Research Specialist II

More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

Job Summary

This is the third level within the real estate research job family progression, suggested for college-educated and/or experienced professionals. The Research Specialist II position provides strategic direction and technical oversight to the Associate Research Specialist and Research Specialist I positions; may provide support, training, and assistance to the data management specialists; assists senior land representative and lead research specialist in ensuring consistent processes and procedures are documented, updated regularly and communicated; contributes to the setting of clear objectives and standards and provides the challenge and motivation to achieve results and continuously improve. This position acts as the subject matter expert in the research, preparation and oversight of easement documents to ensure accuracy and consistent processes; acquire and prepare documents for new service, complex major projects and complex transmission research. This position provides training, support, and guidance to associated research specialist and research specialist i positions; will perform researching of company and public records to determine ownership of property or prior rights; will perform review and interpretation of engineering drawings, site plans and legal descriptions in connection with the preparation of easement documents. This position will work in support and collaboration with land representatives and research specialist's as well as other key internal and external customers such as landowners, attorneys, engineers, peers, and others in securing land rights to support distribution and transmission projects and satisfying customer requests. There search specialist II supports the company’s efforts in safety, complies with company safety practices and procedures, fostering a focus on safety with the team and contributing to the success of the corporate safety goals.

Responsibilities

Advise and Guide Research Specialist I

- Provide localized support to Associate Research Specialist and Research Specialist I

- Provide quality assurance and oversight for outsourced projects which includes process quality assessment; monitoring vendor KPI goals, and evaluating financial benefits of engagement

Performs research for the Real Estate function

- Researching of Company and public records to determine ownership of property or prior rights, review and interpretation of engineering drawings and site plans; review of legal descriptions;

- Ensures business rules and processes and procedures are followed and understood for Data Management

- Preparation of easement documents; acquire and prepare documents for new service.

- Preparation of research and easement documents pertaining to complex major projects with a prior rights focus

- Utilizing internal systems to perform complex transmission research with a prior rights focus; conduct data-driven research in support of internal customer needs

- Utilize working knowledge of real estate law along with engineering knowledge in applying solutions to company acquisition projects.

- Locates and maps Company-acquired land rights in internal GIS system

- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external resources.

- Keep current with best practices, regulations and laws related to land functions notary and recording changes.

Manages the maintenance of the Real Estate Asset Inventory

- Maintains the integrity of Duke Energy’s 100 plus years of real estate records

- Supports the proper records management for Real Estate transactions.

- Ensure activities are completed, managed, and stored in compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements

- Supports all data and document management work management/tracking in our Real Estate asset inventory database

- Ensures data integrity of database by participating in process design, verification and audit reviews

Communicates with internal and external resources

- Interfaces and coordinates with Land Agents, other Research Specialists, and Data Management Specialists.

- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external resources.

- Establishes and maintains partnerships with other Duke Business Partner teams to collaborate and ensure their requests are being met

- Maintain a high level of confidentiality related to the sensitive nature of the project or the high-profile customer involved

Basic/Required Qualifications

- Associates degree in Real Estate, Business Law, Surveying and Topography, Business, or Other Related Degree

- Minimum 2 years related work experience

- In lieu of Associates degree(s) AND 2 year(s) related work experience listed above, High School/GED AND 5 year(s) related work experience

Desired Qualifications

- Excellent oral/written communication skills

- Proficient in Microsoft Office computer applications

- Excellent organization, documentation, attention to detail and time management and work management skills

- Critical thinking and decision making skills to avoid and overcome obstacles on difficult assignments.

- Proven self-motivated and possessing a strong work ethic

- Beginning knowledge of Duke Energy business practices and business values

- 2 years direct experience in acquisition and/or research of real estate rights

- Knowledge of Electric Distribution and Transmission systems, Operations and Construction

- Knowledge of real estate law to include paralegal training

- Experience in title examination related to easements

- Knowledge of surveying and engineering drawings

Working Conditions

- Field Mobility Classification – Work will be performed in various field locations, as needed, after the onboarding period. However, field employees are required to live within a reasonable daily commute to their assigned work location.

- Environmental conditions are those found in a conditioned space (ie office or home)

- Physical requirements: none

- Schedule: is standard office workday of M-F, 8am-5pm

Specific Requirements

- Valid Driver’s License

- Notary Public - Can Obtain in First Year

Travel Requirements

25-50%

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)

No

Represented/Union Position

No

Visa Sponsored Position

No

Posting Expiration Date

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

All job postings expire at 12:01 AM on the posting expiration date.

Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

Privacy

Do Not Sell My Personal Information (CA)

Terms of Use

Accessibility