Job Description
CLS is looking for an experienced Right of Way Coordinator local to Atlanta, GA. The coordinator is responsible for leading, coordinating, and overseeing right-of-way and land rights acquisition activities for assigned projects. This role serves as the primary liaison between project leadership and Acquisition Representatives, ensuring all property acquisition efforts are completed on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with project requirements. The coordinator provides leadership, technical expertise, problem resolution, and quality oversight throughout the acquisition process.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead and coordinate all right-of-way and land rights acquisition activities for assigned projects.
- Manage Acquisition Representatives and monitor performance, productivity, and quality of work.
- Serve as the primary point of contact between project management and field acquisition personnel.
- Ensure acquisition activities are commenced, coordinated, and completed on time and within budget.
- Monitor project schedules and budgets to ensure efficient project execution.
- Track project progress and ensure milestones are achieved according to established timelines.
- Prepare, review, and submit accurate progress reports and project status updates.
- Provide advanced support for complex property owner negotiations.
- Represent the company and project team during public meetings, stakeholder discussions, and community outreach activities.
Qualification Requirements (minimum and preferred requirements):
- Must have 2+ years of land acquisition, right-of-way, project coordination, or related experience preferred.
- Must be local to Atlanta, GA.
- Knowledge of project management/database systems is a plus!
- Must be technologically proficient.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Real Estate, Land Management, Project Management, Environmental Studies, or related field; or equivalent experience.
- Minimum five years of experience in right-of-way, land acquisition, property negotiations, or a related field.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing acquisition teams, contractors, or field personnel.
- Extensive knowledge of right-of-way acquisition and land rights processes.
Additional Responsibilities and Performance Expectations
- Provide accurate and timely guidance and direction to team members with a leadership style that promotes accountability, collaboration, and results-driven performance.
- Take ownership and responsibility for the team’s efforts and deliverables.
- Effectively solve problems to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Understand real estate concepts, terminology, documentation, and property rights research including courthouse research, grantee/grantor title searches, plats, probate documentation, affidavits, deed restrictions, HOA/POA/COA requirements, and roadway ROW plans.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships and communication with client.
- Respond promptly to construction notification requests and coordinate parcel availability to support uninterrupted field operations.
- Maintain organized project records, parcel files, acquisition notes, stakeholder communications, and agent activity documentation.
- Coordinate closely with client to resolve unexpected property owner issues affecting tree crew production, including field visits when needed.
- Create proactive plans with client to identify and address potential problem parcels ahead of construction activities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Broad range of right-of-way and land rights acquisition knowledge and experience.
- Knowledge of complex property ownership, title, access, and land rights issues.
- Intermediate-to-advanced map making and exhibit drawing skills.
- Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong analytical, communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting utility, energy, transportation, pipeline, telecommunications, or infrastructure projects.
- Experience working with public agencies, municipalities, or regulatory organizations.
- Knowledge of GIS mapping systems and land records management tools.
- IRWA or other right-of-way certifications preferred.
Working Conditions
- Combination of office and field work.
- Regular travel to project sites, property locations, and stakeholder meetings.
- Ability to work outdoors and travel within assigned project areas.
- Occasional attendance at evening public meetings and community events.
Success Factors
- Exceptional leadership and accountability.
- Strong expertise in property rights acquisition and real estate research.
- Ability to resolve complex property issues while maintaining positive stakeholder relationships.
- Proven ability to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
Status: Exempt
