Utility Real Estate Specialist

Texas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.; Town of Texas (WI); Hybrid; USD 69,120 - 84,480; Full time

Job summary

Pedernales Electric Cooperative is seeking a Real Estate Specialist to support land and easement acquisitions for electric utility projects. You will manage property rights, negotiate with owners, and coordinate with internal teams to advance the Capital Improvement Plan.

The role requires knowledge of land title research, eminent domain considerations, and the ability to interpret surveys and site plans. A related degree and 2 years in the sector are preferred; a valid driver’s license is

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Directly related experience may substitute for education.
• Two years of experience in utility/energy real estate including negotiations & acquisitions.
• Right of Way certification preferred.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and acquire substation property and easements in support of CAP Plan.
• Research land titles and title documents to determine ownership.
• Prepare acquisition documents and land/easement agreements.
• Coordinate with property owners through all project phases.
• Utilize GIS mapping to research properties and related layers.
• Assist with city council meetings and community events.
• Maintain PEC’s real estate property records and databases.
• Collaborate with Real Estate Coordinator to meet project objectives.
• Contribute to department budget and work status reports.
• Maintain confidentiality and stay current with tech advances.

Skills

Real estate negotiations

Right of way

Property research

GIS mapping

Contract review

Public relations

Data analysis

Independent judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Right of Way Agent or certification preferred

Job description

Hybrid Work Options Available

$76,800.00 Minimum Starting Base Pay* + KPI Bonuses + Competitive Benefits

*Qualifications may warrant greater starting base pay within the full pay range. Individual base pay is determined by experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training.

This position supports land and real estate activities for electric utility projects, including assisting with property and easement acquisitions, managing rights-of-way, and helping maintain utility real estate assets.

• Negotiates and acquires substation property, transmission easements and other land rights in support of PEC’s Capital Improvement Plan.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of trends, practices, and laws in the areas of real estate, acquisitions, property management, eminent domain and asset management including, but not limited to, local zoning, subdivision and platting requirements, land use constraints, local, state and federal laws, and service area boundaries and regulations.
• Responds to and resolves sensitive inquiries, complaints, and issues from both internal and external sources.
• Interprets surveys, site plans, field notes, maps and construction plans.
• Utilizes GIS mapping to research properties and related layers.
• Prepares and assists Real Estate Coordinators and Manager with city council meetings, boards and commissions, and community events, town hall meetings and other project-related events.
• Performs land title research utilizing both internal and external resources to determine ownership and other land rights.
• Prepares, drafts and reviews letters, acquisition documents, land and easement purchase agreements.
• Coordinates with affected property owners through delivery of all phases of projects.
• Collaborates with Utility Real Estate Coordinator to review contract resources providing real estate services, as needed to meet project objectives in accordance with the terms and conditions of contracts and in a cost beneficial manner.
• Maintains records and database of PEC’s real estate property records

• Maintains long and short-term strategic goals, objectives and deliverables for projects and acquisitions.
• Contributes to due diligence/feasibility process as part of the project team comprised of multiple disciplines.
• Facilitates real estate planning by coordinating requirements with others throughout the Cooperative.
• Coordinates with legal counsel on condemnation cases, documents and other legal matters.
• Applies and interprets real estate practices, property management, contract negotiation and administration laws, regulations, principles and procedures for the overall benefit of the Cooperative.
• Responds to and negotiates outside entity takings of PEC property.
• Understands appraisal processes and explains to external and internal stakeholders.
• Prepares market studies to determine appropriate offer values.
• Resolves easement encroachment concerns and issues.
• Contributes to development of department budget.
• Prioritizes work independently.
• Prepares work status and project status reports.
• Maintain the security of confidential information
• Stay abreast of advances in technology
• Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance

Supervisory and/or Leadership Responsibilities

None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of Texas eminent domain processes, Landowner Bill of Rights, Property Code, and regulations affecting electric providers.
• Knowledge of fee and easement acquisitions, including high-visibility projects; experienced in negotiating leases, deeds, easements, and option agreements.
• Skilled in researching and analyzing property records, title documents, legal descriptions, and interpreting real estate law and contracts.
• Skilled in project management principles, risk mitigation (financial, contractual, legal), and coordinating multiple functions.
• Skilled in strong public relations, community engagement, and customer service skills; effective verbal and written communication.
• Skilled with computer systems and software; strong planning, time management, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data; skilled in conflict resolution, decision-making, and adapting to changing priorities.
• Ability to establish effective relationships, handle conflict and uncertainty, and exercise independent judgment and initiative.

Minimum Qualifications - (Education, Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Directly related experience may substitute for education
• Two years of experience working in a utility or energy sector environment including property negotiations, acquisitions, asset/property management, dispositions, eminent domain/condemnations, Uniform Act, right-of-way experience, appraisals, paralegal work, and/or title examination
• Right of Way Agent or Right of Way Professional Certification preferred
• Project Management coursework and/or certification preferred
• Valid Driver’s License

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee may be required to stand; reach with hands and arms, stoop and kneel
• The employee may be required to sit or stand for long periods of time
• The employee may be required to lift, carry, push, pull or move up to 25 pounds
• The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions including wet and humid conditions
• The employee may be required to travel
• The employee may be required to respond in emergency situations
• Exempt employees receive a fixed bi-weekly salary to compensate them for all hours worked during each pay period
• This position may be required to work more than 40 hours per week

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of essential duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties that may be assigned based on the needs of the Cooperative.

Pedernales Electric Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.