Career Center

United Power, Inc. is seeking a qualified person for the role of Right-of Way Agent III for our Longmont or Brighton location. This position is considered a subject matter expert, responsible for coordinating all levels of right-of-way acquisition within a team setting. These include, but are not limited to, route planning, coordination between surveyor, land contractors, land owner, project coordinator, easement negotiations, and application completion associated with project delivery. The ideal candidate will meet the requirements of Right-of-Way Agent level III and is required to have at least 4 years of Right-of-Way experience (utility experience preferred) and IRWA certification as described in the job description.

The typical hiring range for a Right of Way Agent III is between $77,300 - $83,342. 

Position Purpose and Objectives:

Under the supervision of the Senior ROW Agent, and the Land Acquisition Manager, the Right-of-Way Agent I, II and III is responsible for coordination of all right-of-way work in related areas, including, but not limited to, obtaining adequate right-of-way easements and permits and performing other special projects as directed. Maintains United Power’s records on easements and permits.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Right-of-Way Agent (Level I/II/III) is a single class with three salary levels.

The Right-of-Way Agent (Level I) is the entry level. Incumbents are learning to perform a broad range of technical, specialized and detailed tasks associated with land acquisition. Incumbents perform the more routine duties and are expected to follow them through to completion or handle complex assignments with substantial instruction and supervision on the technical specifics involved. Incumbents may be trained by Senior Right-of-Way Agent with substantial training and oversight by the Land Acquisition Manager. Incumbents may advance to the higher level (level II) provided they have two years of experience, earned their RWA designation through IRWA, and have repeatedly demonstrated the ability to perform a variety of technical and specialized tasks, as described in the example of duties, without significant supervision.

The Right-of-Way Agent (Level II) is the journey level in the ROW series. Incumbents are fully trained and functional in the broad range of technical, specialized, and detailed tasks associated with appraisal, acquisition, and asset management. Incumbents perform more complex assignments, exercise judgment and make choices among possible actions within a framework of established procedures, sometimes without clear precedent. Work is routinely reviewed before or after completion. Incumbents receive general supervision from the Senior Right-of-Way Agent and Land Acquisition Manager and may provide direction or instruction to lower level clerical personnel. Incumbents may assist in the training of new Right-of-Way Agents. Incumbents may advance to the higher level (level III) provided they have at least four years of experience, earned their RWP designation through IRWA, and have repeatedly demonstrated the ability to perform a variety of technical and specialized tasks, as described in the example of duties, without significant supervision.

The Right-of-Way Agent (level III) is distinguished from the Right-of-Way Agent (level II and Sr. Right-of-Way Agent) as incumbents receive less supervision, use more independent judgment and perform a broader range of responsibilities which include more difficult and/or complex functions. Work is occasionally reviewed upon completion and for overall results. Incumbents receive general supervision from the Senior Right-of-Way Agent and Land Acquisition Manager and provide direction or instruction to lower level technical and clerical personnel. Incumbents will assist in the training of new Right-of-Way Agents. Incumbents may advance to the higher level (Sr. Right-of-Way Agent) provided they have at least six years of experience, are working towards the SR/WA designation, and have repeatedly demonstrated the ability to perform a variety of technical and specialized tasks, as described in the example of duties, without significant supervision.

Essential Job Functions:

• Obtains surveys of properties for easement acquisition, permits, ditch crossings and other public utility crossings for legal placement of United Power facilities.
• Obtains profiles on ditch, railroad, and highway crossings to obtain permits for adequate right-of-way for placement of United Power facilities.
• Defines legal descriptions for placement of United Power facilities.
• Determine and prioritize right-of-way projects that need to be assigned to contract agents and monitor any such projects that are outsourced.
• Performs the following research work under general direction: determines whether a permit or private easement or both, is needed, determines current ownership of real estate through search of public records and abstracts or through title company; checks for possible deed restrictions and encumbrances; computes the approved fee for right-of-way easements.
• With appropriate supervision and approval, negotiates right-of-way agreements for the placement of United Power facilities on public or private property. Evaluates the potential to obtain easements and the possible value of said easements. 
• If necessary, recommends condemnation proceedings when customer does not cooperate, and it is considered absolutely necessary in order to obtain legal placement of United Power facilities on private property.
• Determines the values of property and crops damaged by the Company in carrying out its construction, operation, and maintenance program and with appropriate approval negotiates a settlement in order to compensate the owner for damage caused by United Power.
• Reviews proposed subdivision plats for adequate utility easements prior to final approval of local authority in order to include easements in the platting process.
• Prepares necessary right-of-way permits as required for approval by governmental agencies, ditch companies, utilities, and railroads in order to include easements in the platting process. Provides details for the construction documents on details that might affect the scope of work related to easements and permits.
• Reviews electric distribution design plans and determines if the traffic control plan (TCP) is appropriate. Procures a traffic control plan for approval by the appropriate governing/permitting agency.  
• Records and maintains all land acquisition or related documents and keeps properly filed for referral to maintain records retrieval system.
• Coordinates right-of-way activities with prospective members and with the other activities of the Engineering Department to maintain acquisition status.
• Performs other duties within the employee’s capabilities as directed by the Land Acquisition Manager.
• Creates, expands, and maintains professional and productive working relationships with peers and stakeholders. Works collaboratively with colleagues and fosters a spirit of cooperation in the workplace.

Secondary Job Functions:

• Attends governmental meetings as needed to obtain or exchange information.
• Under general supervision, works with legal counsel as needed in order to clarify United Power’s position or prevent legal action against the company.
• Must be able to react to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.

Education, Training and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in a related field is strongly preferred or equivalent work experience and licensure can be substituted.  

ROW Agent I: Zero (0) to two (2) or more years of utility permitting and easement acquisition experience. 

ROW Agent II: Two (2) to four (4) years of Right-of-Way experience. Must have RWA designation from IRWA.  

ROW Agent III: Four (4) to Six (6) years of Right-of-Way experience. Must have RWP designation from IRWA.  Real Estate Agent or Broker license may be used in lieu of IRWA training provided the RWP designation is earned through IRWA within 4 years of employment.

Knowledge reading staking sheets, construction plans, acquiring permits, maps, and electrical systems is preferred. Familiarity with the National Electrical Safety Code, associated clearances, right-of-way and easement issues in utility applications is preferred. Familiarity with electric utility design is preferred.

Licenses and Other Requirements: Valid driver’s license

The Right-of-Way Agent I, II and III will be expected to maintain membership in the International Right-of-Way Association and attend meetings and training in order to stay on top of current issues related to their work.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must work cohesively with customers, members, other employees, department managers, senior management, and public officials. Must have a friendly and pleasant demeanor and the ability to meet and communicate effectively with people of various backgrounds. 
• Must have the ability to review an electric distribution design plan and determine if the traffic control plan is appropriate. Must be able to understand the process for designing, installing, and the evaluation of temporary traffic control in work zones.
• Must be able to understand the fundamental principles of temporary traffic control that is needed to make discretionary decisions and adjustments.
• Must know the proper processes and procedures for adjustments, and disposition of actions generated, and their legal implications.
• Must have the ability to listen, comprehend, and develop creative solutions to complex internal and external issues.
• Must be skilled and innovative in coordinating cross-departmental systems and procedures.
• Must possess strong organizational skills and excellent communication skills.
• Must have computer knowledge relating to Microsoft Office products.
• Proficient at business writing.
• Knowledge of plats, legal descriptions, and deeds.
• Knowledge of proper agencies and where to file.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

Receive direct to general guidance and direction from Senior Right-of-Way Agent, Land Acquisition Manager and Director of Engineering.  No supervisory duties.

Problem Solving:

Ability to think and act on your feet, while dealing with a variety of different situations each day.

Liaison:

Direct contact with United Power Members, staff, contractors, and various city and county representatives.

Essential Physical & Mental Requirements: •

• Fifty percent (50%) of the time is spent sitting, forty percent (40%) walking, and another ten percent (10%) standing. Frequently it will be necessary to carry up to 10 lbs. of records and files.
• Operating controls is done frequently while driving in a vehicle.
• Occasionally it will be necessary to climb when field checking properties.
• Occasionally it will be necessary to work around construction sites with associated potential hazards.
• Talking in an ordinary tone and hearing ordinary tones is done constantly while communicating with department managers, co-workers, customers, etc. • It is important for the Right-of-Way Agent to see “near” constantly when viewing printed material, mail, telephone, computer, etc. While driving it is necessary to be able to see “far”, have depth perception, eye accommodation, color vision, and field of vision.
• Mental abilities constantly necessary to competently perform the job are alertness, precision, problem solving, spatial perception, persuasiveness, speaking ability, memory, concentration, judgment, writing ability, reasoning, initiative, patience, visual discrimination, and aesthetic sense. Abilities the job will require only occasionally are ingenuity, analytic ability, creativity, and imagination.

Commitment to Safety:

As part of our commitment to health and safety, all employees must have received a COVID-19 vaccination or be willing to participate in weekly testing and wear masks while in any United Power facility. 

Typical hiring ranges:

Right of Way Agent I: $59,900 - $66,160 annual salary, with a grade maximum of $72,420

Right of Way Agent II: $64,700 - $71,453 annual salary, with a grade maximum of $78,205

Right of Way Agent III: $77,300 - $83,342 annual salary, with a grade maximum of $89,385

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes an employee retirement plan, 401K with match, paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. For a full list of benefits, please visit our careers page at https://www.unitedpower.com/careers.

NOTE: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other job responsibilities as assigned by the immediate supervisor or management.

Management reserves the right to change position descriptions, specifications or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities or as the need arises. 

This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.