OPT Right of Way Agent Jobs
Right of Way Agent jobs involve negotiating land access agreements, conducting title research, and coordinating with property owners for infrastructure projects. OPT students with degrees in real estate, urban planning, or civil engineering are well positioned. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations, supporting H-1B visa sponsorship after OPT.
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Job Posting End Date
08-17-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
The Transmission Right of Way (TROW) Agent is responsible for the acquisition of land rights necessary for the construction, operation and maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
Job Description
What you’ll do:
- Handle complicated negotiations with land owners (or their designees) for the acquisition of land rights relative to the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
- Settle damage claims with property owners (or their designees) relative to property damage caused or created by AEP, or its contractors, during the construction, reconstruction, maintenance or removal of transmission and/or distribution facilities. Search courthouses and other records as may be available to determine present property ownership(s) and the extent of interests therein.
- Review and interpret legal documents, property surveys, legal descriptions, surveying drawings, appraisals, and reports. Prepare approved legal documents for the acquisition of land rights relative to the construction, reconstruction or maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
- Provide functional support to other AEP Business Units in regard to questions and procedures in the acquisition of land rights.
- Maintain property owner files, maps, drawings, exhibits and detailed progress reports within Right-of-Way Stakeholder Information system (ROWSi). Knowledgeable in real estate values and accepted real estate appraisal practices in the acquisition of land rights.
- Follow TROW estimate guidelines and practices for the acquisition of land rights for the acquisition of land rights relative to the construction, reconstruction, enlargement or maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
- Complete ROW estimate & scope for TROW Projects, and manage, develop, review and coordinate right-of-way project scope, schedule, budget related to multiple right-of-way projects or program of projects.
- Follow TROW Outsourcing Technical Guidelines for the outsourcing of acquisition of land rights relative to the construction, reconstruction or maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
- Act as a liaison or project manager with vendor companies performing services relative to the acquisition of land rights for the construction, reconstruction or maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
- Responsible for project oversight in reviewing and supervising vendor companies on ROW Projects to ensure adherence to project schedules and budget, as well as project reporting. Review periodic status and cost of managed right-of-way projects.
- Also, track the project quality, milestones and performance against annual work plans.
- Monitor the closeout process and establish any lessons learned on TROW projects and recommend process improvements as appropriate. Approve vouchers for payments incurred in the acquisition of land rights involving the construction, reconstruction or maintenance of electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
- Act as a witness and assist in the selection of witnesses and commissioners in connection with condemnation and/or other court actions involving the acquisition of land rights or other court actions which may result from the construction, reconstruction or maintenance for electric transmission and/or distribution facilities.
- Represent Transmission right-of-way in internal process improvement teams and initiatives as well as external industry forums, where required. Support and hold employees and contractors accountable for the AEP System Safety Process, ensuring a safe working environment focused on Zero Harm.
What we are looking for:
Transmission Right of Way Agent SG6
Education:
- Associate's degree in real estate, business, engineering, project management or related applicable field with a minimum of three (3) years of related experience,
- OR, Bachelor's degree in real estate, business, engineering or related applicable field with a minimum of two years of related experience.
Experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Business, project management, real estate, law, electric transmission and/or distribution right-of-way and/or real estate.
Transmission Right of Way Agent Senior SG7
- Associate's degree in real estate, business, engineering, project management or related applicable field with a minimum of six (6) years of related experience;
- OR, Bachelor's degree in real estate, business, engineering, project management or related applicable field with a minimum of four (4) years of related experience.
Experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Business, project management, real estate, law, electric transmission and/or distribution right-of-way and/or real estate and/or possess a professional certificate (i.e., IR/WA, SR/WA, PMP, etc).
- Prior experience in a leadership position and/or project management a plus.
Transmission Right of Way Agent Principal SG8
Education:
- Associate of Science degree is required plus seven (7) years' related experience;
- OR, Bachelor of Science degree is preferred plus five (5) years' related experience.
Experience:
Depending on education, five to seven (5-7) or more years of experience including work in these areas:
- Business, management, real estate, law, electric transmission and/or distribution right-of-way with a minimum of two to three (2-3) years of experience in the acquisition of right-of-way or real estate activities and/or possess a professional certificate (i.e., IR/WA, SR/WA, PMP, etc).
- Prior experience in a leadership position and/or project management a plus.
In addition:
- Develop skills in and provide effective communication that is clear, direct, concise, and professional, including effective listening, with all stakeholders including team members, sponsors, management and senior management.
- Possess excellent written communication, presentation and organizational skills with strong proficiency working with Microsoft Office products (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and right-of-way/ land management databases (i.e., geoAMPS or other land management databases) or other equivalent databases.
- The individual filling this position will be required to travel within the AEP Transmission service territory; however, on rare occasions may be assigned to special projects and travel outside the transmission service territory.
- Must be able to work outside normal business hours to accommodate project schedules.
- Must have a valid driver’s license issued by the appropriate State.
Where you’ll work:
This role sits on site in Pikeville, Kentucky or Hurricane, West Virginia.
What you’ll get:
Transmission Right of Way Agent SG6 ($74,551-$93,188)
Transmission Right of Way Agent Senior SG7 ($87,633-$109,544)
Transmission Right of Way Agent Principal SG8 ($98,993-$128,689)
In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
American Electric Power (On-Site)
$74K- $128K / Year
#LI-Onsite
#AEPCareers
#Transmission
#RightofWay
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade:
SP20-006
Compensation Range:
$74,551.00 - $128,688.00
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
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It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Right of Way Agent
Target infrastructure-heavy employers
Utilities, transportation agencies, pipeline companies, and engineering consulting firms hire Right of Way Agents regularly. These employers run long-term infrastructure projects, making them more likely to invest in OPT sponsorship and H-1B visa filing for skilled candidates.
Highlight your degree alignment clearly
Right of Way Agent roles qualify as specialty occupations when tied to real estate, urban planning, civil engineering, or law degrees. Make your degree field prominent on your resume so hiring managers can immediately see the specialty occupation connection.
Pursue IRWA certification early
The International Right of Way Association offers certifications that signal professional commitment. Earning even a foundational credential during OPT strengthens your case for H-1B sponsorship by demonstrating specialized expertise employers want to retain long term.
Ask about sponsorship before accepting offers
Raise the H-1B sponsorship question during final interview stages, not after signing. Ask directly whether the company has sponsored before. This saves time and ensures your OPT runway aligns with an employer willing to support your long-term status.
Document your OPT authorization thoroughly
Keep your EAD card, I-20, and SEVIS records organized and accessible. Right of Way work often requires site access and government contractor clearances, so having clean, complete work authorization documentation ready prevents onboarding delays at project-sensitive employers.
Build GIS and title research skills before applying
Employers hiring Right of Way Agents expect proficiency with GIS mapping tools and title research platforms. Strengthening these technical skills during OPT makes you a stronger sponsorship candidate, since specialized tool expertise reinforces the specialty occupation argument for H-1B filing.
Right of Way Agent OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as Right of Way Agents?
Yes. F-1 students on OPT can work as Right of Way Agents provided the role is directly related to their degree field, such as civil engineering, urban planning, real estate, or a related discipline. Your EAD card authorizes full-time employment for up to 12 months, with a 24-month STEM extension available if your degree qualifies.
Do Right of Way Agent jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
They can, depending on your degree. If you hold a STEM-designated degree such as civil engineering, geospatial science, or environmental studies, and your Right of Way Agent role applies those technical skills, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your employer must be E-Verify enrolled, and you must file Form I-983 with your DSO before your standard OPT expires.
How can I find Right of Way Agent jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsoring employers, making it the most efficient place to find Right of Way Agent openings where work authorization is already part of the conversation. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering sponsorship limitations late in the process.
Is a Right of Way Agent role considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It generally qualifies when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as civil engineering, real estate, urban planning, or law. Roles that involve title research, easement negotiation, and regulatory compliance tied to a technical degree field meet the specialty occupation threshold. Employers should confirm this determination with their immigration counsel before filing.
What should I do if my OPT expires before my H-1B is approved?
If your employer files an H-1B cap-subject petition before your OPT expires and you have a timely filed EAD renewal or STEM extension, you may be eligible for a cap-gap extension that bridges your status. Work with your Designated School Official and your employer's immigration attorney immediately, as timing is critical and any gap in work authorization requires you to stop working.