Dakota Electric Association is a member-owned, member-focused electric distribution cooperative, striving to exceed our member’s energy expectations in a changing world. We are an equal opportunity employer and we believe that diversity of ideas, perspectives and backgrounds are essential to our business. As a Dakota Electric employee you would be an essential worker that would have a hand in serving our members. For additional information about Dakota Electric please visit: dakotaelectric.com.
Dakota Electric offers an extensive benefits package:
401(k) and Roth 401(k) with an employer contribution of 6% of an employee's base wage, plus matching contribution up to 4%.
Medical, dental and vision coverage
HSA and FSA
Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability
Short-term disability and other voluntary benefits
Tuition reimbursement
Wellness reimbursement
Vacation, sick and personal leave
Job summary:
The Land Use Manager acquires the land, land rights, easements, tree-trimming rights, other rights-of-way and right-of-way use permits necessary for the construction of new facilities and the maintenance of existing plant as needed by Dakota Electric Association (DEA). This position coordinates the leasing of DEA property for communication equipment and joint use attachments, including preparing lease agreements, exploring legal, engineering issues and safety issues, and negotiation. The Land Use Manager is also responsible for service territory boundary issues, including resolution through the Public Utilities Commission and other utilities.
Responsibilities:
Comply with established Dakota Electric Association safety and operating rules, policies, procedures, and guidelines. Be responsible for reporting any un-safe practices and or hazards to a supervisor, manager or vice president. Be committed to and actively involved in Dakota Electric’s safety programs, initiatives and performance.
Responsibility for all Land Use activity including but not limited to easements and right-of-way, land purchases and leases, the acquisition of required state, county and local permits including plats, conditional use, special use and construction permits, property damage settlements, and tree-clearing.
Monitors and advises other utilities in the acquisition and use of easements in order to assure the rights of DEA.
Prepares options, sales purchase agreements, easements, easement releases, leases and other documents required to manage the land and land rights of DEA.
Responsible for the negotiations of tree removal and trimming with property owners and for property damage settlements when necessary.
Responsible for the purchase and permitting of substation property. Work with other involved parties to design landscaping, coordinate grading plans and review other city requirements for new substations and assure the plan meets requirements by DEA and permitting agencies.
Responsible for negotiating and maintaining agreements for joint use attachments, managing the review and certification of new attachment requests, verifying attachments counts, maintaining accurate attachment information, and billing.
Coordinates the leasing of DEA property for communication equipment. This includes preparing lease agreements, exploring legal, engineering and safety issues, and negotiation.
Negotiates to resolve service boundary questions with Xcel Energy and other neighboring utilities, including service area changes, modifications and exceptions; prepares or coordinates the preparation for documents to be submitted to the Public Utilities Commission to confirm boundary revisions, definitions, and exceptions. Retains current copies of the PUC service territory maps and ensures that systems are updated as necessary.
Represents Dakota Electric Association at public meetings, hearings, etc., whenever necessary to receive approval of system improvement projects.
Performs related work as apparent or assigned.
Educational and Experience:
A bachelor’s degree with additional course work in negotiating skills or public relations is required. Project management certification is preferred.
Member of International Right of Way Association (IRWA) and SRWA Certification is required.
Five years of progressively responsible electrical or other utility land and right-of-way experience is required. Experience in land title, land survey, property description, appraisal and/or other para-legal
(All duties should be considered essential functions per the Americans with Disabilities Act.)
