SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by providing its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing natural gas pipelines; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous non-profit partners; and, investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE).

Our highly trained and responsive employees with their diverse skills, talents and ideas are the reason we can deliver on our commitment and are building America’s best energy company. They are also the reason why we have been recognized with the industry’s most coveted awards. Our employees undertake challenging work and receive highly competitive compensation and benefits. As one of the region’s largest employers, we’re always searching for talented and bright people to join our team. After all, it takes the best to build the best. Learn more about benefits HERE.

Diversity and inclusion are core values of SDG&E. Empowering our employees to be their whole selves at work is our competitive advantage. This is where new ideas come from and meaningful collaboration gets an authentic start. By bringing together people with different perspectives, diverse backgrounds and real commitment to their own individuality, we have built a stronger business. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion HERE.

For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.

Primary Purpose
Supervises and provides guidance and work direction to Principal/Senior Right of Way Agents, Right of Way Agents, Surveyors, other internal support staff and Contractors in acquiring operational land rights, including easements, licenses and fee purchase properties. Negotiates rights-of-way and other land rights including fee purchase and condemnation required for the establishment and protection of company transmission and distribution facilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leadership & Staff Oversight: Provides oversight, training, feedback and development of employees for success in current role and supports career development. Develops goals/objectives, sets priorities, strategically partners with Manager/Director to support company and internal initiatives and leads team through changes driven by efficiency and company directive. Complies with established policies and procedures. Monitors and assists department staff and contract labor with managing major projects, including managing project requirements, status and cost for complex acquisitions and condemnations. Delegates work, holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results and manages workload in Archibus.
• Technical Guidance/Problem Solving: Prepares various exhibits and legal descriptions, reviews survey sketches, construction plans, assessor sheets and maps to define the geography and boundary of properties. as needed. Negotiates with private landowners and governmental agencies for the acquisition of complex and high value transmission and distribution rights-of-way, licenses, permits and other real property rights. Collaborates with Land Management Supervisor to ensure that staff are cross trained and have solid understanding of the various roles in Land Services. Coordinates with the SDG&E legal department in the review of existing and new laws, real estate statutes, rules and regulations pertaining to the acquisition of rights-of-way and other land rights affecting land management and land acquisition activities. Maintains contact with land title companies to expedite the exchange of information. Makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when data are limited and/or solutions are unfavorable. Provides oversight of the development of training materials for Right-of-Way activities.
• Performance Based Metrics: Monitors, measures and provides feedback regarding quantity and quality of employee work product delivered internally and to other business units through regular meetings with staff members and performance based metrics. Establishes, monitors and reviews key performance indicators for the delivery of cost effective and quality based land management services.
• Customer Service: Responds to inquiries related to the interpretation of sketches, maps, boundaries, encumbrances and other elements of title searches. Maintains a close professional working relationship with other SDG&E departments to increase efficiencies, provide better communication, and reduce costs for Land Services and the departments it serves. Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external customers. Delivers high-quality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement.
• Reviews and approves invoices from contractors and manages cost center budget.
• Performs other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).

Required Qualifications

• Position requires at least 3 years experience as a Right of Way Agent.
• Knowledge of real estate principles, related legal practices and procedures and survey mapping normally acquired through work experience or college level courses.  Working knowledge of property condemnation procedures.
• Extensive experience involving any combination of the following; acquisition of land rights, fee purchase, appraisal concepts, condemnation, title examination, survey or legal description writing.
• Extensive knowledge of real estate statutes, rules and regulations pertaining to the acquisition of rights-of-way, licenses, permits and other land rights.
• Analytical ability and judgment is used to determine land rights to be acquired and the degree of protection required.  Ingenuity, initiative and tact are necessary when negotiating acquiring land rights.
• Experience managing difficult customer/client situations.
• Strong oral and written communication is required with the ability to communicate with all levels in the organization, customers and contractors.  Strong effective listening skills with the ability to identify when clarification is needed and effectively communicate to clients, employees, peers and members of the leadership team.
• Open to change and new information with the ability to rapidly adapt to changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.
• Ability to identify and analyze problems, weighs relevance and accuracy of information, generate and evaluate alternative solutions and makes recommendations which may not always be favorable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, or related field preferred.
• Working knowledge of gas and electric utility industry with supervisory experience.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.

Note: SDG&E strives to ensure that employees are paid equitably and competitively. Starting salaries may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, and education.

SDG&E offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond base salary. This position is eligible for an annual performance-based incentive (bonus) as well as other merit-based recognition. Company benefits include health and welfare (medical, dental, vision), employer contributions to retirement benefits, life insurance, paid time off, as well as other company offerings such as tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, and employee assistance programs.