At La Plata Electric Association, our mission is to provide our members safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost while being environmentally responsible. We are shaping the future by building trustworthy community partnerships as an innovative, forward-thinking industry leader, delivering excellence in our member-owned cooperative.
Job Summary
The primary functions of this position are:
- Acquisition of rights of way for new lines, as well as other Association and member construction projects; in a timely manner and on terms that are fair to the Association
- Completion of all land related environmental studies and reports
- Completion of all necessary property surveys
- Settlement of land rights disputes
- Maintenance of the Association’s land records
- Interprets and apply National Electric Safety Code
Requirements
This position requires a valid Colorado driver’s license and a good driving record. The employee must be able to drive over uneven/rough terrain from time to time.
Education and/or Experience
This position requires a High School Diploma, or its equivalent. Four-years of experience in appraisal and/or acquisition of rights of way preferred. Electric utility experience is preferred.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Negotiates for and secures rights of way across private, public and Native American lands.
Responsible for Environmental Assessments, Environmental Reports, Biological Assessments & Evaluations, Threatened and Endangered Species Surveys, Cultural Resource Surveys, Phase I & Phase II Environmental Property Evaluations, and other environmental studies and reports.
Responsible for reviewing Public Land Survey plats.
Responsible for working with numerous governmental agencies, including but not limited to, RUS, SHPO, BIA, BLM, USFS, USFWS, NRCS, CDOW, ACOE, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, county and city governments to obtain all necessary permits and licenses to complete Association and member construction projects.
This position is expected to attend public meetings as the Association's representative to make presentations to county, city and other planning groups regarding land use applications and permits.
Reviews all proposed land permit actions through town, city and county planning to ensure easements are in place for all existing LPEA facilities, as well as for new facilities necessary to serve the projects.
This position coordinates the preparation of easements, leases, assignments, sales documents, release documents, subordination agreements, settlement and release agreements, contracts, warranty deeds, other legal documents and title insurance as required.
Performs appraisal work on right of way values and recommends the proper fees to be paid for easements.
Acts as Association’s representative through the signing off on various land use plats, such as annexations, subdivisions and street vacations.
Processes member requests for releases of easements, prepares appropriate legal documents and executes them on behalf of Association.
Responsible for recommending mitigation of issues encountered when lines are not within easements.
Responsible for recommending purchases and sales of fee owned properties.
Works with member/members on enforcement of National Electrical Safety Code clearances, including mitigation of issues involved with new building construction near electric lines.
This position performs other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities directly with LPEA employees or contract service providers.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Qualifications/Skills
This position requires a valid Colorado driver’s license and a good driving record. The employee must be able to drive over uneven/rough terrain from time to time.
Education and/or Experience
This position requires a High School Diploma, or its equivalent, and four-years of experience in appraisal and acquisition of rights of way is preferred. LPEA will give consideration to current employees with related experience and/or education. Experience with electric utilities is preferred.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
This position requires that the employee be able to, and obtain, the Right of Way Professional certification from the International Right of Way Association within 5 years after starting.
Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Dental & Vision Insurance
- Paid Vacation
- Personal Leave
- Sick Time
- 401(k)
- Health Club Reimbursement
- Education Assistance