Principal Right-of-Way Agent

Requisition ID # 169170

Job Category: Real Estate / Facilities

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Engineering, Planning & Strategy

Work Type: Hybrid

Job Location: Fresno

Department Overview

Land Management includes a staff of approximately 200 land managers, surveyors, land rights and acquisition specialists. Our goal is to ensure that PG&E’s lands are well-managed and our property rights are protected, that we work closely with state and federal regulators to protect the unique landscapes and environmental resources found on these properties, and that we acquire and comply with all environmental permits required to conduct activities on these properties. Our work requires close integration between our team of planners, land specialists, and environmental scientists, as well as with law and environmental.

Position Summary

This job is represented by Engineers and Scientists of California (ESC) and is subject to collective bargaining.

The Principal Right of Way Agent (“Principal ROW Agent”) working under the direction of the unit Supervisor, shall function in a lead role, direct, review and approve the work of lower classifications and contractors, and assume responsibility for “stalled” negotiations and for all projects requiring the highest level of experience and expertise in acquisition matters; is regarded as a technical expert for essential job functions; negotiates the acquisition of complex fee property purchases and manages the more complex land acquisition projects; will provide structured guidance and training to lower classifications.

This position is hybrid, working from your remote office and your assigned work location based on business need. Potential to report to office 1-4 days a week as needed.

PG&E is providing the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This compensation range is specific to the locality of the job. The actual salary paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity. Although we estimate the successful candidate hired into this role will be placed towards the middle or entry point of the range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis related to these factors.

A reasonable salary range is:

Minimum: $ 145,188

Maximum: $175,356

Job Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Supervisor:

- Acquisition: Negotiates to acquire land rights for the more complex acquisition projects. Leads and/or directs lower classification agents and/or contract agents in negotiations. Negotiates special terms and conditions and resolves complex real estate problems and conducts investigations to determine appropriate action. Prepares and negotiates special contracts and agreements and oversees preparation of non-standard easements. Interprets and prepares property value analysis. Develops land payment schedules. Requests initiation of condemnation proceedings as appropriate to ensure timely release of projects to construction and may be called to serve as an expert witness in condemnation proceedings.

- Appraisal: Is responsible for the Appraisal Review for fee purchases, acquisition of easements and other land rights; Prepares value declarations for condemnation and other legal proceedings. Reviews appraisals in cases where agencies are condemning PG&E or third parties are acquiring PG&E property.

- Support for Condemnation Proceedings: In consultation with the Law Department, responsible for ensuring accuracy and completeness of condemnation packages submitted to appraisers and attorneys. Assists, as requested by the Law Department, in the preparation of declarations which state and confirm the necessity and land values for condemnation proceedings. Participates in pretrial and trial proceedings as requested.

- Project Damage Assessment & Resolution: Provides or directs Sr. ROW Agents and ROW Agents in the provision of project damage assessment and resolution services in accordance with PDARP. May serve as the PDARP program manager and provide PDARP technical guidance and training to unit staff, other Land Services groups, project team members and/or project business partners.

- Training: Develops and implements training programs and manuals for the unit as well as other Land Services employees and/or business partners.

- Contract Administration: Oversee all aspects of acquisition/appraisal related contracts; write contract specifications if required, requests for proposals, and act as a liaison with Procurement and Law Departments. Helps select qualified contractors through competitive bid process. Directs contract agents for assigned projects and acts as a liaison between project business partners, contractors and property owners.

Qualifications

Minimum

- BA/BS degree in related field or equivalent in education and/or experience

- Experience in Corporate Real Estate or Technical and Land Services, at PG&E, or equivalent, 5 years

- Notary Public; International Right of Way Association SR/WA designation or equivalent professional designation

Desired

- California Real Estate Broker license

- Understanding eminent domain and condemnation

- Licensed appraiser and/or property valuation

- Complex negotiation skills

- Ability to handle high volume complex projects

- Experience with land acquisition to include temporary uses, easement interests, and fee acquisitions

- IRWA designations

- PMP designation/certification