Description
TechServ is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Right of Way (ROW) Agent to support electric transmission and distribution projects. This role is responsible for acquiring and managing property rights necessary for utility infrastructure projects while serving as the primary point of contact with landowners, public agencies, and project teams. The ideal candidate is an effective communicator, skilled negotiator, and organized professional who can manage multiple projects while ensuring compliance with client requirements, applicable regulations, and project schedules.
About Us:
TechServ has been providing the highest quality consulting and engineering services to the electric utility industry since 1992. We are a rapidly growing, progressive company dedicated to hiring and developing a highly skilled, diverse, engaged workforce to meet and exceed client needs.
TechServ offers a competitive benefits package including health, vision and dental benefits, 401K, training and development opportunities, and paid time off.
About the Role:
The Right-of-Way (ROW) Agent acquires, administers, and protects property rights required for the construction, operation, maintenance, and replacement of electric distribution and/or transmission facilities. The role independently negotiates with landowners and agencies, conducts title and ownership research, prepares and interprets legal land rights documents and exhibits, settles damages and access issues, and maintains accurate ROW records in support of project scope, schedule, budget, and safety.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Negotiate and acquire property rights (easements, permits, licenses, access agreements, deeds) to support electric facilities.
- Conduct ownership and land title research using public records and internal/external resources; coordinate with title examiners as needed.
- Prepare, draft, and/or oversee preparation of legal documents and property descriptions; review for accuracy and completeness.
- Interpret maps, surveys, exhibits, and engineering drawings to understand impacts, access needs, and document requirements
- Interface with internal departments to resolve ROW procurement risks impacting project schedules and construction readiness.
- Settle damages and claims associated with construction/maintenance activities; document settlements and approvals.
- Develop and maintain constructive relationships with landowners and public agencies; support landowner meetings and outreach.
- Maintain ROW files, owner records, correspondence, and progress reports; ensure proper recording and document management uploads.
- Support condemnation or court actions as needed by assisting counsel, providing documentation, and participating as a witness when required.
- Observe facilities in the field as appropriate and report encroachments, access constraints, or safety concerns per utility procedures
Required Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Approximately 5 years of ROW/real estate acquisition experience.
- Demonstrated experience with negotiations, title research, property record management, and legal document preparation/review.
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to travel within the service territory
o Regular field travel to meet property owners, perform site walks, and verify access/constraints; office-based document preparation and coordination.
o Potential for evening landowner meetings and agency coordination based on project needs.
o Work requires strict adherence to safety policies when near energized infrastructure and active construction zones.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bilingual
- Associate degree in Business, Real Estate, Engineering, Paralegal, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Experience supporting electric transmission and/or distribution projects, including access planning and construction coordination.
- Knowledge of appraisal practices and ability to support value range development in coordination with supervisors/appraisers.
- Notary Public commission (or ability to obtain).
- IRWA coursework/credentials or equivalent industry training.
- TREC ROW Agent Certification
Physical Requirements:
- Work is performed in a professional office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment (e.g., computer, phone, printer)
- Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer are required
- Occasional standing, walking, and movement throughout the office to access equipment and collaborate with team members
- The ability to view a computer screen for extended periods, requiring good vision or corrective lenses if needed
- May occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 15 pounds
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Typical Performance Measures
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Percent of ROW secured by required project milestones; reduction of ROW-related schedule delays
- Quality and completeness of recorded documents and file packages; audit readiness.
- Timely resolution of landowner issues, damages, and encroachment concerns.
- Stakeholder satisfaction (internal project teams and external landowners/agencies) and risk reduction.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Advanced negotiation skills and professionalism in high-stakes, public-facing interactions.
- Working knowledge of easements, fee title concepts, permitting interfaces, and real estate documentation
- Ability to interpret technical drawings, surveys, and legal descriptions and translate impacts into document/exhibit requirements.
- Strong documentation discipline (records accuracy, progress reporting, and auditable file maintenance).
- Collaborative approach with Engineering/Construction to remove blockers and protect schedule and safety outcomes.
Note:
Requirements and duties vary by utility client, jurisdiction, and project type (Transmission/Distribution).
Reports to: Project Manager