Senior Acquisition Specialist - Land Services (Multiple Locations)

Burns & McDonnell; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell seeks a Senior Acquisition Specialist to lead land rights acquisition and access coordination for complex projects. You will drive advanced negotiations and resolve escalated landowner issues to ensure compliant access for project activities.

This role requires strong negotiation, communication, and documentation skills, with travel to project sites up to 50% and a background in real estate or related field.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in planning, business, real estate, or related field with 8+ years of related experience.
• Associate degree with 10+ years of related experience.
• High school diploma or GED with 12+ years of related experience.
• Experience negotiating agreements or working directly with landowners is required.
• Real estate license preferred but not required; licensure varies by state.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Lead landowner outreach and negotiation for complex projects.
• Negotiate ROW, easement, license, and access agreements with unique conditions.
• Serve as escalation point for landowner disputes, access challenges, and schedule conflicts.
• Develop and maintain landowner relationships aligned with project commitments.
• Review and approve land rights documentation and tracking records.
• Ensure professional landowner interactions aligned with policies.
• Coordinate with Project Engagement teams on acquisition efforts.
• Support audits and internal reviews of acquisition activities.
• Mentor less experienced staff and ensure safety policies are followed.
• Travel to project sites as required.

Skills

Negotiation

Land rights knowledge

Verbal & written communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor Degree in Planning, Business, Real Estate, or related field

Associate Degree in a related field

High School Diploma/GED or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Tracking systems

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, Real Estate, or a 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-MO-Saint Louis

Other Locations US-MO-Kansas City, US-IN-Evansville

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 50 % of the Time

Req ID: 264880

Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-DNI #LSV N/A