Sr. Siting & Land Rights Agent Job In Amarillo Texas

Summary
Perform full range of activities associated with the planning, siting and acquisition of permits and land rights for the construction, operation and maintenance of electrical and gas utility facilities for Xcel Energy and its subsidiary companies.

Essential Responsibilities

• Perform planning, route alternatives analysis, selection, and development of sites and corridors for major gas and electric utility facilities. Depending on the scope and complexity of the individual project this responsibility requires close interaction with multi-disciplinary internal project teams, involving engineering, legal and project management staff.
• Negotiate with landowners and their legal representatives for the acquisition and management of land rights for gas and electric utility facilities, up to and including the process of condemnation. Prepare easement packages, perform abstracting and other related courthouse documentation searches to facilitate acquisition of easement rights.
• Prepare applications and negotiate for and obtain applicable permits from federal, state and local land management agencies for gas and electric utility facilities. These include Conditional Use Permits from local municipalities.
• Represent the company before federal, state and local regulatory and land management agencies, boards, planning commissions and councils. Prepare project descriptions and summaries, respond to date requests and make presentations to the governing jurisdiction's representatives in public meetings in order to obtain approval for projects. Act as primary spokesperson on all land rights related activities for the project.
• Maintain a high level of technical knowledge and understanding of applicable federal, state and local land rights laws, codes, ordinances and regulations. Implement effective negotiating strategies and techniques in order to secure land rights at a fair and equitable cost. Serve as technical resource to Land Rights Agents as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all permit conditions and landowner agreements including easement conditions, documentation and releases. Make post-construction damage assessments and settlement payments to impacted landowners.
• Is familiar with and maintains Siting and Land Rights computer database for all projects assigned to this position.
• Provide assistance and recommendations to other internal Xcel Energy departments and subsidiaries involving land rights management and acquisition, valuation and cost estimates for siting and land rights activities.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Land Use Planning, Management or Business (6 years of related experience may substitute for the degree)
• 2 years of siting and land rights experience
• Project management skills
• Proven written and verbal communication skills