Right of Way / Real Estate Project Manager

JOB TITLE: Right of Way/Real Estate Project Manager
REQUISITION ID: TRA00VQ
DEPARTMENT: Real Estate Services (R/W) - Topeka General Office
LOCATION: Topeka, KS
PAY RANGE: (Min-Mid-Max)
RES Project Mgr I: $57,100 - $71,400 - $85,700
RES Project Mgr II: $69,900 - $87,400- $104,900
Sr RES Project Mgr: $79,100 - $105,400 - $131,800
Lead RES Project Mgr: $93,100 - $124,100 - $155,100

Scheduled Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., flexible work arrangements upon manager approval which generally include two days working from home per week.

Summary of Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for interpreting, organizing, executing and coordinating all right-of-way activities for transmission and distribution projects, some projects involving substantial monetary amounts. Ensure R/W projects are completed within budgetary estimates, project schedules and in compliance with policies and procedures. This position is responsible for leading and performing multiple activities associated with transmission and distribution right of way projects under general direction. This position requires coordination and performance of activities working with operations personnel at multiple locations. Position may serve as a mentor to less experienced Right of Way Professionals. Projects assigned vary in size and complexity based on experience.

Major responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
* Generates periodic progress reports outlining costs, timing and overall project status related to the scope of the project. Participates in multi-discipline team meetings, including scheduling and cost outlook. Drives continuous process review and improvement.
* Right of way activities include exploration of subject matter, scope definition, creation of project cost, time and manpower estimates, development of strategies for easement and fee acquisitions, valuation analysis, payment approval, problem solving and investigation.
* Position plans, prioritizes and coordinates multiple activities with competing priorities while working in conjunction with the transmission and substation engineering staff, T&S construction project managers, distribution designers, transmission & distribution construction, vegetation management, and maintenance groups. Collaborates with the Legal Department regarding easement language, negotiations, eminent domain and settlement agreements.
* Performs and manages work associated with capital projects, operations, distribution, transmission, and maintenance. Position negotiates and acquires right of way including highly complex acquisitions and politically sensitive parties, provides notifications and access negotiations for transmission and distribution projects, settles right of way damages, reviews appraisals, acquires and releases Company property, completes, manages and coordinates ownership research and document preparation.
* Coordinates, manages and leads a team of contractors acquiring rights to complete all aspects of projects including title research, existing easement rights, right of way descriptions, appraisals, negotiations, acquisitions, relocations, condemnation, construction liaison, damage settlements. Assesses skills, onboards and manages contract personnel to assemble project teams to complete projects. Responsible for contractor billing verification/approval and contract compliance.
* Manage communications with all concerning agencies, parties and entities, including landowners, government agencies, contractors and other external contacts. Represent the Company at public meetings, regulatory hearings, presentations and condemnation hearings.

Education and Experience:
* The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Law, Energy Land Management or related degree. Course work in real estate, law, appraisal, negotiation, communications or related topics is highly preferred. IRWA, Landman, or other relevant professional designations also considered.
* Right of way experience is required. Experience includes the right of way acquisition field, managing projects, negotiation and other related experience. Experience in electric utilities is preferred.
* Demonstrated leadership, initiative, influence, and decisiveness is critical to this role.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
* Must possess good written and verbal communications skills, strong critical thinking, problem solving, analytical and strategic planning skills. Must be able to relay information in a clear and concise manner to convey information often technical in nature.
* Ability to establish rapport as a Company liaison and be a company representative, thereby displaying an advanced level of professionalism and integrity.
* Must employ effective negotiating strategies. One must have the ability to endure mentally challenging and emotionally charged communications with outside parties, including counsel and landowners.
* Initiative to drive areas of improvement and learn systems, processes and procedures.
* Strong computer skills are essential. The preferred candidate will be proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
* Ability to simultaneously plan, execute and supervise multiple projects to completion, within quality, time and budgetary requirements.
* Technical to advanced knowledge of real property law, real property appraisal processes, real property records.
* Ability to interpret easement documents, engineering drawings, property plats and property descriptions.
* Technical to advanced knowledge about the various survey systems used to write land legal descriptions, land title research, and the legal documents required to complete a right of way project.
* Training and education in law, real estate, setting right of way values, ethics, project management.
* Ability to manage contract work force.

Licenses, Certifications, and/or Testing:
Successful candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. If the applicant holds professional license related to the position, such as Missouri or Kansas (a) attorney, (b) real estate or (c) appraisal licenses, Evergy will pay annual licensing fees and continuing education costs.

Working Conditions:
The primary working condition is an office environment. Travel within the service territory may be required several times per month. Travel may include inspection of project corridors, meeting with landowners and other stakeholders in the field and in third-party offices.

Evergy has a clear mission - To empower a better future. Evergy chooses to live this mission by valuing People First. We know that to lead the responsible energy transition and provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable service to our customers and communities, we need a team with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. So, our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We are committed to celebrating diversity and building a team where everyone - regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status - has a voice and can bring their best every day. We know that the more diverse and inclusive we are, the better we will be. Evergy is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.