Right of Way Agent (Hybrid-La Crosse, WI)

RIGHT OF WAY AGENT II (Hybrid - La Crosse, WI)

Hiring Salary Range for Level II: $65,300 - $98,000

Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate's unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level.

The Right of Way Agent is responsible to work/use various disciplines of the Right-of-Way project lifecycle.  Knowledge will focus on Right of Way acquisition, purchase and sale of lands and land rights, negotiation of very difficult leases, damage settlements, development and maintenance of public relations.  Analyzes real estate related problems, assist in management of existing cooperative-owned lands and rights of way. Tasks are performed under limited supervision.

The Impact You'll Make In This Role:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1.    Negotiate for the purchase of lands and land rights of a very difficult nature, e.g., easements, leases, licenses, permits and the like.

2.    Provide input and assistance (office and field) in preliminary layout of proposed projects.

3.    Conduct liaison with vegetation crews, construction crews, restoration crew, survey crew, and property owners.

4.    Assist and on occasion prepare Valuation Worksheets, Real Estate Appraisals, including compilation of data related to zoning, highest and best use, topography, soils, comparable market sales data, improvement inventory and measurement, calculations, analysis and correlation of such data to establish equitable valuations to be presented as offers in the purchase of lands and land rights.

5.    Investigate and settle landowner damage claims related to construction and maintenance activities.  

6.    Prepare documents and other forms used in the purchase and management of lands.   Maintain accurate landowner contact reports, articulating any and all agreements made.

7.    Abstract title information, including a search of all indices of records to establish record ownership and reveal all other interests of record, including encumbrances or other conditions of record that may affect the interest being acquired.

8.    Meet with government authorities (state, municipal, township, city, etc.) to obtain necessary resolutions and/or permits needed on an individual case or project basis.

9.    Assist in the education and training of other right of way department personnel.

10.    Serve as “Project Field Supervisor” in absence of Senior Agent, when so designated by the Manager, Real Estate and Right-of-Way.

11.    Prepares court exhibits and testify at litigation proceedings.

12.    Other duties as assigned.
 

Your Experience and Expertise:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience: Bachelor of Science Degree in Real Estate, related business or technical field.  Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.  Knowledge in real estate and right-of-way preferred. 

Right of Way Agent II preferred but will consider the right candidate for an entry level Right of Way Agent I (Associates Degree)

Skills:

• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with diverse groups of people
• Analytical, problem solving and negotiation skills
• Working knowledge of engineering design drawings and aerial maps
• Knowledge of legal requirements and appraisal functions pertaining to right of way acquisition
• Organization skills and the ability to prioritize tasks
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to adapt to changing conditions and priorities
• Financial aptitude

Licenses and Certifications: Valid Driver’s License.  State of Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson license must be obtained within six (6) months of employment as well as successful completion of International Right of Way Association’s Principles of Negotiations.

Physical Demands: 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. May be walking over uneven terrain. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Environmental Demands: Frequently work outdoors in all weather conditions.  May involve some exposure to fumes or dust.

Other Job Characteristics: May include some overnight travel and evening work throughout the service area.  Ability to work under limited supervision.  Frequent external contacts.