Description

We are excited to announce that we are experiencing unprecedented growth in our Transmission Services Corporation portfolio and would like to add a Right of Way agent to our team. In fact, LCRA TSC plans to invest almost $4 billion on capital projects over the five-year planning period to support the need of the ERCOT and LCRA TSC systems. As our right of way agent, you will negotiate transmission line easements (both amendments and greenfield) and fee simple purchases for multi-million dollar projects for our critical infrastructure. This position will allow you to utilize your knowledge and experience in acquisitions and negotiations as well as build higher-level knowledge and skills that allows many opportunities for cross training and growth. The projects will range from West Texas, Central Texas, and down to Matagorda Bay. If you are looking for an opportunity to interface with the public and governmental entities that enhances the lives of Texans than look no further. 

Competitive pay range: $72,000 - $88,000 per year

This pay range represents a general target and is not reflective of the full pay range. Offers to selected candidates are contingent upon various factors such as skills, experience and education.

You will be trusted to:

At an intermediate level, negotiate real estate acquisitions and land rights on behalf of LCRA including but not limited to, land use agreements and leases, rights of way, and easements. Resolve disputes over property rights, boundaries, and use of LCRA property. This position applies knowledge and experience in own field but is still building higher-level knowledge and skills. In this role you can expect to receive a moderate level of guidance and direction from supervisor, manager and/or more experienced colleagues. Other responsibilities include:

- Coordinate activities between LCRA and landowners in negotiations involving real estate purchases, sales, leases, and easements as the need arises for LCRA's operations.
- Handle acquisitions for land rights to purchase, lease or gain rights of way for the construction and maintenance of new transmission lines, water systems and other LCRA projects.
- Perform acquisition of properties, which involve multiple stakeholders and/or are located in urban areas requiring knowledge of development codes and other ordinances.
- Be responsible for surveys, appraisals, and other real estate assessments.
- Coordinate and monitor projects worked on by contract real estate/right-of-way agents.
- Review invoices, analyze costs and recommend payment for work performed.
- Review titles and clear title problems and solve closing issues. Examine other documents to assist in the development of contracts, agreements, and the like. May prepare necessary documentation for the acquisition or disposal of easements or property owned by LCRA.
- Respond to landowner concerns and requests by finding and interpreting LCRA easement rights through the IREMS system, coordinating with the transmission line department to determine feasibility of such requests and proposals, and negotiating with landowners regarding miscellaneous requests such as LCRA's help/assistance with certain services (i.e. build a road, put in a culvert, move a transmission line).
- Review, evaluate, and maintain a solid understanding and inventory of LCRA's easement assets. Recommend actions to improve the quality of right-of-way to facilitate current and future construction.
- Maintain working knowledge of GIS techniques to provide GIS and mapping support to provide easy access to real estate information for internal staff, customers, and outside contractors.
- Ensure environmental assessments are performed. May coordinate and/or assist/participate in assessments.
- Prepare board agenda items, participate in public meetings, and testify in eminent domain proceedings as the need arises. Review petition and provide information to the Legal department.
- Perform complete discoveries for condemnation cases and explain processes to non-technical audiences.
- Perform work by traveling independently or with other staff to various locations (substations, power plants, water systems, etc.) as necessary.

You are a great fit with:

- Extensive Right of Way acquisition experience specific to the transmission industry (negotiating transmission line easements, both amendments and greenfield, and fee simple purchases.)

You gain:

- Competitive salary & medical, dental, vision and legal insurance

- Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave

- 401(k) match up to 8% that includes a student loan 401(k) contribution program option

- Life and disability insurance

- Wellness program including wellness incentive

- Extensive learning & development programs

And more - all to create a compelling and rewarding work environment.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer

LCRA provides equal employment opportunities and a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.  All employment decisions at LCRA are based on business need, job requirement and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal and state legal requirements governing nondiscrimination in employment.

LCRA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities. Applicants with a disability who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process can contact LCRA Human Resources (512) 578-4004 or email lcra.benefits@lcra.org. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements

You qualify with:

- Six or more years of experience in real estate negotiations, appraisal, land acquisition, title research, landowner relations, contract negotiation, or utility infrastructure project coordination or other relevant experience. A degree(s) in real estate, project management, business, law, engineering, environmental science, geographic information systems, or a relevant field may be substituted per LCRA guidelines for certain years of experience.   
- Driver's license