Transmission Land Agent - MN

position summary

Merjent, Inc. (Merjent) has an upcoming project(s) need for motivated land agents in the state of Minnesota, with demonstrated success in large scale transmission projects. Land agents with capital projects, operations, and transmission infrastructure and development experience are highly preferred. The land agents will be the point of contact for stakeholders, local governments, and community organizations for proposed or existing projects.

The land agents will negotiate and secure legal land agreements (rights-of-way, leases, easements, fee purchases, right of entry, etc.) necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities on behalf of our clients. The land agents must be able to work independently and in a team; be able to manage multiple projects and deadlines; and be able to make decisions that balance the interests of the company and the property owners. This is an excellent opportunity for a career professional to join a growing and exciting service team!

Land agents will be based in Minnesota. However, while we are seeking individuals living in this state, we will also consider agents willing to travel to project sites for extended periods. Daily or limited per diem rates may be available. The pay rate for these roles will be $35-$50/hour. Pay will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs. Retirement and health benefits are available.

why Merjent?

The Merjent difference is real – it's based on a commitment to our values, which guide us in how we work with clients and each other. Our commitment to quality and professional integrity encompasses everything we do. We are proud of our reputation for delivering quality work and building long-term, trusting relationships with our clients and with regulatory agencies.

responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the client and key stakeholders; managing the acquisition, negotiation, and communication of all types of real property rights related to energy projects.
• Negotiate acquisition of easements, leases, fee property, permits and other agreements both for permanent and/or temporary rights, and damages settlement (minor and/or complex damage issues).
• Work with landowners and key stakeholders to understand development limits, access, and other site considerations that could affect a project's layout and installation.
• Examine and search public records to determine land ownership, title chain/reports, including the names and addresses of surface owners, tenants, renters, mortgages, etc.
• Identify and track project milestones, reporting progress to the leadership.
• Analyze local land values for development of the acquisition offer range and a pre-assessment of damage payments.
• Analyze existing land rights and determine land rights required for the assigned work.
• Represent the client by setting up and/or attending business related meetings with various government or agency officials (state, county, etc.).
• Document all communication and correspondence with landowners including in-person meetings, email, phone, and mail using standard Microsoft Office applications.
• Review, understand, and comply with Merjent processes, procedures, and forms with minimal supervision; including adoption of all submitted safety policies/ procedures and completion of all required training for affected staff.

qualifications and experience

• 5+ years of right-of-way, easement, or land acquisition experience, with demonstrated experience working in suburban, urban, or other high-density property environments.
• Proven experience negotiating easements and property rights involving residential properties, small parcels, commercial properties, and developed transmission corridors where impacts to individual properties require detailed landowner coordination.
• Experience managing acquisitions where multiple landowners and parcels are located within a condensed project area and maintaining consistent communication, documentation, and negotiation strategy across the corridor.
• Strong understanding of property impacts beyond acreage alone, including impacts to access, landscaping, driveways, improvements, setbacks, future development potential, and overall property use.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with homeowners and residential property owners, including explaining project impacts, easement terms, compensation methodology, construction impacts, and restoration requirements.
• Experience navigating complex or sensitive negotiations, including landowner objections, attorney or realtor involvement, appraisal questions, counteroffers, and potential condemnation situations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Minnesota condemnation and eminent domain requirements, including Minn. Stat. Chapter 117, with experience supporting acquisitions through appraisal, offer preparation, negotiation, final offer, and condemnation referral when voluntary settlement cannot be reached.
• Ability to identify potential acquisition risks early and communicate landowner sentiment, negotiation challenges, schedule risks, and escalation items to project management and the client.
• Experience coordinating with engineering, survey, appraisal, title, legal, environmental, and construction teams to resolve property-specific issues during acquisition.
• Strong documentation and parcel-management skills, including maintaining contact records, negotiation notes, commitments, document status, and next steps for a high volume of active parcels.
• Utility transmission, distribution, pipeline, transportation, fiber, or other linear infrastructure acquisition experience in developed or suburban corridors strongly preferred.

E-Verify

Merjent, Inc. participates with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify program. We will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Candidates interested in applying should submit a completed Application for Employment (cover letter and resume) to merjent.applicantpro.com.

Merjent, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factors. Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.

Merjent is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity.