Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) is a not-for-profit, community-owned water utility, overseen by elected officials and citizen appointees from Reno, Sparks and Washoe County. TMWA has a highly skilled workforce who ensure the around-the-clock treatment, delivery and availability of high-quality drinking water for more than 400,000 residents of the Truckee Meadows.

We are looking to hire a Land Agent to join our Natural Resources team.

About the Position:

The Land Agent functions as an agent for TMWA in real property matters including, but not limited to,: land use; right-of-way and easement requirements; land acquisitions; facilities relocation; property management; appraisal and permitting; and other real property issues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Right-of-Way, Easement and Project Planning: The agent, working directly with TMWA staff, investigates, confirms and/or obtains legal rights-of-way and easement access to project sites by (1) reviewing the location for installation of water facilities as detailed in proposed construction, water, and engineering plans; (2) researching land ownership, reviewing and plotting legal property descriptions, and preparing legal right-of-way documentation; (3) reviewing subdivision and parcel maps, confirming proper easements; (4) obtaining required permits and licenses; (5) coordinating the signing, recording and tracking system of property ownership documents; and (6) actively enforcing easement rights against trespass.
• Analysis, Appraisal and Negotiation Participation: The agent, in consultation with the Water Resources Manager and Land Agent II, (1) analyzes various properties within a targeted area for proposed projects; (2) conducts field inspections of proposed sites; (3) completes comparable market and land acquisition cost analysis; (4) coordinates and contracts outside services for appraisals, title searches, property profiles, land survey and parcel maps; (5) works directly with title and escrow officers in land acquisition; (6) reviews and analyzes state and local statutes and land use and zoning regulations for project compliance; and (7) works directly with legal counsel on condemnation suits.
• Paralegal: The agent (1) prepares and reviews legal documents for purposes of land acquisition, easements, and rights-of-way; (2) prepares documentation necessary for condemnation litigation; and (3) prepares and coordinates delivery of professional services contracts.

Administrative Duties: Must have the ability to (1) in consultation with the Land Agent II and Water Resources Manager, plan, coordinate and facilitate all real property activities pertaining to TMWA or customer’s proposed projects; (2) effectively interact with local governmental representatives and agencies to integrate future water needs into local land use plans; (3) effectively monitor and track real property ownership documents and transaction records; and (4) provide real estate support to all departments. Must have knowledge of and comply with TMWA’s Records Retention Schedules for all documents and records associated with land, easement and rights-of-way activities including but not limited to scanning of documents, checking documents into TMWA’s digital records management system, review of archive records, complete Certificates of Destruction, and ensure destruction of records pursuant to Retention Schedules.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Experience

At least two years experience as a Right of Way Agent, or related field.

Education

Post Secondary education including but not limited to bachelor’s degree in geography, computer science, or a related field, preferred. Must be computer proficient in various programs and competent in drafting legal documents and pleadings.

Other combinations of education/experience may be considered.

Conditions of Continued Employment

A valid Nevada (or California – depending on state of residency) Driver License at time of hire and continuing thereafter and ability to maintain insurability under TMWA’s vehicle insurance policy.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation during hire and periodically thereafter during employment.

This position is considered a safety sensitive position and employment is contingent upon the results of drug and/or alcohol testing which includes screening for marijuana. The presence of marijuana or other screened for substances on any employment related substance test may result in a refusal to hire or termination of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:
Land Agent must be knowledgeable of real estate, acquisitions, sales and property management in utility operations and the policies, procedures and standards related to right-of-way.

• Must have knowledge of reviewing and utilizing appraisal reports, right-of-way plans, legal documents, title instruments and correcting deficiencies.
  • Knowledge and experience in technical reviews and processing of development related applications, subdivision tract maps, parcel maps, easement deeds and abandonments.
  • Knowledge of local, state, Federal, and railroad permitting processes.
  • Manage multiple priorities, assignments, tasks and projects concurrently.
  • Utilize excellent oral and written communication skills and proficiency with computers and various software programs.
  • Knowledge of and comply with TMWA’s Records Retention Schedules for all documents and records employee generates, collects, and stores throughout tenure as employee.
• Skill/Ability to:
  • Work cooperatively with the public and other local agencies.
  • Be punctual regarding work hours established by TMWA.
  • Be mentally and physically alert during working hours.
  • Work toward Senior Right of Way Agent designation with the International Right of Way Association.

TMWA is an equal opportunity employer. It is TMWA’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. TMWA’s commitment to equal opportunity includes all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, job placement, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, advancement, and termination.
All decisions affecting any terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, salary, disciplinary action, and an employee’s caregiving responsibilities, will be made without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

or 775-834-8294.hr@tmwa.comTMWA complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at

TMWA is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the health and well-being of our employees. That commitment is jeopardized when any of our employees illegally use drugs at home or at work, comes to work under the influence, possesses, distributes, or sells drugs in the workplace, or abuses alcohol on the job. As part of our commitment to safeguard the well-being of our employees and to provide a safe environment for everyone, TMWA has established a drug-free workplace policy.