Right of Way Specialist

Job Description

The Right of Way Specialist is responsible for managing the acquisition and administration of rights of way, access or transmission easements and licenses required to support geothermal project development. This role conducts title research, negotiates land rights with private landowners and public agencies, and ensures all land interests are secured in in accordance with project schedules and acquisition policies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and oversee title research, order and analyze title reports by reviewing associated easements, mining claims, split estates, contracts, judgments, covenants, conditions and restrictions, licenses, liens and other encumbrances.
• Research, examine and assess fee ownership in county grantor/grantee records, tract indices, tax assessor records, clerk and recorder records, and records owned by the title company.
• Identify title defects and necessary title curatives to land rights issues; escalate complex matters and coordinate with legal counsel, land manager, and real estate teams as needed.
• Lead negotiations with private landowners, attorneys, and local, state, and federal agencies to secure necessary land rights.
• Apply multiple outreach methods to reach and build rapport with landowners and explain easement terms clearly and address concerns with professionalism.
• Read, write and interpret legal descriptions and review maps and surveys.
• Utilize GIS, mapping tools, and land database systems to support document tracking and rental payments.
• Prepare and maintain organized ROW files, databases, and digital document management systems to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain accurate records of title research activities and assist with project financing needs.
• Assist in estimating property values for land rights, as appropriate.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3-5 years of experience in right of way, land acquisition, title, or real property records.
• Ability to understand real estate documents including deeds, easements, appraisals, surveys, deeds of trust, liens, judgments, court records, assessments, probates and other matters of record.
• Strong understanding of legal descriptions (e.g., Public Land Survey System, metes and bounds, lot and block), title conveyances, and real property records.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating land rights and working with landowners, attorneys, and public agencies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), land database systems, digital document management, and geospatial tools (e.g., ArcGIS, Google Earth).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a high degree of professionalism.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and attention-to-detail skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Attention to detail in preparing and proofing materials, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Overnight travel may be required in performance of the duties assigned.