Right-of-Way Acquisition Manager

Snyder & Associates, Inc.; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Community-focused projects

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Snyder & Associates, Inc. is seeking a ROW Acquisition Manager for our Ankeny, IA office. You will lead negotiations and ROW activities, coordinating with the ROW agent to align with project schedules and client expectations.

The role emphasizes building strong owner relationships, managing documentation, and driving new ROW opportunities while supporting municipal, transportation, and water resource projects.

Qualifications

• Experience with right-of-way acquisition processes.
• Active Iowa real estate license is required.
• Ability to obtain Iowa real estate Broker’s License is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead ROW projects from initiation to completion with schedules and coordination.
• Coordinate ROW acquisition activities with the ROW agent and project teams.
• Negotiate and acquire property rights including easements and fee title.
• Review land ownership documents and title plans for project use.
• Communicate with property owners ethically and professionally in meetings and on-site.

Skills

Negotiation

Real estate knowledge

Relationship building

Project coordination

Team leadership

Education

Iowa real estate license

Broker’s license (Iowa) - ability to obtain

Job description

Overview

Snyder & Associates, Inc. is a well-established civil and structural engineering consulting firm known for delivering thoughtful, high-quality solutions to public and private clients. As project demands for right-of-way services continue to grow, we are excited to expand our team with a right-of-way (ROW) acquisition manager based in our Ankeny office.

As a ROW acquisition manager with real estate expertise, you will join our team of specialists who focus on municipal, transportation, and water resource projects. Through our flexible management approach, you will be empowered to carve your own path to professional growth through innovation and continuous improvement.

In this role, you will provide leadership to the firm’s ROW acquisition services and work closely with a ROW agent who will perform negotiations and acquisition activities. You will establish project strategy, coordinate ROW work, and ensure acquisition activities align with project schedules, budgets, and client expectations.

Responsibilities

This role involves supporting our internal and external clients in the negotiation and acquisition of real estate right-of-way necessary for completion of engineering projects. Responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage ROW projects from initiation through completion, including document preparation, project schedules, and coordination with project teams
• Coordinate and assign ROW acquisition activities to the ROW agent, providing direction and support as needed
• Collaborate with engineering, surveying, and other project team members regarding ROW activities and the overall project schedule
• Negotiate and facilitate the acquisition of property rights as required by various projects; property rights may include, but are not limited to, rights of entry, temporary or perpetual easements, and fee title
• Research and analyze land ownership documents to prepare land rights and easement grants
• Read and interpret property appraisals, title reports, plans and legal descriptions
• Communicate project details and impacts with property owners and their representatives in an ethical and professional manner, presenting in arranged appointments on-site, virtually, and in public meetings
• Meet with property owners or their representatives to negotiate and acquire their holdings
• Prepare and/or consummate purchase agreements, deeds, easements, extended occupancy agreements
• Lead efforts to generate new ROW business

Qualifications

• Experience with right-of-way acquisition process
• Active Iowa real estate license
• Possess or ability to obtain an Iowa real estate Broker’s License
• Skilled in negotiation and relationship-building
• Basic knowledge of interpreting and reviewing engineering plans and construction details
• Skilled at achieving project objectives, balanced with maintaining strong client and property owner relationships

The successful candidate will be goal driven with strong organizational skills; high attention to detail; excellent interpersonal communication skills; and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Why Snyder & Associates?

• Ownership at Snyder & Associates is held by employee shareholders, fostering a culture of accountability and long-term commitment
• Local decision-making — not driven by private equity or absentee investors
• Meaningful projects that serve Iowa communities and strengthen regional infrastructure
• Strong relationships with public and private clients
• Opportunities for technical leadership, project ownership, and continued professional growth
• Stable, respected firm with deep roots in Iowa
• Supportive culture that values teamwork, integrity, and long-term partnerships

Life At Snyder

Snyder & Associates has grown to become a large regional civil engineering and planning firm in the Midwest. With thirteen office locations in five states, the communities we serve are the same places we proudly call home. For us, it’s about more than just the project at hand. It’s about improving community quality of life, which is why 94 percent of our existing clients continue to trust us as an extension of their staff. Watch the Snyder & Associates About Us Video to learn more. You’ll also find a welcoming, family‑oriented atmosphere that encourages connection, celebrates achievements, and offers opportunities to engage with the community and bring engineering to life outside the office, empowering you to grow your career while making a difference in the places we proudly call home.

Snyder & Associates, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Snyder & Associates, Inc. is an E-Verify employer.