Position Title | Land Acquisition Specialist |
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Alternate Title(s) | Land Agent, Land Acquisition Associate |
Education & Training Level | Bachelor degree required, prefer graduate degree |
Education & Training Level Description | Land acquisition specialists are expected to have a bachelor's degree or higher in business, real estate, law, engineering, or a related discipline. Experience and familiarity with the permitting process and an understanding of real estate, tax and accounting rules is desirable. It is preferable that candidates possess or can obtain a real estate or notary license. Companies will typically hire people with experience in land acquisition and management and train them to their specific wind energy needs. Experience in the energy industry is helpful. |
Brief job description | Land acquisition specialists help developers and project owners obtain land for new wind development, as well as administer the land after it has been purchased or leased. They coordinate with permitting specialists, lawyers, engineers, and scientists to ensure that the wind farm is built on time and within budget. |
Preferred Level of Education | Bachelor’s degree plus licensing |
Preferred Level of Experience | See the Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information. |
Estimated/Expected Salary | See the Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information. |
Job Profile |
Land acquisition specialists are responsible for designing and implementing land acquisition strategies and plans for new wind development sites. Land acquisition specialists work closely with landowners, local governments, and community organizations to gain support for proposed wind projects. They also work with lawyers, permitting specialists, engineers, and scientists to determine whether sites are suitable for wind farm development and to lead the process of purchasing or leasing the land. Land acquisition specialists are usually contracted by a developer or a project owner. They help the developer/owner design and build projects by providing contiguous land options and leases. They travel to the project area to research county building and landowner information. They also coordinate meetings with participating landowners. Because of their knowledge of the developer/owner’s plans, land acquisition specialists are able to represent the developer/owner during discussions with landowners. They present background on the company, wind energy basics, information on wind turbines and farms, and work to negotiate and obtain executed leases or contracts. Once the land has been purchased or leased, the land acquisition specialist will be involved in permitting met towers and may also assist during the permitting process of the full project. The land acquisition specialist works to establish landowner relationships as the lease or land purchase is executed and maintains these relationships through construction. |
Job Skills |
Land Acquisition Specialists must possess a strong working knowledge of wind energy and wind farm operations. In addition to this knowledge, they should also possess the following skills:
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