Research Specialist II - IN

Duke Energy; Town of Plainfield (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Energy is seeking a Research Specialist II to perform advanced land rights research, title work, and document preparation for infrastructure projects across various sites. You will analyze public records, county records, and internal data to verify ownership and rights required for construction, relocation, and maintenance.

The role requires strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher with related work experience in land rights or titles.
• Notary Public is desirable and can be acquired within the first year.
• Valid Driver’s License required.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and support Research Specialist I or vendor personnel.
• Research ownership, title status, and rights for new construction and major projects.
• Review drawings, site plans and legal descriptions; prepare real estate documents.
• Coordinate with internal teams and maintain confidentiality.
• Submit land rights for indexing and map easements in GIS.

Skills

Excellent communication

Written skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Data management

Education

Associate's degree in Real Estate, Business, Paralegal, Political Science, Surveying and Topography or Related Degree

High School / GED + 4 years related experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives. Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

Job Summary

Job Summary The Research Specialist II (RS II) position is the second level within the research job family. The RS II should demonstrate advanced comprehension and performance of research functions in support of document preparation and to validate the company’s land rights. This role entails researching internal and external databases and county records, to determine current property ownership and identify existing rights necessary for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the Company’s infrastructure. This position supports diverse projects, including new construction, rebuilds, major projects, and relocations serving both internal business partners and external customers. This role provides support, training, guidance, and strategic direction, as well as technical oversight to the Research Specialist. The ideal candidate should possess excellent communication and written skills, exhibit flexibility, and demonstrate the ability to adapt and prioritize to a quickly changing, high-pressure environment. The RS II should demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of land or system-related matters, including real estate terminology, preparation and oversight of real estate documents to ensure accuracy and consistency, and advanced competence in performing title work. The RS II should demonstrate advanced understanding of engineering drawings, site plans, and legal descriptions in connection with the preparation of legal documents. Additionally, the individual should possess advanced knowledge of computer and technology systems used for initiating work orders, mapping, research, tracking, indexing, documenting, and archiving land rights records, all in support and compliance with corporate policies and applicable state laws. This role will support and collaborate with Real Estate Reps and internal Research Specialists and vendor personnel, to build effective working relationships ensuring customer satisfaction and project success. They will ensure clear objectives are set and consistent processes and procedures document, updated regularly, and communicated to ensure data integrity in compliance with company policies and applicable state law. The expectation of this role is to contribute to the organization’s safety goals by following all company safety procedures while promoting a safety-first culture.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and Support: Provide support to the Research Specialist I or vendor personnel.
• Perform Research: Utilize company and public records to determine ownership of property, condition of title and to locate existing rights; review engineering drawings, site plans and legal descriptions; perform research and prepare real estate documents for new construction and major projects with a prior rights focus; utilize internal systems to perform research; maintain current with best practices, regulations and laws related to land functions, notary and recording changes; utilize working knowledge of real estate law along with engineering knowledge in applying solutions to company acquisition projects.
• Communication: Interface and coordinate with internal Business Partners, Real Estate Representatives, Research Specialists, and Data Management Specialists; establish and maintain partnerships with internal Business Partners to collaborate and ensure their requests are met; maintain a high level of confidentiality related to the sensitive nature of the project or the high-profile customer involved.
• Data Management: Submit land rights to Data Management for indexing in the asset inventory database; map easements in GIS system.
• Additional duties: Ensure clear objectives are set, consistent processes and procedures documented, updated regularly, and communicated to ensure data integrity in compliance with company policies and applicable state law; contribute to the organization’s safety goals by following all company safety procedures while promoting a safety-first culture.

Basic/Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Real Estate, Business, Paralegal, Political Science, Surveying and Topography or Other Related Degree
• Minimum 2 years related work experience
• In lieu of Associate's degree(s) AND 2 year(s) related work experience listed above, High School/GED AND 4 year(s) related work experience
• Valid Driver’s License
• Notary Public - Can be acquired within First Year

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent oral/written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office computer applications
• Excellent organization, documentation, attention to detail and time management/work management skills
• Critical thinking, analytical and decision-making skills
• Proven self-motivation and possession of strong work ethic
• Beginning knowledge of Duke Energy business practices and business values
• Knowledge of electric distribution and transmission systems, operations and construction
• Experience in title examination
• Knowledge of surveying and engineering drawings
• Knowledge of real estate law

Working Conditions

Field Mobility Classification - Work location is highly mobile, working at various facilities or field locations with occasional onsite meetings after the onboarding period. Employee must live within a reasonable commute to the posted reporting location, not greater than 50 miles one way. Remote Office Physical requirements: none #LI-BM1 #LI-Field Travel Requirements 5-15% Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable) No Represented/Union Position No Visa Sponsored Position. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Diversity & Inclusion

Read about our commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Duke Energy values ideas that come from a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we’re dedicated to providing a work environment where all people are valued, respected and able to reach their full potential.

Duke Energy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including but not limited to lactation, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, military status, or protected veteran status. Duke Energy complies with all applicable state, federal and local laws, regulations and ordinances prohibiting discrimination.

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