Description
Position Summary
This position is responsible for land, right of way and real estate matters related to substation property, utility easements and rights of way including acquisition of new or additional fee simple property or easements and managing utility real estate assets.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Coordinates and negotiates contracts between private developers, governmental entities, and the general public in real estate acquisition and disposition under general direction of Utility Real Estate Manager.
Responds to and resolves sensitive inquiries, complaints, and issues from both internal and external sources.
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.
Represents PEC at city council meetings, boards and commissions, and community events, town hall meetings and other project-related events.
Negotiates and acquires substation property, transmission easements and other land rights in support of PEC’s Capital Improvement Plan.
Coordinates with affected property owners through delivery of all phases of projects.
Maintains and supervises 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.
Coordinates with engineering staff to determine extent and scope of property rights needed to construct, operate, and maintain PEC’s electric facilities.
Maintains records and database of PEC’s real estate property records.
Provides support to engineering staff on the cost to acquire the property rights needed to construct substation and transmission projects during the development phase of projects.
Develops 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.
Researches and recommends highest and best use of specific properties, including site acquisition, disposal and revenue enhancement opportunities.
Facilitates real estate planning by coordinating requirements with others throughout the Cooperative.
Prepares, drafts and reviews letters, acquisition documents, land and easement purchase agreements.
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.
Coordinates/leads discussions about rights in relation to access, overlapping issues of right of way and road use, environmental issues.
Interprets surveys, site plans, field notes, maps and construction plans.
Understands appraisal processes and explains to external and internal stakeholders.
Prepares market studies to determine appropriate offer values.
Resolves easement encroachment concerns and issues.
Assists in the development and review of operating procedures.
Contributes to development of department budget.
Prioritizes work independently.
Prepares work status and project status reports.
Coordinates activities with other departments.
Maintain the security of confidential information
Stay abreast of advances in technology
Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance
Performs other related duties as necessary or assigned
Supervisory and/or Leadership Responsibilities
May provide technical direction to others.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Skill in researching and analyzing real property records both online and in courthouses, title documents, commitments and reports.
Skill in coordinating linear easement acquisition projects.
Skill in acquisition of property in fee for use in high-visibility or controversial projects, such as electric substations, compressor stations, plants.
Skill in interpreting legal descriptions of leases, real estate, easements and similar properties.
Skill in interpreting real estate law and legal contracts.
Skill in negotiating real estate transactions such as leases, acquisitions, easements, deeds, option agreements and the like.
Skill in public relations, public involvement principles, communications and community engagement.
Skill in managing and mitigating risks (financial, contractual, legal, project delivery).
Knowledge of the Texas process for eminent domain track acquisitions and the Texas Landowner Bill of Rights, and applicable sections of the Texas Property Code.
Knowledge of the regulatory requirements and the processes affecting electric providers, as related to real estate acquisition.
Knowledge of project management principles.
Knowledge of using computer systems, which may include setting up and using hardware and software programs, entering data or processing information.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service.
Knowledge of principles, processes and standards of commercial real estate transactions, closings and commercial construction.
Skilled in time management.
Skilled in prioritizing and managing changing priorities.
Skilled in anticipating, identifying, analyzing and resolving conflict and problems.
Skilled in planning and organizing.
Skilled in data analysis and problem solving.
Skilled in coordinating various functions.
Ability to handle conflict, hostility and uncertainty.
Ability to assess situations and make accurate decisions.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative.
Ability to deviate from standard practices effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Ability to collect, analyze and interpret applicable data.
Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to listen and understand information verbally and in writing.
Minimum Qualifications - (Education, Experience, Certification, & Licensing)
Bachelor's degree in a related field
Directly related experience may substitute for education
Four 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
Senior Right of Way Professional Designation 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.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in a related field
Directly related experience may substitute for education
Four 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
Senior Right of Way Professional Designation preferred
Project Management coursework and/or certification preferred
Valid Driver’s License
