Senior Acquisition Specialist - Land Services (Bismarck)

Burns & McDonnell; Bismarck (ND); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell is seeking a Senior Acquisition Specialist in the US to lead land rights acquisition, negotiate ROW/easements, and coordinate with project teams. The role requires extensive experience with landowners and strong documentation practices.

The position involves managing complex agreements, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with safety and standards while traveling to project sites as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent and 12 years related experience required.
• Or, Associate Degree in a related field and 10 years related experience.
• Or, Bachelor Degree in Planning, Business, or Real Estate.
• Or, related field and 8 years related experience.
• Experience in negotiating agreements or working directly with property landowners required.
• Real Estate License preferred but not required. Licensing requirements may vary by state based on job responsibilities.
• Proficient in the use of computer software (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with tracking systems.
• Advanced knowledge of land rights processes, documentation, and access coordination.
• Ability to travel to project sites, as required.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead landowner outreach and negotiation efforts for complex projects.
• Negotiate advanced ROW, easement, license, and access agreements involving unique conditions or constraints.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for landowner disputes, access challenges, and schedule conflicts.
• Lead and cultivate professional, transparent, and consistent relationships with landowners, while promoting alignment with project commitments and organizational standards.
• Review and approve land rights documentation and tracking records for accuracy and completeness.
• Ensure landowner interactions are professional, transparent, and consistent with project commitments.
• Coordinate with Project Engagement teams on community sensitive acquisition efforts.
• Support audits and internal reviews related to acquisition activities.
• Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced staff.
• Ensure compliance with company and site safety policies and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Skills

Negotiation

Land rights

Communication

Organization

Documentation

Microsoft Office

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor Degree in Planning/Business/Real Estate

Associate Degree in related field

High School Diploma/GED

Real Estate License

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Description

The Senior Acquisition Specialist leads land rights acquisition and access coordination efforts for complex projects. The Senior Acquisition Specialist role facilitates advanced negotiations, resolves escalated landowner issues, and ensures compliant access for project activities.

• Lead landowner outreach and negotiation efforts for complex projects.

• Negotiate advanced ROW, easement, license, and access agreements involving unique conditions or constraints.

• Serve as the primary escalation point for landowner disputes, access challenges, and schedule conflicts.

• Lead and cultivate professional, transparent, and consistent relationships with landowners, while promoting alignment with project commitments and organizational standards.

• Review and approve land rights documentation and tracking records for accuracy and completeness.

• Ensure landowner interactions are professional, transparent, and consistent with project commitments.

• Coordinate with Project Engagement teams on community sensitive acquisition efforts.

• Support audits and internal reviews related to acquisition activities.

• Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced staff.

• Ensure compliance with company and site safety policies and protocols.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent and 12 years related experience required.

• Or, Associate Degree in a related field and 10 years related experience.

• Or, Bachelor Degree in Planning, Business, or Real Estate.

• Or, related field and 8 years related experience.

• Experience in negotiating agreements or working directly with property landowners required.

• Real Estate License preferred but not required. Licensing requirements may vary by state based on job responsibilities.

• Proficient in the use of computer software (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills.

• Proficiency with tracking systems.

• Advanced knowledge of land rights processes, documentation, and access coordination.

• Ability to travel to project sites, as required.

• Valid driver’s license required.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job Environmental Planning

Primary Location US-ND-Bismarck

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 50 % of the Time