ROW Specialist II

Cornerstone-Energy-Services; Kennewick (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornerstone Energy Services, Inc. is seeking an Acquisition Specialist to manage land rights acquisitions for energy infrastructure projects.

You will identify land ownership, prepare valuations, and negotiate easements with landowners, coordinating with management and legal counsel as needed. Ideal candidates will have 4–6 years of acquisition experience, familiarity with transmission easements, and the ability to obtain/hold a real estate license in the Northwest.

Qualifications

• Minimum four to six years of acquisition and negotiation experience.
• Experience with transmission easement acquisitions preferred.
• Knowledge of real estate license in the Northwest preferred, not required; ability to obtain license.

Responsibilities

• Identify land ownership from Company and public records.
• Prepare in-house valuations and review appraisals for easement acquisitions.
• Gather and analyze data, prepare reports, and negotiate with landowners to acquire easements.
• Coordinate with staff, management and legal counsel on complex property rights issues.
• Research and secure permits for road, utility, railroad and canal crossings.
• Document all communications with landowners.

Skills

Acquisition

Negotiation

Data analysis

Communication

Job description

Cornerstone Energy Services, Inc. specializes in engineering, survey, and land solutions for the energy infrastructure sector. From initial concept through project completion, we provide comprehensive services including civil, process, mechanical, and I&E engineering; project management; survey and mapping; and right-of-way acquisition.

We collaborate closely with developers and operators of oil and gas pipelines and electric transmission systems, supporting both extensive linear projects and site-specific developments. Our work is guided by three core values:

• Safety – protecting the public, our clients, and our team
• Advocacy – prioritizing the best interests of our clients
• Integrity – upholding professionalism and accountability in every aspect of our operations

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Exercise discretion and judgment and apply ROW principles to meet project challenges.
• Identify land ownership from Company and public records.
• Washington/Oregon/Idaho/Montana Real Estate license preferred, not required. Capable of obtaining RE license.
• Prepare in-house valuations and estimates and review appraisals prepared by consultants for the acquisition of easements.
• Gather and analyze data, prepare reports, legal descriptions, and documents relating to and negotiate with property owners to acquire easements, rights-of-way, licenses, permits, leases, and other property rights.
• Perform the more difficult and complex ROW and other property-related work necessary for ROW acquisitions.
• Evaluate ROW and other property-related issues and develop and recommend solutions.
• Research and settle encroachment situations.
• Contact various state, county, and/or local agencies to secure permits for road, utility, railroad and canal crossings.
• Document all communications with landowners.
• Coordinate with other staff, management and legal counsel regarding complex property rights issues including eminent domain proceedings.
• Research and gather information from various sources such as: Federal and State Agencies, Title Agencies, County Offices, Municipal Records, and creative internet research.
• Examine ROW plans, design plans, design study reports, appraisal reports, conveyance documents, and title reports.
• Prepare offer letters and documents necessary for acquiring individually owned properties as well as properties owned by agencies such as state agencies, corporations or associations.
• Recommend policies and procedures, ensuring Company policies are clearly communicated to the ROW team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in multiple facilities as business needs dictate.
• Office work may include prolonged seated tasks, extended keyboarding, and use of computer screen.
• May be requested to work overtime and weekends.
• Position requires travel (expected to be 25-30%); valid driver’s license and acceptable DMV record required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use stairs, use hands, reach, talk and hear.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability
• to adjust focus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrate the ability to perform all key qualifications of an Acquisition Specialist.
• Capacity to conduct and participate in meetings with senior management.
• The ability to make decisions and find alternative solutions to problems.
• The ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of co-workers, clients, and other external contacts.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• Four to six years of acquisition and negotiation experience, preferably related to transmission easement acquisitions including oil, gas and electricity.