Lead Title Agent (Land)

TRC Companies, Inc.; Ely (IA); On-site; USD 80,600 - 84,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

TRC Companies, Inc. seeks a Lead Title Agent to research, analyze, and curate property ownership and title details for land acquisition and right‑of‑way projects. You will identify ownership, encumbrances, and other title matters crucial to infrastructure and transportation initiatives.

You will oversee ROW documentation, review complex land documents, and perform title research using public records. Strong negotiation and independent decision‑making are essential to success in this role.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree preferred or relevant experience.
• SR/WA or other IRWA designation, Notary Public.
• Experience in ROW or real estate services for public organizations.
• Broad knowledge of procedures used to acquire real property interests for public utility/infrastructure projects including condemnation.
• Knowledgeable with laws and regulations involving real estate transactions and Eminent Domain.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all right‑of‑way (ROW) and land documentation processes, providing technical guidance and support to document specialists and project teams.
• Oversee the preparation and review of complex land documents such as easements, deeds, permits, licenses, and acquisition packages to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Perform comprehensive title research using public records, title plants, and online databases to determine property ownership and interests.
• Analyze deeds, easements, plats, wills, court records, and other legal documents to establish chains of title.
• Assist ROW Supervisor in providing guidance to ROW Agents.
• Secure permission to enter properties from landowners and tenants.
• Negotiate for ROW options, easements, fee interest, and curative documents as directed by the ROW Supervisor or as required by project documents and the acquisition policy.
• Maintain a detailed diary containing the facts of each contact for every property owner and tenant on a project and prepare a detailed weekly activity report.
• Maintain a detailed log of all payments.
• Negotiate damage settlements as required.
• Support all construction activities as required.
• Document all ROW activities as required.
• Adhere to project Safety Plan.

Skills

ROW experience

MS Office

Detail-oriented

Land descriptions

Independent worker

Negotiation skills

Education

Associate degree preferred

IRWA designation

Notary Public

Job description

About Us

TRC has long set the bar for clients who require more than just engineering, combining science with the latest technology to devise innovative solutions that stand the test of time. From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients look to TRC for breakthrough thinking backed by the innovative follow-through of an industry leader. TRC’s professionals work with a broad range of commercial, industrial and government clients and the communities they serve. We deliver breakthrough solutions that address local needs so our clients can better succeed in an ever‑changing world.

Overview

The Lead Title Agent is responsible for researching, analyzing, and curating property ownership and title information to support land acquisition and right‑of‑way projects. This role ensures accurate identification of property interests, ownership, encumbrances, and other title‑related matters critical to infrastructure, utility, and transportation projects. The Title Agent works closely with project managers, land agents, attorneys, and clients to facilitate timely and compliant acquisition processes.

Responsibilities

Lead Title Agent possesses an excellent working knowledge of all right‑of‑way disciplines, title, permitting, acquisition, and documentation. He/she is very knowledgeable about property valuation, survey drawings and alignment sheets.

• Oversee all right‑of‑way (ROW) and land documentation processes, providing technical guidance and support to document specialists and project teams.
• Oversee the preparation and review of complex land documents such as easements, deeds, permits, licenses, and acquisition packages to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Perform comprehensive title research using public records, title plants, and online databases to determine property ownership and interests.
• Analyze deeds, easements, plats, wills, court records, and other legal documents to establish chains of title.
• Assist ROW Supervisor in providing guidance to ROW Agents.
• Secure permission to enter properties from landowners and tenants.
• While maintaining the ROW price policy, negotiate for ROW options, easements, fee interest, and curative documents as directed by the ROW Supervisor or as required by project documents and the acquisition policy. Assist in the development of a construction line from the conditions and/or restrictions placed on the ROW by the landowner and/or tenant.
• Maintain a detailed diary containing the facts of each contact for every property owner and tenant on a project and prepare a detailed weekly activity report.
• Maintain a detailed log of all payments.
• Negotiate damage settlements as required.
• Support all construction activities as required.
• Document all ROW activities as required.
• Adhere to project Safety Plan.

Qualifications

Associate’s degree preferred or relevant experience.

SR/WA or other IRWA designation, Notary Public.

Experience is required in work related to right‑of‑way or real estate services provided to public organizations. Broad knowledge of procedures used to acquire real property interests for public utility/infrastructure projects including condemnation. Knowledgeable with laws and regulations involving real estate transactions and Eminent Domain.

Professional Experience

Technical Skills

• Experience as a ROW agent or related ROW position.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, including spreadsheet and word processing.
• Must be detail oriented and have excellent analytical and quantitative skills.
• Requires specialized knowledge in the methods and techniques for performing Land Services activities. Must possess competent knowledge and skills in land description and terminology, surface and subsurface rights, ROW document analysis, and have excellent negotiation skills.
• Must be able to work alone, make decisions and use judgment while performing related activities.
• Creativity, foresight and mature judgment to identify and resolve business, technical and administrative related problems with ROW services.

Communication Skills

• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills and be able to communicate clearly and concisely to prepare reports, specifications, applications, and correspondence.

People Skills

• Able to interact with all levels of management and to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Commitment to customer satisfaction and the ability to work in a team‑oriented environment.

Physical, Environmental, and Mental Requirements

The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Employee is expected to use good judgment when lifting or moving office supplies and/or furniture and to seek assistance or wear back‑support appliances when appropriate. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus in use of computer monitor and other manual, task‑related functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands and fingers, to handle, or feel objects, tools, controls, reach with hands and arms, hear and talk. The employee is required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel or crouch.

Department/Location Specific Requirements and Comments

• Any other task that may be required during the performance of duties.
• Ability to travel as dictated by job requirements.
• This job will require the majority of work to be performed in a well‑lit, temperature‑controlled office setting. Most activities require work to be performed at field locations, governmental agencies, corporate entities, and client offices. There are frequent interruptions during the workday for impromptu meetings.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) package that includes both traditional and Roth IRA options and company match.
• Paid time off contingent upon full‑time or part‑time status and level of seniority (ranging from 15 to 25 days per year).
• All full‑time employees enjoy a minimum of 8 paid holidays per year.
• TRC ensures that all employees, including those that work part‑time, receive paid sick, family, and disability leave in accordance with the laws of their state of residence.
• These benefits are applicable to US employees depending on their employment status (full time, part time, or temporary). TRC offers jurisdiction‑specific benefit packages for International and Puerto Rico employees.

Compensation

In accordance with local law, the below salary range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition. Compensation will vary based upon experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.

Other compensation: Employee may be eligible for participation in the Company’s annual discretionary bonus program which is contingent on company, business segment, and individual performance against key performance indicators that vary by year and employee.

Disclaimers

TRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Salary Range

USD $80,600.00 – USD $84,500.00 per year.