Lead Right of Way Specialist

Company Summary Statement

Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 334,000 natural gas and 433,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 569,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and five counties in Virginia. LG&E and KU are major employers and active supporters of the communities they serve. They empower employees, community members and initiatives across their service territory through volunteerism and investments in organizations that support education, sustainability and wellbeing.

Overview

The Lead Right of Specialist will guide the Company’s encroachment management program and support right of way acquisition projects for gas and electric transmission operations. The Lead ensures the safety of Company personnel and protects equipment from damage through the prevention of public interference, protection of the Company’s property rights, and enhanced awareness of rights of way. By leveraging relationships throughout gas and electric operations, the Lead position will elevate the Company’s encroachment management efforts through proactive and responsive communications while advancing the customer experience.

#LG&EKU

#INDLGE

Responsibilities

• Manages all aspects of the Company’s T&D encroachment program
• Leads the encroachment investigation and review with internal stakeholders leveraging technology and ensuring accountability of internal stakeholders
• Conduct site visits with field personnel and property owners to review activities, concerns and risks associated with structures and obstructions on Company’s rights of way
• Utilizing collaborative decision making determine the Company’s position and course of action to resolve encroachment issues with the property owners
• Conduct effective verbal and written communications with property owner
• Provide right of way guidance and direction for capital projects to contractions on acquisition strategy, field issues, and property owner issues
• Creates right of way acquisition strategies and budgets
• Negotiates the acquisition of rights of way for the construction, operation, and maintenance of gas and electric T&D facilities
• Develops the terms and conditions of encroachment agreements with stakeholder input
• Performs due diligence easement reviews to identify gaps in Company’s property rights
• Participates in damage resolution claims and right of way litigation matters including mediation and condemnation
• Produce and maintain right of way website, communication materials, pamphlets, etc.
• Develops outreach program with local governments, regulatory authorities, developers, and property owners to improve the understanding and education of permissible and non-permissible activities within the Company’s rights of way
• Publish encroachment activity and tracking reports for internal stakeholders to include senior management Provides supervisory support and guidance to right of way agents.
• Serves as a member of the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT) in an on-call responsibility for a two-week period every eight (8) to ten (10 weeks
• Performs other duties as directed by Sr. Manager Real Estate & Right of Way
  
  
  

Qualifications

Required Education/Experience/Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, public administration, natural resource management, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience on a year-for-year basis is required.
• A minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in electric or gas transmission/distribution operations, land acquisition, right-of-way, or construction.
• Strong understanding of land surveys, construction drawings, real estate contracts, real estate valuations, or easement documents is required.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office products. Excellent organizational skills are required to be able to work with limited supervision and drive initiatives to completion.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license. Individual will need to possess or become a commissioned Kentucky Notary Public.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• The ability to develop rapport with all type of personalities while working to resolve problems and complex land acquisitions. Strong interpersonal skills including communication, negotiation, presentation, conducting effective meetings, team facilitation or management with demonstrated diplomacy/tact.
• Strong written and oral communication skills to include public speaking skills, ability to develop effective proposals and prepare/maintain accurate records and reports in an organized manner. Great attention to details, processes and documentation is preferred.
• Experience with GIS software is a plus. Certifications with the International Right of Way Association (IRWA) or American Association of Professional Landman (AAPL) are desired.
  
  
  

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory performance in this area. Able to meet with landowners, property representatives, or participate in public meetings outside of normal business hours when needed. Able to serve in an on-call capacity every 8 – 10 weeks for a two-week period.

Work Conditions

Majority of time is spent in an office environment with occasional need to travel to other office buildings and construction or green field job sites with exposure to varied weather conditions. When visiting job/construction site, all Company safety procedures must be adhered to.

Physical Efforts

Office environment with occasional standing, walking, kneeling, bending, and filing. Must be able to walk and maneuver on construction job and green field sites with uneven terrain.

Job Hazards

Low degree of danger or hazard in office setting. Higher degree when in field.