Land Agent

Description

Job Title:  Land Agent

Job Code:  104656

Job Summary

To contact and negotiate with land owners, their agents or attorneys, all types of agreements for company operations concerning the acquisition and/or disposal of necessary land rights, and to negotiate damage claims from construction, operation and maintenance of company facilities. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Contacts property owners or their legal representative in order to negotiate and obtain rights-of-way, easements, leases, railroad agreements, options to purchase, etc.
• Disburses company funds in payment for land rights and damage settlements to property owners.
• Notifies landowners of planned company activity on their property, as needed.
• Negotiates relocation of facilities and/or reimbursable projects.
• Settles minor damage claims.
• Develops knowledge in acquisition of property, easements and leases.
• Assists project engineers in establishing construction routes and determining availability for property needed for new or replacement construction.
• Acts as liaison when investigating and resolving minor encroachments and landowner complaints.
• Negotiates the termination of domestic gas service from local distribution company facilities, converting consumer to alternate fuel source.
• Performs routine examination of courthouse records.
• Basic ability to interpret land documents while developing more complex knowledge.
• Basic knowledge in reading project plans, maps, topographic maps, etc.
• Protects the integrity of the company’s land rights by working with developers and third parties.
• Collectively provides Land Services support across the organization.
• Serves as liaison and representative of NiSource local distribution company with governmental agencies, private organizations and individuals.
• Coordinates appraisals, investigates/appraises crop, timber, and property damages caused by maintenance and construction activities, and responds to land owner complaints.
• Drafts permit applications clearly and precisely for projects.
• Organizes and monitors the progress of natural resources permitting assignments for multiple projects.
• Participates in project planning process and identify natural resources related regulatory requirements needed for the successful completion of Gas and/or Electric projects.
• Ensures compliance with all regulatory guidelines and company policies and procedures.
• Conducts environmental reviews for corporate Land Right Transfer due diligence program.
• Attention to detail while working under tight deadlines.
• Supports and applies all safety guidelines and be a champion for safety and support a strong safety culture.

Required Qualifications for Position

• Some experience in acquisition, abstracting and property protection is desirable.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to learn interpretation and analyses of land documents.
• Effective organizational skills.
• Good analytical and decision-making skills.
• Positive team player and customer service experience.
• Demonstrated initiative with results orientation.
• Problem solving skills.
• Indoors 30%; outdoors 70%. Sitting 50%, standing/walking 40%, bending/lifting 10%.
• Overtime and overnight travel required.
• Experience in Right of Way clearing, forestry, vegetation management.

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Disclaimer

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

Inclusion & Diversity 
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect and take into consideration diversity within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represent all walks of life and all backgrounds.

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity 
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities. 

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Summary