Right-of-Way Program Manager

WSP; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in Lexington, KY is seeking a Right-of-Way Program Manager/Project Manager to lead ROW project execution and field operations, including planning, staffing, budgeting, stakeholder communication, regulatory coordination, and land acquisition.

This role requires ensuring compliance with procedures and client expectations, overseeing staff and subcontractors, managing schedules and risk, and coordinating with regulators and clients across KY offices.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in right-of-way, project management, or related field.
• Knowledge of IRWA practices, real estate law, and regulatory permitting processes.
• IRWA training or certifications may be considered in meeting experience requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee office and staff; hire and release field team members.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics.
• Act as primary client contact; communicate project status and updates.
• Oversee land rights acquisition, easements, licenses, permits, and related documents.
• Ensure compliance with title and regulatory guidelines and manage risk.

Skills

Project management

Right-of-Way

Land acquisition

Regulatory compliance

Client relations

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor's degree

IRWA training

Job description

This Opportunity

The Right-of-Way (ROW) Program Manager/Project Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of ROW project execution and field operations, including project planning, staffing, budgeting, client communication, regulatory coordination, and land acquisition. This role ensures that all activities are executed in compliance with established procedures, legal standards, and client expectations.

Candidates can sit out of our Lexington or Louisville, KY offices.

Your Impact

Key Responsibilities:

• Office and Staff Oversight
• Select and manage field office operations, if required.
• Supervise all project staff, supervisors, and subcontractors; responsible for hiring and releasing field team members.
• Assign and schedule all project-related tasks to ensure timely and successful completion.
• Ensure adherence to company policies and project procedures by staff and subcontractors.

Project Management

• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics.
• Monitor project progress and prepare regular status reports, including dashboards, risk assessments, and earned value analysis.
• Ensure the quality and accuracy of data and information received from field personnel.
• Assist with public outreach efforts and coordination with regulatory agencies for approvals.

Client Relations

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients; ensure project objectives and client expectations are met.
• Communicate project status, risks, and updates effectively and consistently.

Land Acquisition & Real Estate

• Oversee the acquisition of land, rights-of-way, easements, licenses, leases, and permits necessary for the construction and operation of electric transmission/distribution facilities.
• Provide guidance on real estate values and accepted appraisal practices to establish fair market value ranges.
• Ensure accuracy in the preparation and execution of all land rights documents, including damage claims and rights of entry.

Legal & Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain a strong understanding of legal documents, property values, environmental issues, and jurisdictional permitting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Limited Title Certificate and Ownership Title Certificate guidelines during title research and acquisition activities.
• Oversee the settlement of complex damage claims resulting from construction or maintenance activities.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in right-of-way, project management, or related field.
• Knowledge of IRWA practices, real estate law, and regulatory permitting processes.
• Additional education, licenses, or certifications (e.g., IRWA training) may be considered in meeting experience requirements
• ERCOT, SPP, SWEPCO, varying voltages of electric transmission, and LARGE-SCALE experience as a plus for consideration