Transmission Right of Way Agent

American Electric Power Co.; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking a Transmission Right of Way Agent to manage land rights acquisitions for electric transmission and distribution projects. You will handle negotiations with landowners, settle damage claims, and prepare acquisition documents, while maintaining ROWSi files and coordinating project scope, schedule and budget.

The role requires strong negotiation, project management, and communication skills, plus a valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the service

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in real estate, business, engineering, project management or related applicable field is required with a minimum of one year of related experience.
• OR bachelor’s degree in real estate, business, engineering, project management or related applicable field with no experience necessary.

Responsibilities

• Handle negotiations with landowners for acquisition of land rights for transmission/distribution facilities.
• Settle damage claims with property owners related to project activities and review records to determine ownership.
• Review and interpret legal documents, surveys, appraisals and reports; prepare acquisition documents.
• Maintain property owner files, maps, drawings, and progress reports in ROWSi; know real estate values and appraisal practices.
• Track project scope, schedule, and budget for ROW projects and coordinate multiple projects.

Skills

Negotiation

Project management

Communication

Travel ability

Conflict management

Education

Associate's degree in real estate, business, engineering, project management or related applicable field

Bachelor’s degree in real estate, business, engineering, project management or related applicable field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

geoAMPS land management database

Job description

Job Summary

The Transmission Right of Way (TROW) Agent is responsible for the acquisition of land rights necessary for the construction, operation and maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

• Handle complicated negotiations with landowners (or their designees) for the acquisition of land rights relative to the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
• Settle damage claims with property owners (or their designees) relative to property damage caused or created by AEP, or its contractors, during the construction, reconstruction, maintenance or removal of transmission and/or distribution facilities. Search courthouses and other records as may be available to determine present property ownership(s) and the extent of interests therein.
• Review and interpret legal documents, property surveys, legal descriptions, surveying drawings, appraisals, and reports. Prepare approved legal documents for the acquisition of land rights related to the construction, reconstruction or maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
• Provide functional support to other AEP Business Units in regard to questions and procedures in the acquisition of land rights.
• Maintain property owner files, maps, drawings, exhibits and detailed progress reports within Right-of-Way Stakeholder Information system (ROWSi). Knowledgeable in real estate values and accepted real estate appraisal practices in the acquisition of land rights.
• Follow TROW estimate guidelines and practices for the acquisition of land rights for the acquisition of land rights relative to the construction, reconstruction, enlargement or maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
• Complete ROW estimate & scope for TROW Projects, and manage, develop, review and coordinate right-of-way project scope, schedule, budget related to multiple right-of-way projects or program of projects.
• Follow TROW Outsourcing Technical Guidelines for the outsourcing of acquisition of land rights related to the construction, reconstruction or maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
• Act as a liaison or project manager with vendor companies performing services related to the acquisition of land rights for the construction, reconstruction or maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
• Responsible for project oversight in reviewing and supervising vendor companies on ROW Projects to ensure adherence to project schedules and budget, as well as project reporting. Review periodic status and cost of managed right-of-way projects.
• Also, track the project quality, milestones and performance against annual work plans.
• Monitor the closeout process and establish any lessons learned on TROW projects and recommend process improvements as appropriate. Approve vouchers for payments incurred in the acquisition of land rights involving the construction, reconstruction or maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
• Act as a witness and assist in the selection of witnesses and commissioners in connection with condemnation and/or other court actions involving the acquisition of land rights or other court actions which may result from the construction, reconstruction or maintenance for electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
• Represent Transmission right-of-way in internal process improvement teams and initiatives as well as external industry forums, where required.Support and hold employees and contractors accountable for the AEP System Safety Process, ensuring a safe working environment focused on Zero Harm.

What we are looking for:

Note: This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Associate level, with increased educational, skill or experience requirements for higher level.

Transmission Right of Way Agent Associate SG5

Education/Experience

• Associate's degree in real estate, business, engineering, project managementor related applicable field is required with a minimum of one (1) year of related experience;
• OR bachelor’s degree in real estate, business, engineering, project managementor related applicable fieldis preferred with no experience necessary.
• This is an entry-level position

Transmission Right of Way Agent SG6

Education:

• Associate's degree in real estate, business, engineering, project management or related applicable field with a minimum of three (3) years of related experience,
• OR bachelor’s degree in real estate, business, engineering or related applicable field with a minimum of two years of related experience.

Experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Business, project management, real estate, law, electric transmission and/or distribution right-of-way and/or real estate.

Transmission Right of Way Senior SG7

Education:

• Associate’s degree in business, engineering, paralegal, real estate or related field OR High school diploma and 2 years' experience in right of way procurement, surveying, title research or related fields.

Experience:

• 6 years’ experience in in the acquisition of real estate or right of way procurement, surveying, title research or related type of work. This is in addition to any experience listed above.

Required License(s)/Certification(s) are listed below:

• Driver license and Notary Commission.

In addition:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Demonstrate skills in conflict management and organizational problem-solving.Ability to convey vision, strategy or other complex information effectively with the ability to influence and drive results.
• Support and demonstrate ability to provide the organization of project activities, delegate project task assignments, confidently set staff requirements and expectations to manage deliverables and hold staff accountable.
• Demonstrate willingness to provide constructive feedback to staff.This position consults with and/or advises the TROW Supervisor, TROW Manager and/or Project Managers on matters pertaining to the policies and procedures governing the acquisition of land and land rights.
• Develop skills in and provide effective communication that is clear, direct, concise, and professional, including effective listening, with all stakeholders including team members, sponsors, management and senior management.
• Possess excellent written communication, presentation and organizational skills with a strong proficiency working with Microsoft Office products (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and right-of-way/land management databases (i.e., geoAMPS or other land management databases) or other equivalent databases.
• The individual filling this position will be required to travel within the AEP Transmission service territory; however, on rare occasions they may be assigned to special projects and travel outside the transmission service territory.
• Must be able to work outside normal business hours to accommodate project schedules.Must have a valid driver’s license issued by the appropriate State.

In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

American Electric Power (On-Site)

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#AEPCareers

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Compensation

$63,496.00 - $109,543.00

Physical Demands

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.

“Knowing that I am part team that is making the power grid safer and more reliable gives me a real sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for coming to work every day.”

Responsible, with minimal supervision and the ability to supervise contract agents