Real Estate & Permitting Specialist

The Real Estate and Permitting Specialist handles real estate issues regarding access, acquisition, maintenance and divestiture of land, leases, real estate holdings, right of ways, easements and mineral rights, and packages real estate collateral for project financing. The role is responsible for the maintenance of the company’s land assets, including leases, options, joint ventures, rights-of-way, and all other agreements pertaining to land and mineral rights, or activities conducted thereon.

The Real Estate and Permitting Specialist will resolve issues relating to legal, accounting, environmental, finance, operations, and business development as they relate to land leases and other real estate matters in a manner that is consistent with corporate policy, goals and guidelines and pursuant to governmental regulations, state laws and departmental practices. The real estate specialist must also maintain good working relationships with landowners, royalty holders, lessors and other third parties.
 

Conducts negotiations for all types of land-based transactions and participates in development of land-related strategy. Identifies, evaluates and recommends acquisitions and divestitures where the company may benefit and/or further its goals and objectives. Supervises and conducts land-related due diligence.
Develop policy and procedures for the acquisition of right of way and the acquisition and disposal of the company’s utility real estate. Determines ownership of property targeted for acquisition and manages site acquisition projects. Maintain contractor files, tracking of bonds, lease burdens, permit status, and confidentiality agreements.
Represents the company with respect to land matters in its relations to the public, including landowners, public and private companies, local, state and federal agencies, and, if necessary, foreign government. Present to the public and various governmental permitting authorities as required. Act as an expert witness before various boards or commissions.
Evaluate leases, options, assignments, purchase and sale agreements, joint ventures, farm-out agreements, confidentiality agreements, professional service agreements, and other miscellaneous agreements incidental to land aspects of the business. Coordinates the drafting of land-related documents and coordinates management review and approval, based upon a full understanding of the projects, management objectives, and sound economic analysis.
Participates in permitting, which includes the ability to obtain exploration permits and to supervise contractors for satisfaction of reclamation requirements. Ensures that the company obtains proper approvals, both corporate and regulatory, prior to execution and implementation of any significant land-based transaction.
Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. 
 

Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field or equivalent work experience. (Typically six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.)
Six years of experience or training and knowledge of right of way, surveying principles, contract and real estate law.
Skills and expertise requirements unique to this position include: real estate law, real estate appraisal, land surveying principals, state codes and administrative rules relating to construction and permitting of utility facilities, city and county permitting and zoning rules and processes and negotiation and persuasion skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills.  
Effective interpersonal skills and leadership abilities.  
Effective analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.  
Project management skills; ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects concurrently