Project Manager, Land Acquisition

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The AES Clean Energy land team is seeking a Land Acquisition Manager with at least 5 years’ experience in land and/or right of way acquisition in the energy industry. The Land Acquisition Manager will be responsible for managing land campaigns and landowner negotiations primarily in the eastern United States but may be asked to assist on projects elsewhere in the country. This position will play a key role in the Company’s rapidly expanding solar generation portfolio. The successful candidate will have a keen understanding of all aspects of a successful land acquisition campaign including but not limited to real property conveyances, title, title curative, and encumbrances. Sound judgment, ingenuity, excellent problem solving, communication skills, and a proactive attitude will position the successful candidate to earn a rewarding opportunity with this fast-growing company.

Core Competencies:

Candidates need excellent problem solving, communication and interpersonal skills, along with patience, a positive attitude and the ability to work in a demanding team environment. They should also possess the following competencies:

• Thorough understanding of the process for obtaining land and easements necessary for energy development.
• Ability to work within strict deadlines.
• Understanding of basic real estate legal principles, title, and contract terms is required.
• Competence with basic mapping software (Google Earth). Arcview skill helpful but not required.
• Exceptional analytical and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills including negotiation skills and conflict resolution.
• Understanding of land use constraints with respect to zoning, environmental and geotechnical issues.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to understand issues at a global level.
• Independent thinker able to thrive in a fast paced and dynamic environment.
• Proven ability to produce error-free work under deadlines.
• Team player with strong initiative, able to work autonomously to complete tasks.
• Confidence public speaking, cold-calling, and negotiating with landowners and community representatives.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

The Land Acquisition Manager—Duties will include the following (other duties may be assigned):

• Manage the relationships with and budgets of external land agents to ensure agreements required for site control are in place to meet project deadlines
• Work with the wind and solar development team and land agents to ensure all parcels are leased or acquired for successful buildout including turbine/solar field sites, substations and other project improvements needed.
• Acquisition of easements for transmission/distribution/generation ties.
• Communicate frequently with all project team members to ensure layouts are understood and site control is proceeding as needed to meet project deadlines.
• Ensure land contracts support the economics and schedule of the projects.
• Landowner communication needed to support permit development
• Provide accurate and up-to-date land acquisition status to internal and external stakeholders on a regular basis.
• Prepare and manage land acquisition budgets.
• Review the land status on project acquisitions to determine the degree of completeness and level of work needed to complete land acquisition.

Desired Skills and Expertise:

• 5+ years’ experience acquiring real property or land leases in the energy industry—including the acquisition of rights of way
• Experience with Google Earth and other GIS software tools.
• Ability to work effectively with accounting systems
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical, planning, and organizational skills
• Applicants with active AAPL or IRWA memberships preferred

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Business, Engineering, GIS or related field.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s I-9 to confirm work authorization.

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $100,000 and $127,500/Annual; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements such as annual bonus, in addition to a full range of medical, dental, vision, life, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.