What are the responsibilities and job description for the Right of Way Agent position at Coates Field Service Inc?
Overview: Coates Field Service, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated and experienced in-house Right of Agent. This position merges elements from data and document management, right of way acquisition, and project coordination. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills, advanced knowledge of right of way processes, and exceptional organizational abilities to manage and oversee multiple responsibilities efficiently. The position is based in our Oklahoma City, OK Centralized Operations Center, with potential for a hybrid work schedule following initial in-person training. Local candidates are encouraged to apply. No per diem is available.
Professionals in right of way/land acquisition may have prior experience as attorneys, paralegals, real estate, oil & gas leasing, or land professionals, working in industries such as electric utility power or communication companies, title companies, pipeline, engineering firms or government agencies specializing in land development.
Primary Job Duties & Responsibilities:
- Right of Way Acquisition:
- Negotiate and acquire property rights, including easements, leases, and temporary rights of way for electric transmission, sub-transmission, and distribution projects.
- Respond to inquiries from stakeholders regarding property rights and project status.
- Collaborate with field teams to ensure accurate communication and documentation of landowner interactions, agreements, and payments.
- Data & Document Management:
- Maintain and manage project databases, including generating accurate reports, performing bulk data manipulation, and ensuring data integrity.
- Review, analyze, and process easement and land acquisition documents, including deeds, legal descriptions, permits, and contracts.
- Perform quality control for legal documents, ensuring proper execution and notarization.
- Manage document filing systems, including electronic filing with county clerks.
- Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools such as Google Earth/Pro or Esri for mapping and analysis.
- Project Coordination:
- Draft and review right of way and land acquisition documents; provide training and process improvements for the team.
- Coordinate with internal personnel, field agents, subcontractors, landowners, clients, and other stakeholders to resolve issues before reaching critical status.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Advanced computer literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and cloud-based applications (e.g., OneDrive).
- Knowledge of land and right of way acquisition processes, including drafting and negotiating property rights documents such as easements, leases, and agreements.
- Ability to read and interpret title reports, design sketches, legal descriptions, and survey/engineering drawings.
- Skilled in property research methods, including courthouse searches and internet research.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
- Understanding of valuation processes for crops, timber, and other damages related to property rights.
- Familiarity with GIS mapping tools is a plus.
Minimum Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree in business, communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Proven ability to manage electronic data and documents effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Previous experience in drafting, reviewing, and processing land and right of way acquisition documents.
Who We Are: Coates Field Service, Inc. has a 75-year history of providing comprehensive land acquisition and right of way services to municipalities, utilities, energy providers, and oil and gas companies nationwide. As the first firm of its kind, Coates is widely recognized as a leader in the industry, with the agility to respond to client needs across all 50 states.
We are committed to hiring the best candidates for all positions and fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and professionalism. Coates is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Coates offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, paid time off, company holidays, and more.
