each contact for every property owner and tenant of a project.
• Negotiates damage settlements as required.
• Contacts, advises, and informs public agencies, consulting firms, and individuals regarding real property, right-of-way, and facilities owned and operated by Northern Water and its Municipal Subdistrict.
• Keeps abreast of current developments and methods concerning right-of-way management.
• Assists others in developing and administering policies related to the management, protection, and acquisition of right-of-way.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represents Northern Water and the Subdistrict at conferences and meetings.
• Performs other related duties as requested or assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Associate degree in relevant field OR any equivalent advanced education, experience, and training. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience

• One (1) year’s experience as a right-of-way agent or related right of way experience.

LICENSE, CERTIFICATE AND CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Driver’s License.
• Colorado Notary Public Commission.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Colorado laws associated with real property issues.
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to property and easement acquisition including just compensation and eminent domain.
• Permitting as it pertains to right-of-way acquisition.
• Knowledge of assessor’s website.
• Ability to interpret survey and engineering drawings.

Skills

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, basic understanding of negotiation and presentation skills, and the ability to work flexible hours.
• Intermediate MS office software skills.
• GIS and database familiarity.
• Excellent customer service.

Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain a positive working relationship with the public, water users, agencies, entities, groups, and other employees.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Walk over uneven terrain and along ditch banks two to five miles at a stretch with slippery, muddy, or snow-packed surfaces.
• May be exposed to high levels of noise.
• Work at construction sites.
• Work both in an office setting and in the field.
• Walk and climb stairs daily.
• Sustained operation of keyboard devices.
• Drive, sit, stand, and/or walk for long periods of time.
• Lift, drag, or push boxes, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of a post-job offer physical examination.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Maintains a personal appearance appropriate for job position and image of Northern Water.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.

Northern Water provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Northern Water complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Northern Water also prohibits any form of workplace harassment in accordance with these laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $41.35 - $47.81 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $41 - $48