Right Of Way Agent at PPL Corporation in Scranton, PA

Job description

Company Summary Statement PPL Electric Utilities delivers safe, reliable and affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million homes and businesses throughout its 29-county service territory in eastern and central Pennsylvania. Through smart investments and innovation, it has built one of the most advanced electric grids in the United States. And, with over a century of expertise, PPL Electric remains focused on continuing to build the utility of the future, today. Regularly ranking among the country’s best utility companies for reliability and customer satisfaction, PPL Electric has won numerous awards, including 30 J.D. Power Awards for providing top-quality service to residential and business customers. PPL Electric is a major employer and an active supporter of the communities it serves. Empowering employees, community members and initiatives across its service territory through volunteerism and investments in organizations that support education, sustainability, and wellbeing. Overview To acquire legally acceptable right of way for the construction, reconstruction, relocation, or improvement of electric distribution and communication facilities; to review, verify and manage the Company's easement rights; to manage the distribution license agreement process; to address inquiries regarding existing or proposed facilities; to assist other customers, internal as well as external, regarding any other issues related to the Company's right of way program. In addition, this position will participate in defining and executing the vision and strategy for the distribution right-of-way organization, including supporting process improvement initiatives. This position requires interpersonal and negotiation skills necessary to interact with residential, industrial and commercial customers, as well as government entities and key community leaders. Responsibilities • Determine the need for and acquire valid right of way for the construction, reconstruction, relocation, or improvement of electric distribution and communication facilities; and negotiate with property owners regarding job modifications and/or design changes. • Meet engineering and construction schedules by obtaining the necessary right of way in the time allotted. • Determine property ownership through investigation of courthouse records, tax maps, field inspections or other means and assure compliance with state, county and local municipal laws and ordinances which regulate land use. • Secure access road agreements for distribution lines when required or when off right of way access is required. • Assist in all phases of major distribution projects and work directly with contracted engineering firms in support of construction schedules. • Plan and manage workload and any contractors, including approvals as needed for the use of Right of Way Contractors, from the Supervisor – Right of Way. • Identify properties and negotiate lease agreements for temporary lay down areas associated with large distribution projects. • Respond to, coordinate and resolve customer-initiated matters such as land use, crop damage claims, and status of existing distribution line facilities and interpretation of existing right of way agreements. • Serve as liaison between property owners and the Company before, during and after completion of all assigned projects and is responsible for quick and efficient resolution of customer issues related to right of way. • Assure timely communications with various managers, engineers, line clearance inspectors, tree crews, foremen, developers, contactors, customers, and others regarding the status of all assigned projects. Ensure that job status is updated in all work management systems. • Prepare clear and concise documentation of the right of way process including agreements, revisions and/or modifications to agreements; correspondence, special instructions, contact logs, memoranda, reports and formal right of way releases; notarization and recording of required