RIGHT OF WAY AGENT

JOB TITLE: RIGHT OF WAY AGENT

LOCATION: PRESQUE ISLE

REPORTS TO: PROPERTY MANAGER

POSITION STATUS: EXEMPT, NON-BARGAINING UNIT

Be a part of the team that is transforming the power industry of northern and eastern Maine. Versant Power is building on our 100-year history of delivering efficient, safe and reliable electricity service to customers in northern and eastern Maine. We never lose sight of safety, quality, integrity and innovation. We are committed to our dedicated people, who inspire us every day to deliver something more powerful than power alone.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under the general direction of the Property Manager, this position is responsible for assisting in the acquisition of the necessary rights to construct and maintain Versant Power facilities. This position requires research, document preparation, negotiation, and acquisition of legal rights to operate distribution and transmission lines. The agent coordinates with internal departments, landowners, attorneys, municipalities, railroads, and other agencies to ensure proper rights are acquired. The agent maintains company easement records and right of way files. Manages the daily issues associated with company facilities and rights.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

- Works with planners, customer coordinators and landowners to determine what rights are required for the job.

- Conducts research using staking plan, tax maps, municipal information, physical evidence provided by the planner, and landowner contact to determine property ownership. Conducts project site visits to analyze property and utility locations. Works with surveyors, attorneys, municipalities, other utilities, railroads, and various other entities.

- Updates land ownership through title research at the appropriate County Registry of Deeds.

- Prepares legal documents necessary for each job which may include overhead and/or underground easements, strip easements, bills of sale, assent documents, assignments, warranty and quit claim deeds, access rights, permits and other documents.

- Contacts landowners or other stakeholders and acquires the necessary rights.

- Coordinates with customer, planner, and customer coordinator to ensure necessary customer obligations are fulfilled.

- Processes legal documents for recording at the appropriate County Registry of Deeds and maintains accurate files within the system.

- Becomes and remains knowledgeable of Versant Power and MPUC rules and regulations.

- Works in accordance with the documented environmental procedures, instructions, and specific responsibilities as defines in individual procedures and instructions. Reports problems or deviations associated with environmental issues and EMS to the Environmental Department.

- Coordinates workload using contract labor to insure timeliness of service and efficiency in operation.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Other related duties as assigned, including designated duties associated with System Emergencies.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

- Bachelor of Science degree preferred in a related field. Minimum of five years of experience in a related field required.

- Maine Real Estate license preferred or the ability to obtain a Maine Real Estate license.

- Completed course of study or demonstrated proficiency required in elementary surveying, Maine real estate law, Maine boundary law, and Maine real estate agent law, including boundary law and laws regarding roads and easement rights required.

- Proficiency in paralegal and/or public document research preferred.

- Familiarity with utility power systems beneficial.

- Basic understanding of electricity and ability to learn Versant Power transmission and distribution circuits and construction techniques required.

- Understanding of surveying techniques and the ability to read, interpret and draw maps and plans required.

- Understanding of property valuation and real estate appraisal techniques required

- Familiarity with land use planning codes, including local municipal zoning ordinances, LUPC and MPUC rules and regulations required.

- Excellent written and communication skills required.

- Demonstrated ability to negotiate and understand complex real estate agreements.

- Familiarity with software such as Microsoft Office, CAD, Google Earth, and GIS.

POSITION NOTES:

- Position requires sitting, standing, walking, and driving. May require walking on uneven terrain.

- Requires regular work outside in all weather conditions.

- Positions requires significant interaction with the public.

- Position requires employee to work under pressure and meet deadlines, and may be stressful due to customer contacts that may be unpleasant, demanding and difficult.

- Some overnight travel required.

- Valid Maine driver’s license required.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

This job description is subject to change at any time

Versant Power is a tobacco-free, drug-free and fragrance-free workplace.

Versant Power is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Posted: 10/02/2025