Right of Way Specialist I

Job Title: OSP Private Right of Way Specialist I

Reports To: OSP Project Manager

Job Summary:

The Right-of-Way Specialist represents Highline and the acquisition of right-of-way/right-of-entry approvals from property owners within multiple counties throughout the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Specialist works closely with external customers, property owners, Homeowner Associations (HOA), and internal organizations to secure right-of-way/right-of-entry approvals to construct Highline’s fiber optic network on private roads and property where required. This position will be in the Escanaba, Michigan area.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Proactively building relationships and attending meetings with government entities, developers, community groups, homeowner associations, and property owners where right-of-way/right-of-entry access permission is needed to construct fiber cables across private property and private roads.

• Research, review and analyze property deeds, easements, maps, and other public property records to determine property or parcel information including property boundaries and contact information.
• Prepare right-of-way/right-of-entry agreements and documents, as well as exhibits, including project and site-specific requirements.
• Contact property owners or HOA leadership members to; Educate them of proposed fiber build plans and the right-of-way/right-of-entry requirements, answer property owner questions, and secure right-of-way/right-of-entry permission and agreements for Highline target private property builds.
• Visit locations with OSP Engineering and construction teams as needed to determine options and optimal fiber routing paths across private property and roadways for securing right-of-way agreements.
• Answer questions, provide information, and negotiate right-of-way/right-of-entry agreements with future customers, property owners, and homeowner associations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for right-of-way/right-of-entry processes, approval tracking, and formal documentation.
• Prepare customer correspondence, right-of-way/right-of-entry agreements and other documentation as needed and ensure that final designs for acceptable encroachments are in accordance with Company guidelines.
• Work with legal department and outside counsel as needed.
• Prioritize and track ROE/ROW projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Ability to review and interpret fiber optic network engineering plans/permits, design drawings, and construction plans.
• Experience with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping technology and software tools such as Google Earth Pro, QGIS, and Vetro are a plus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and ability to learn how to use various mapping tools.
• Knowledge of systems for records research such as county clerk land and tax databases, property owner searches, tax assessor sites and mapping systems a plus.
• Basic knowledge of fiber optic network engineering and construction
• Must be customer focused with strong communication and agreement closing skills.
• Must take initiative, and must demonstrate personal responsibility, decisiveness, and flexibility.
• Must be able to manage a high-volume workload, time pressures, and conflicting demands.
• Must be able to work well both independently and as a team member.
• Must possess excellent communication skills, and the ability to plan, manage, coordinate, and lead multiple projects.
• Must be very detail oriented.
• Ability to build strong relationships at all levels, including with peers and both internal and external customers.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision to complete tasks in a self-directed manner, within project timelines and budgets.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout assigned geographical area, as well as occasionally throughout the state, including overnight stays.

• Must possess a valid Driver’s License.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to work in outdoor conditions as necessary.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.

• Must be able to pass pre-employment screenings (Drug and Background) including Random Quarterly testing.

Job Type: Full-time (Exempt)