Distribution Right of Way Supervisor

American Electric Power Co.; Athens (OH); On-site; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking a Distribution Right of Way Supervisor to oversee land rights acquisition for transmission and distribution projects across the OPCo territory. You will supervise Right of Way personnel, develop policies, and coordinate contractor activities while ensuring compliance with AEP guidelines.

The role requires substantial ROW experience, strong communication skills, and a focus on safety and compliance. Travel throughout the OPCo territory is expected.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher required with related field.
• 8 years of experience in ROW procurement, surveying, or title research.
• Must have driver license and notary commission.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Right of Way personnel and contract staff securing land rights.
• Formulate policy and procedures for acquiring land rights and easements.
• Plan, organize and supervise personnel and contractors for land-rights acquisition.
• Prepare documents for rights of entry, easements, licenses and leases; ensure forms meet legal standards.
• Direct settlement of damages arising from construction and maintenance of projects.
• Oversee right of way maps and records; ensure safety practices are followed.

Skills

Right of way coordination

Contract management

Policy development

Strong communication

Education

Associate degree in business, paralegal, real estate or engineering

High school diploma + 2 years ROW experience

Tools

Driver license

Notary Commission

Job description

Job Summary

Describe the overall purpose of this job. Include dimensions/scope (e.g., number of customers, amount of revenue, budgets or payroll information) and areas of responsibility. The Distribution Right of Way (ROW) Supervisor reports to OPCo Management and advises the OPCo Management on policies and practices governing the acquisition of land rights consistent with AEP Distribution Easement Acquisition policy guidelines. Supervise and oversee the development, execution, and completion of distribution right of way projects. Supervise the activities of Right of Way Agents and Associates. Oversee the preparation and retention of the permanent files in regard to easements, right of way project activities, easement releases, right of way drawings, right of way exhibits, section personnel records, together with all section correspondence and documents. Responsible for furnishing guidance in land rights matters to other AEP Distribution business units when requested. Responsible for acquisition of all land and land rights required by AEP for distribution projects within the established AEP policy in an OPCo territory, protecting AEP's existing rights and functional guidance to Districts and other AEP distribution departments as needed.

Job Description

What You'll Do:

• Supervise all AEP and contract Right of Way personnel assigned in securing land and land rights.
• Formulate policy and procedures governing the acquisition of land rights, easements forms, other document forms and public work projects.
• Plan, organize, and supervise all personnel including contractors associated with the acquisition of land rights for distribution projects. Consults with and/or advises OPCo Management on the hiring of contractors to acquire land or land rights.
• Supervise preparation of documents for rights of entry, damage claims, contracts, easements, licenses, leases, permits, options to purchase and other legal documents. Ensure that all documents and forms including distribution land rights owned by AEP are used within the Section are acceptable to the AEP Legal Section.
• Direct the settlement of damages caused by the construction, reconstruction, enlargement, maintenance or removal on distribution projects.
• Initiate or assist in the preparation of requisitions or work orders necessary in addressing right of way projects.
• Approve vouchers for payment of expenses incurred in the acquisition of land rights such as but not limited to: contractual obligations for the purchase of an option or easement, damage claim settlements, attorney fees, outside appraisal services and employee expense accounts.
• Supervise the assembly, preparation, maintenance and revision of right of way maps and records.
• Promote, support and enforce safety practices in accordance with AEP programs to safeguard employees, the general public and AEP equipment.
• Promote, support and oversee all efforts to acquire all distribution easement requirements in conjunction with the Distribution Engineering organizations.

What We're Looking For:

• Associate’s degree in business, paralegal, real estate, engineering or related field OR High school diploma and 2 years’ experience in right of way procurement, surveying, title research or related area of work.
• 8 years’ experience in right of way procurement, surveying, title research or related area of work in addition to any experience listed above under Education.
• Required License(s)/Certification(s) are listed below: Driver license and Notary Commission.

Other requirements:

• Physical demand level is Sedentary
• Must keep abreast of acquisition techniques.
• Travel throughout the entire OPCo territory.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Mastery of all distribution electronic mapping and easement imaging systems.
• Strong computer skills.

Compensation

$116,255.00 - $151,132.50

Physical Demands

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.

“Knowing that I am part of team that is making the power grid safer and more reliable gives me a real sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for coming to work every day.”

The Transmission Right of Way (TROW) Agent is responsible for the acquisition of land rights necessary for the construction, operation and maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.

Responsible, with minimal supervision and the ability to supervise contract agents, for the acquisition of land, land rights, licenses, leases, permits, and other documents necessary for the construction, operation and maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution lines.

The role is responsible for managing a portfolio of projects within a matrix team environment related to the acquisition of land, land rights, licenses, leases, permits and other documents necessary for the construction, operation and maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution lines; provide leadership, direction, training, coordination, and effective communication to initiate , plan, execute, monitor and control, and close projects in a safe, efficient, economical, risk-balanced approach to achieve short and long range goals and to obtain maximum customer satisfaction. Develop relationships and effectively communicate with all stakeholders including internal customers, external customers, team members, legal, suppliers, and industry peers.

AEP offers generous time off, competitive pay, and educational opportunities to help employees advance their careers.

Our culture is purpose-driven and team-oriented: we combine innovation with a customer-first focus to deliver reliable energy and brighter futures.