Right-of-Way Agent

Snyder & Associates, Inc.; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Snyder & Associates, Inc. is seeking an experienced Right-of-Way Agent in Ankeny, Iowa to support municipal, transportation, and water projects.

You will focus on direct owner contact, negotiation, and acquisition documentation to secure property rights for engineering projects. The role involves negotiating rights of entry, easements, and fee title, researching land ownership documents, and interfacing with owners in person, on-site, virtually, and at public meetings.

Qualifications

• Experience with right-of-way acquisition process.
• Skilled in negotiation and relationship-building.
• Basic knowledge of interpreting and reviewing engineering plans and construction details.
• Ability to obtain an Iowa real estate Broker’s License if needed.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and facilitate acquisition of property rights as required by projects.
• 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 professionally.
• Meet with property owners or their representatives to negotiate and acquire holdings.
• Prepare and/or consummate purchase agreements, deeds, easements, extended occupancy agreements.

Skills

RIGHT-OF-WAY acquisition

Negotiation

Interpreting plans

Property owner communication

Education

Active Iowa real estate license

Ability to obtain Iowa real estate broker’s license if needed

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 have an immediate need for an experienced Right-of-Way (ROW) Agent to join our firm.

As a ROW Agent 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.

Working closely with the ROW Acquisition Manager, this position is primarily responsible for direct property-owner contact, negotiation, and acquisition documentation to secure property rights for projects.

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:

• 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

Qualifications

• Experience with right-of-way acquisition process
• Skilled in negotiation and relationship-building
• Active Iowa real estate license
• Basic knowledge of interpreting and reviewing engineering plans and construction details
• Ability to obtain an Iowa real estate Broker’s License if needed

The successful candidate will be goal driven and persistent, with strong negotiation and organizational skills; high attention to details; excellent interpersonal skills; and the ability to manage multiple acquisition assignments and 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
• 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.