Right-of-Way Agent III
Summary
Supervises the procurement of property interests for construction and continued maintenance of Chugach facilities and assists with the establishment and maintenance of easement, permit and real property records for Chugach facilities.
Essential Functions
Land Service Activities
Organizes and directs the acquisition of property interests for new customer line extensions. As assigned, these responsibilities can be expanded to include all Chugach property interests.
Conducts negotiations for easement and permit acquisitions for distribution and transmission projects.
Compiles and maintains records of easements, permits, leases and other Chugach property interests both original and by computer records.
Assists in the preparation of Department Budget.
Assists in training Right-of-Way Agents and Land Services Coordinator.
Verifies the ownership of property and prepares all necessary legal land descriptions for the acquisition of easements or other property interests necessary to accommodate Chugach's construction schedule.
Makes recommendations to Manager, Land Services regarding major concerns involving various Land Services property interests.
Reviews requests for Encroachment Agreements and Letters of Non-Objection from member-owners and directs preparation of resolving documents.
Customer/Agency Activities
Prepares instruments for easement release.
Prepares easement recommendations for platting activity of Municipal and Borough Planning Authorities.
Provides information to requesting parties regarding Chugach right-of-way policies or particular easement holdings.
Directs the preparation of letters of notification to property owners relative to scheduled construction or maintenance.
Investigates complaints from member-owners or other parties regarding property matters.
Relationships
Internal
Other Right-of-Way Agents: Works with, exchanges information and provides assistance as required
Other Chugach Departments: Provides information to, as requested.
External
Bargaining Unit Representatives
Member-Owners: Provides needed assistance and information through telephone conversation or personal contact.
Federal, State and Local Government Agencies: Consults and coordinates with relative to various construction projects to assure compliance with applicable regulations.
Consulting Firms: Coordinates and consults with relative to proposed projects so as to ensure compatibility with existing and proposed Chugach facilities. Advises on availability of right-of-way for specific distribution projects.
Professional Associations: Interacts with other land service professionals to obtain up-to-date knowledge about current procedures and policies. Maintains good standing membership in the International Right of Way Association
Title Companies, Real Estate Agencies, Banks: Provides and explains Chugach Policy information relative to easement rights or property interests of Chugach.
Competencies
Must have a working knowledge of Federal, State and Municipal land use regulations. Knowledge of local geography helpful.
Must be familiar with the laws and practices related to the acquisition of land and right-of-way for utility use. Must be proficient in public and private land records research.
Must be familiar with the source and nature of records and documents related to real property, and with property conveyance forms, instruments, methods and requirements.
Must have effective project management skills as they relate to right-of-way acquisition.
Ability to gather and analyze real property data and maintain accurate records thereof.
Ability to understand and write most legal land descriptions. Ability to locate land from survey markings.
Ability to perform basic math computations.
Ability to negotiate the acquisition of permits from governmental agencies.
Ability to work effectively with the general public in the acquisition of easements and to provide information relative to Chugach plans and their effects on individuals and the community.
Ability to effectively coordinate between consumers possessing varying amounts of knowledge and experience, and a diverse group of Chugach employees. Must have good public relations abilities with excellent communication skills, both in public speaking and in written communications.
Ability to supervise and direct departmental and contract staff. Ability to prepare and administer employee performance reviews and disciplinary actions. Must have strong conflict resolution skills.
Ability to coordinate work with other departments and maintain cooperative relationship. Must be able to resolve difficult right-of-way problems. Must be able to balance multiple priorities and to expedite work, while maintaining required standards.
Must be proficient in use of personal computers and use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation and project management software.
Must be able to serve as Notary Public.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities. This position directs the assistant Right-of-Way Agent and General Clerk.
Work Environment
Most of the work will be performed in a standard office environment. Some fieldwork is required. Evening and weekend meetings or appointments occasionally required. Must possess a valid Alaska driver's license.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, or related field required.
Experience
Eight (8) years of documented experience in governmental, public or commercial acquisition of real property, involving negotiating, title examination, land recordation, real property law or disposal required. At least two (2) years of this experience should be involved in negotiating for acquisition of easements. Supervisory experience is preferred. Experience working in a union environment preferred.