Project Manager, Land Acquisition

AES is seeking a Land Acquisition Project Manager in Los Angeles, CA, to oversee land campaigns and negotiations for solar and battery storage projects. The role requires experience in land acquisition within the energy sector, managing external agents, and ensuring site control for project deadlines. Candidates should possess strong problem-solving, communication skills, and a solid understanding of real estate legal principles.
About the position

Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), a Fortune 500 company that's leading the charge in the global energy revolution. With operations spanning 14 countries, AES is committed to shaping a future through innovation and collaboration. Our dedication to innovation has earned us recognition as one of the Top Ten Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company in 2022. And with our certification as a Great Place to Work, you can be confident that you're joining a company that values its people just as much as its groundbreaking ideas. AES is proudly ranked #1 globally in renewable energy sales to corporations, and with $12.7B in revenues in 2023, we have the resources and expertise to make a significant impact as we provide electricity to 25 million customers worldwide. As the world moves towards a net-zero future, AES is committed to meeting the Paris Agreement's goals by 2050. Our innovative solutions, such as 24/7 carbon-free energy for data centers, are setting the pace for rapid, global decarbonization. The AES Clean Energy land team is seeking a Land Acquisition Project Manager with experience in land and/or right of way acquisition in the energy industry. The position will be responsible for managing land campaigns and landowner negotiations primarily in Western US. This position will play a key role in the Company's rapidly expanding solar and battery storage 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.

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

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

Nice-to-haves
• Experience with Google Earth and other GIS software tools
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• Applicants with active AAPL or IRWA memberships a bonus

Benefits
• parental leave
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• paid time off
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• sick time
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• 401(k)