Right of Way Agent

Company Summary Statement

PPL Electric Utilities delivers safe, reliable and affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million homes and businesses throughout its 29-county service territory in eastern and central Pennsylvania. Through smart investments and innovation, it has built one of the most advanced electric grids in the United States. And, with over a century of expertise, PPL Electric remains focused on continuing to build the utility of the future, today. Regularly ranking among the country’s best utility companies for reliability and customer satisfaction, PPL Electric has won numerous awards, including 30 J.D. Power Awards for providing top-quality service to residential and business customers. PPL Electric is a major employer and an active supporter of the communities it serves. Empowering employees, community members and initiatives across its service territory through volunteerism and investments in organizations that support education, sustainability, and wellbeing.
Overview

To acquire legally acceptable right of way for the construction, reconstruction, relocation, or improvement of electric distribution and communication facilities; to review, verify and manage the Company's easement rights; to manage the distribution license agreement process; to address inquiries regarding existing or proposed facilities; to assist other customers, internal as well as external, regarding any other issues related to the Company's right of way program. In addition, this position will participate in defining and executing the vision and strategy for the distribution right-of-way organization, including supporting process improvement initiatives.

This position requires interpersonal and negotiation skills necessary to interact with residential, industrial and commercial customers, as well as government entities and key community leaders.

Responsibilities

• Determine the need for and acquire valid right of way for the construction, reconstruction, relocation, or improvement of electric distribution and communication facilities; and negotiate with property owners regarding job modifications and/or design changes.
• Meet engineering and construction schedules by obtaining the necessary right of way in the time allotted.

• Determine property ownership through investigation of courthouse records, tax maps, field inspections or other means and assure compliance with state, county and local municipal laws and ordinances which regulate land use.
• Secure access road agreements for distribution lines when required or when off right of way access is required.
• Assist in all phases of major distribution projects and work directly with contracted engineering firms in support of construction schedules.
• Plan and manage workload and any contractors, including approvals as needed for the use of Right of Way Contractors, from the Supervisor – Right of Way.
• Identify properties and negotiate lease agreements for temporary lay down areas associated with large distribution projects.
• Respond to, coordinate and resolve customer-initiated matters such as land use, crop damage claims, and status of existing distribution line facilities and interpretation of existing right of way agreements.
• Serve as liaison between property owners and the Company before, during and after completion of all assigned projects and is responsible for quick and efficient resolution of customer issues related to right of way.
• Assure timely communications with various managers, engineers, line clearance inspectors, tree crews, foremen, developers, contactors, customers, and others regarding the status of all assigned projects. Ensure that job status is updated in all work management systems.
• Prepare clear and concise documentation of the right of way process including agreements, revisions and/or modifications to agreements; correspondence, special instructions, contact logs, memoranda, reports and formal right of way releases; notarization and recording of required agreements.
• Facilitates acquisition and/or prepares and secures permits from government agencies and railroads.
• Provide right of way support to other departments as necessary.

• Participate in storm restoration efforts as assigned in designated areas.
• Review and approve all right of way agreements secured by area distribution technicians prior to submittal to corporate files.
• Conduct title searches to determine property rights and assist the Office of General Counsel as needed with requests.
• Support and participate in department initiatives and process improvements.
• May be assigned an Electric Utilities emergency and storm role. This is a special assignment that comes into play during storms and other emergencies when the company needs to restore power or respond to other issues affecting customer service. This role may necessitate the need to work after-hours, outside of your normal schedule.
• The company reserves the right to determine if this position will be assigned to work on-site, remotely, or a combination of both. Assigned work location may change. In the case of remote work, physical presence in the office/on-site may be required to engage in face-to-face interaction and coordination of work among direct reports and co-workers.
• All positions in which driving is an essential function of the job, regardless if the job code is marked safety sensitive or not, will also be included as safety sensitive.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards 

Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree and three (3) years of field experience in right of way, real estate, surveying, civil engineering and/or land management work; OR Associate's Degree and five (5) years of field experience in right of way, real estate, surveying, civil
engineering and/or land management work.

2. Working knowledge of real estate law, terminology; procedures; and practices as well as courthouse functions and practices.
3. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

4. Ability to read and interpret legal documents relating to real estate and right of way transactions

5. Notary License Pennsylvania Notary Public appointment 
6. Valid and in State with satisfactory record Required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong skills in public relations, negotiations, and leadership.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications including SharePoint, GIS, work management tools, and related technologies that support Real Estate and Right of Way programs.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with both internal and external teams and work with a flexible approach with the ability to adapt to changing conditions and priorities.
• Process information quickly, research and analyze data and develop solutions.
• Change management experience within Real Estate.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills.8. Designation as SRWA through IRWA