Position Summary:
Assists in the acquisition of land, land rights, licenses, leases, permits and other documents necessary for the construction, operation and maintenance of electric distribution lines and the maintenance of office files relative thereto. Assists in the acquisition of rights required by AEP for the construction, operation and maintenance of AEP's electric distribution and/or distribution facilities. This responsibility encompasses many thousand miles of facilities and many acres of land owned involving many thousands of dollars investment by AEP; responsible for the accuracy and safekeeping of AEP's records.
Essential Job Functions:
- Handle complicated negotiations with land owners (or their designees) for the acquisition of rights relative to the construction, reconstruction, enlargement or maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities and supervise contract agents as required.
- Settle complicated damage claims with land owners (or their designees) relative to property damage caused or created by AEP during the construction, reconstruction, enlargement, maintenance or removal of transmission and/or distribution facilities and supervise contract agents as required.
- Search courthouse and other records as may be available to determine present property ownership(s) and the extent of interests therein. Remain knowledgeable in real estate values and accepted real estate appraisal practices; advise and assist the Right of Way Supervisor in establishing a range of fair market values to be used in the acquisition of land and land rights.
- Draft and/or supervise the preparation of documents for rights of entry, damage claims, contracts, easements, licenses, leases, permits, options to purchase and other documents as may be necessary to acquire adequate rights for AEP's electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
- Interface and cooperate with other AEP departments to resolve challenges impacting ROW procurement and schedules; Maintain right of way and property records.
- Develop and maintain favorable relationships with the general public, landowners, federal, state, and local government agencies.
- Act as a witness and assist in the selection of witnesses and commissioners in connection with condemnation and/or other court actions involving electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
- Maintain property owner files, maps, drawings, exhibits and detailed progress reports.
- Promote, support, and enforce safety practices to safeguard employees, the general public, and AEP equipment.
- Be proactive in responding to customer inquiries and complaints as they relate to company distribution right of way activities.
Minimum Requirements
NOTE: This position will be filled at the experience level commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate as compared to the minimum education/experience requirements listed below.
Education: Associates Degree in Business, Real Estate, Engineering, Paralegal, or related field; High School Diploma with two (2) additional years of experience in the acquisition or real estate and right of way, or related experience, acceptable in lieu of degree.
Experience: Two (2) years of experience in the acquisition of real estate or right of way procurement, surveying, title research, or related, in addition to any experience listed above as required in lieu of degree; For consideration at intermediate (Agent) level, Four (4) years of experience required in listed/related fields, in addition to experience required in lieu of degree.
Licenses/Certifications: Valid state driver's license required for all levels; Notary Commission required for immediate consideration at intermediate (agent) level,
OTHER REQUIREMENTS - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Ability to obtain and possess Notary Commission within six (6) months of hire/start required at Associate/Entry level.
- Travel in assigned territory necessary/required
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Capable of walking long distances and/or climbing steep terrain necessary for performance of job duties
- Capability to utilize all distribution electronic mapping and easement imaging systems necessary
- Must possess strong computer skills.
American Electric Power
1 Riverside Plaza
Columbus
Ohio United States
www.aep.com
