Job Information
Avista Utilities Tribal Right of Way Coordinator in Spokane, Washington
Description
Closes: October 3, 2024Starting Range: $55,345 to $106,174Full Range: $55,345 to $118,425
Job DescriptionLead and coordinate the acquisition and records management of rights of way permits, specifically related to Avista’s facilities located on American Indian Reservations and Tribal lands. Support and comply with regulatory requirements for the operation and existence of company facilities. Conduct work in a manner that supports Avista’s relationships with American Indian Tribes.
Preparation and Review of Applications: Prepares, reviews, and processes applications for expiring or new rights-of-way permits, liens, and easements, ensuring the application is complete. Coordinates and provides resources for agencies and other company personnel regarding projects and processes (for example Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance Compliance Plan - TERO).
Research and Documentation: Research records, company maps, and GIS data to obtain the necessary supporting documentation for permit applications. Reviews legal descriptions, plans, and prepare language for the purpose of submitting necessary documentation.
Consultation and Negotiation: Provides direction and necessary documentation to consultants. Supports the appraisers’ completion of reports and the field agents in acquiring R/W consent. May participate in negotiations and maintains a good working relationship with all entities from which permits are required.
Record Maintenance: Maintains accurate and up-to-date records of all permits and related documents to ensure easy access and reference for compliance and auditing purposes by indexing, collecting, preparing, updating, and maintaining files for each permit.
Data Management: Maintains permanent records through the use of computerized data management systems and hard copy files when appropriate.
Payment Processing: Processes payments for rights-of-way permits.
Reporting and Documentation: Prepares and issues project status reports and documents transactions in memos, letters, and reports.
Tribal Relations: Conducts all activities in a way that respects and supports Avista’s relationships with American Indian Tribes, tribal sovereignty, and relevant engagement in consultations with the tribes to ensure that their rights and interests are considered-fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. Participates in and supports other Avista/Tribe meetings and Tribal-affiliated events.
Tribal Regulations: Understands CFRs and other regulations related to Tribal reservation land rights. Participates in professional and industry workshops and conferences related to Tribal reservation land rights and rights of way permits to maintain a current working knowledge of management practices and to foster professional relations with experts in related fields.
Level II:
Negotiate within prescribed guidelines to achieve goals and reach mutually beneficial agreements.
Prepares and presents project status reports to internal and external customers.
Partner with agencies and other company personnel to ensure the successful completion of projects and processes.
Level III:
Interpret and utilize information from legal descriptions to draft detailed documents necessary for obtaining permits and other approvals.
Negotiates and represents the company’s interests with Tribes, individuals, and federal agencies.
Requirements
Tribal Right of Way Coordinator I
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Economics, or specialized training in real estate or property acquisition is required.
Proven record of successful completion of advanced appraisals, negotiation, or real estate-related specialized training and/or courses.
At least five years of work experience within the Company, or experience in either appraisal, negotiations, law, or engineering.
Senior right-of-way Agent designation through the International Right-of-way Association or its equivalent is preferred.
Proven track record of building successful relationships within the Native American communities.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Acts independently and must be thoroughly knowledgeable of all aspects of utility company right-of-way acquisitions, policies, procedures, and established practices.
Must be able to work on complicated assignments with occasional or no supervision.
Proficiency related to regulations of Tribal land rights, and specifically 25 CFR 169.
Tribal Right of Way Coordinator II
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Economics, or a related field preferred; specialized training in real estate or rights of way acquisition.
One year of work experience in a directly related area preferred.
Requires excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to support a win-win solution with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Tribes, and/or its members/family.
Acts independently and with proficiency in utility company right-of-way acquisitions, as well as familiarity with relevant policies, procedures, and established practices.
Ability and experience in fostering strong relationships within the Native American community.
Must be able to work on assignments with intermittent supervision.
Be familiar with regulations related to Tribal land rights, and specifically 25 CFR 169.
Tribal Right of Way Coordinator III
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Economics, or a related field is required.
Preference will be given to applicants with right-of-way permitting.
Proven record of successful completion of appraisals, negotiation, or real estate-related specialized training and/or courses.
Three years of experience in real estate right-of-way or property acquisition, negotiation, and real estate law or a related field.
Proven track record of building successful relationships within Native American communities.
Knowledge of utility company right-of-way policies, procedures, and practices.
Requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Must be able to work on and complete complicated assignments with little or limited supervision.
Knowledge of regulations related to Tribal land rights, and specifically 25 CFR 169.
Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Level I, Starting Range: $55,345 - $71,118, Full Range: $55,345 - $79,005Level II, Starting Range: $62,895 - $138,852, Full Range: $62,895 - $90,253Level III, Starting Range: $71,741 - $138,852, Full Range: $71,741 - $103,486
To Apply We encourage you to apply as many of our positions have step progressions to account for an incoming employee’s various levels of knowledge, skills, and experience.
Complete an online application and attach your resume and cover letter to your profile. All documents must be attached to your application at the time of submitting your application for review. No documents can be attached after you click "Submit".
BenefitsAt Avista, we believe our employees are essential. Through them we deliver value to our customers and the communities we serve. The physical, mental, and financial health and well-being of our employees and their families are important to us. We are committed to offering a comprehensive total rewards program comprised of an externally competitive, internally equitable compensation structure and a benefits package that allows us to retain and attract a diverse, engaged, and skilled workforce. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, retirement benefits, incentive plans, wellness resources, time-off programs and much more. In addition to our total rewards program, the Pacific Northwest offers abundant outdoor recreation, four distinct seasons, and all the amenities and activities an individual or family might be interested in. To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/.
Pre-employment screening requirementsEmployment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.
Avista’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment, Affirmative Action efforts, and Equity, Inclusion and Diversity. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, protected veterans, and all others. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.
Equity and diversity in our workplace is important to us. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters) . Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process, and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible, where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at humanresources@avistacorp.com if you would like assistance.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)