Applications will be accepted until May 14, 2026 - Apply on-line at www.wfec.com

SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Manager, Transmission & Distribution Services, the incumbent is responsible for providing, planning, coordinating and implementing right of way and land acquisition activities to obtain the land rights necessary for construction, operation, and maintenance of electric, communications, and operations facility assets. Works with other departments within the organization and with consultants and contractors to determine the final routes and corridors for electrical transmission lines and locations for substations, switch stations and other utility facilities. Determines the ownership and value for real estate and prepares easements, deeds, leases and contracts for the conveyance of land rights. Determines and settles claims for damage to real and other property caused by construction, restoration, and maintenance activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Include the following: other duties may be assigned. Performs title search, preparation of contracts and similar work necessary to manage and direct the acquisition of land, easements and rights of way for the construction of all WFEC facilities and projects. Negotiates with property owners or their representatives as necessary to obtain land, easements and rights of way. Drafts and executes contracts required for acquisition of land and files all required documentation and records with the appropriate agencies. Researches, recommends and consistently follows established guidelines to assess values of real and other property. Coordinates right-of-way activities with other departments to ensure proper timing for the completion of all projects. Assesses situations, prioritizing as necessary, for routing, price to be paid, and course of action to be taken for the acquisition of land, easements and rights of way. Maintains effective communications to keep management informed of project progress related to rights of way, leases, timelines, pricing and costs. Manages the record keeping, filing and retrieval of land and title records, easements, contracts, agreements, maps, blueprints, aerial photographs, and related materials. Assures compliance with all federal, state and cooperative rules, regulations and permitting as they relate to the purchase of land, easements and rights of way. Estimates and settles damage claims due to activities associated with construction, maintenance and installation of facilities. Provides documentation and support to attorneys in any litigation arising from easements and damage settlements. Maintains accurate and up-to-date documents and summaries of lease and contract terms and financial obligations. Operates within WFEC assigned financial authority, seeking timely approvals for amounts above the incumbent's approval authority. Maintains organized system for prints and documents to allow complete and accurate retrieval and review of the terms, timelines and details of each project. Maintains current knowledge of county and state record keeping systems and of methods for researching property rights and legal descriptions. Assists field personnel by guiding the course and progress of rights of way efforts to a satisfactory conclusion. Develops and maintains working relationships with lending institutions, governmental agencies, legal counsel, engineers, contractors and related parties as necessary to effectively carry out the duties of this position. Presents evidence or testifies in court in instances where negotiation has failed or where the court's approval of the acquisition is required.

COMPETENCIES: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Analytical: Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses experience to complement data; designs work flows and procedures.

Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Professional Knowledge: Generates creative solutions; translates concepts and information into applications; uses feedback to modify recommendations; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.

Oral and Written Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings; writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; sets goals and objectives; develops realistic action plans.

Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected outcomes.

Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.

Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments to customers.

Cost Consciousness: Works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; conserves organizational resources.

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 education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors required.

Education and Experience:

Senior Right of Way Agent - ($98,946 - $155,088) Requires a high school diploma and minimum seven (7) years' experience in three (3) or more of the following: valuing and purchasing land, identifying possible land uses, valuing crop and land damages, real estate law and eminent domain, or searching county land records to determine ownership. Additionally requires one (1) year working knowledge of engineering and construction practices in an electric utility environment. Knowledge and application of federal, state, local and tribal agencies requirements, rules and procedures is preferred. Preferred Senior Right of Way Agent (SRWA) certification through the International Right of Way Association (IRWA).

Right of Way Agent - ($89,710 - $139,142) Requires a high school diploma and minimum five (5) years' experience in two (2) or more of the following: valuing and purchasing land, identifying possible land uses, valuing crop and land damages, real estate law and eminent domain, or searching county land records to determine ownership. A fundamental understanding of engineering and construction practices in an electric utility environment, and knowledge of federal, state, local and tribal agencies requirements, rules and procedures are desired.

Language Skills: Requires the ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, financial reports, interpret plan and profile sheets and legal documents. Requires the ability to effectively respond orally and in writing to inquiries from employees, regulatory agencies, or outside entities.

Math Skills: Requires the ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Also requires the ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability: Requires the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Also requires the ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have experience using the Microsoft Office Suite applicable global positioning systems (GPS) and right-of-way management software, and applicable PeopleSoft applications.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: This position requires a current driver's license. Senior Right of Way Agent (SRWA) certification through the International Right of Way Association (IRWA) for Senior position is desired.

WORK SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS: Normally works a daytime weekday schedule but may be required to work overtime and travel on short notice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand and move about the facility; to use hands to finger, handle or feel; to reach with hands and arms; and may be required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus. Vision and hearing must be normal or corrected to normal.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to occasional risk of electrical shock and moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise in the work environment is usually quiet. In accordance with WFEC Administrative Procedure 805-Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace this position is classified as "safety sensitive".

MUST MEET ALL PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WFEC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER AND

TAKES AFFIRMATIVE ACTION WITH RESPECT TO INDIVIDUALS

WITH DISABILITIES AND PROTECTED VETERANS

About Western Farmers Electric Cooperative

ABOUT WFEC WFEC is a generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative, headquartered in Anadarko, Oklahoma, was organized in 1941, when western Oklahoma distribution cooperatives found it necessary to secure an adequate power supply at rates that farmers and rural industrial developers could afford. Throughout its history, WFEC’s membership has grown to include 21-member cooperatives, plus Altus Air Force Base. These members are headquartered in Oklahoma and New Mexico. Today, with seven generating facilities, and a total power capacity exceeding 2,200 megawatts, including contract power purchases, WFEC owns and maintains over 3,700 miles of transmission line to over 330 substations and switch stations. Generating facilities are located at Mooreland, Anadarko and Hugo, Oklahoma and Lovington, New Mexico. For more information, visit www.wfec.com.

Connections working at Western Farmers Electric Cooperative