Outside Plant Right of Way (ROW) Agent

This is a remote position.

Position Title: Outside Plant Right of Way (ROW) Agent

Base Salary: $68,000 to $105,000 annually DOE

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401k, flexible spending account, paid sick leave and paid time off, parental leave, quarterly performance bonus, training, career growth and education reimbursement programs.

Ziply Fiber is a local internet service provider dedicated to elevating the connected lives of the communities we serve. We offer the fastest home internet in the nation, a refreshingly great customer experience, and affordable plans that put customers in charge. 

As our state-of-the-art fiber network expands, so does our need for team members who can help us grow and realize our goals.  

Our Company Values: 

• Genuinely Caring: We treat customers and colleagues like neighbors, with empathy and full attention. 
  

• Empowering You: We help customers choose what is best for them, and we support employees in implementing new ideas and solutions. 
  

• Innovation and Improvement: We constantly seek ways to improve how we serve customers and each other.  
  

• Earning Your Trust: We build trust through clear, honest, human communication. 
  

Job Summary

The Outside Plant Right of Way (ROW) agent is responsible for easement research, validation, negotiation, acquisition, issue resolution and properly recording Ziply Fiber easements. The Agent will use private and public records as well as external support where required to satisfy requirements of the role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

The Essential Duties and Responsibilities listed below are a range of duties performed by the employee and not intended to reflect all duties performed.

Land Rights Acquisition and Negotiation

·        Negotiate easement acquisitions and land rights on behalf of Ziply Fiber.

·        Handle acquisition of land rights or obtain proof of land rights for construction of fiber facilities.

·        Determine optimal solutions using either public right of way and/or private easements.

·        Partner with Federal, State, and local government entities to establish & obtain ROW Agreements / Permits.

Property Research, Records, and Compliance

·        Review, interpret, and order public title reports and easement records.

·        Effectively manage and maintain Ziply fiber easement records.

·        Oversee & request surveys, appraisals, environmental, archeological, and other real estate assessments.

Stakeholder and Landowner Coordination

·        Coordinate activities between Ziply Fiber or its agents with the landowners.

·        Respond to landowner concerns and foster healthy relationships.

·        Partner effectively with business partners as well as internal teams.

·        Manage and partner with Ziply Fiber agents and approved vendors.

Issue Resolution and Build Support

·        Resolve disputes over property rights and boundaries for existing network as required.

·        Coordinate build activities as required specifically to negotiated easement agreements.

·        Develop processes to support LEAN process approaches to solve problems.

Business Planning and Support

·        Develop project costing and support business case development.

Other Duties

·        Performs other duties as required to support the business and evolving organization.

Required Qualifications:

·        Bachelor’s degree in real estate, project management, business, law, engineering, environmental science, geographic information systems, or a similar relevant field.

·        Minimum of five (5) years of experience managing easements and acquisition in the telecom, wireless, or power infrastructure industry.

·        Minimum of five (5) years of experience with the legal processes and requirements related to land rights.

·        Ability to read, write and plot legal descriptions, including metes and bounds descriptions.

·        Minimum of five (5) years of experience in real estate negotiations, appraisal, land acquisition, title research, landowner relations, contract negotiation or utility infrastructure project coordination.

·        Utilities distribution network (Telecom, Wireless, or Power) experience.

·        A broad network understanding of telecom, power, or cellular networks.

·        GIS experience with platforms such as ARC GIS or QGIS.

·        Understanding of CAD based drawing systems.

·        Understand LEAN concepts.

·        Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and satisfactory driving record.

·        Must complete a pre-employment drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications:

·        IRWA Certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

·        Strong computer and system skills to search and review records.

·        Proficiency in common offices tools such as Excel, Word and Power point.

·        Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cross functionally to achieve positive outcomes.

·        Operate from a customer centered mindset.

·        Works well in a team environment driven by partnerships.

·        Ability to work independently with minimal direction.

·        Strong negotiation skills and critical thinking.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US for any employer. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for bending, stooping, sitting, walking, or standing for prolonged periods of time; most of time is spent sitting in a comfortable position with frequent opportunity to move about. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to computer screens and requires extensive use of a computer, keyboard, mouse, and multi-line telephone system. The work is primarily a modern office setting.

At all times, Ziply Fiber must be your primary employer. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, employees may not hold outside employment nor be self-employed without obtaining approval in writing from Ziply Fiber. In holding outside employment or self-employment, employees should ensure that participation does not conflict with responsibilities to Ziply Fiber or its business interests.

Diverse Workforce / EEO:

Ziply Fiber is an equal opportunity employer. Ziply Fiber will consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, and the presence of a non-job-related handicap or disability or any other legally protected status.

Ziply Fiber requires a pre-employment background check as conditions of employment. Ziply Fiber may require a pre-employment drug screening.