Title & Easement Researcher

M&S Engineering is seeking a qualified Title & Easement Researcher at The Woodlands, Texas location. This position will be responsible for easement research*, full title, document preparation, and some right of way work necessary for construction, operation, and maintenance of electric distribution and/or transmission lines.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

• Must be able to perform fundamental surface title research to determine land ownership and easements for parcels associated with capital improvement projects, maintenance, or new construction of electrical facilities. * No mineral title research is needed.
• Must be able to conduct existing utility easement research well and understand how to locate said easements on a map by reading legal descriptions.
• Must be able to deed plot and have the capacity to read Metes and Bounds Legal descriptions. *
• Must be able to do research at courthouses and clerks offices. *
• Must have experience using CourthouseDirect and Texas File*
• Must be able to do ROW work and call landowners as needed.
• Able to read/write legal descriptions and interpret survey documents
• Able to create exhibits through various methods. AutoCAD preferred*
• Understanding of the Title and Right of Way Industry
• Prior experience in working with TXDOT projects and/or with multiple state agencies regarding permitting and eligibility requirements is preferred.
• Perform organizational duties, consisting of accurate data entry, preparing professional letters and email communications, with proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, and format.
• Use mail merge to populate documents and correspondence. Print documents and prepare packages for mailing.
• Document preparation (i.e. legal documents, letters, proposals, and transmittals).
• Research multiple right of way record databases and maintain office files.
• Use online resources to determine status of corporations and officers/agents, as well as researching contact information for parcel owners.
• Monitor and ensure timely processing of applications, plans, and permits; manage and coordinate the routing and tracking of plans to various departments and outside consultants for required reviews and approvals; perform follow-up phone calls to ensure timeliness of responses from city staff, consultants and applicants.
• Monitor and maintain computer applications and tracking systems; coordinate improvement and upkeep of information systems, databases, scanning and imaging systems.
• Other administrative support as needed and determined by Project Managers and/or the Right of Way Manager.
• Assistance in gathering information for survey and RPLS, and ability to read engineering plans, maps, and specifications.
• Perform land title research, including using state and federal land status plats, deeds, and patents, as well as other materials relevant to ownership and title interests.
• Knowledge of basic right of way conveyances, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, easements, temporary construction easements.

Competencies:

• Minimum of 2 years of work experience and/or equivalent aptitude in the Research, Title, Right of Way or Engineering/Survey industry.

• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrates aptitude for learning and implementing new techniques & technologies.
• Outstanding attention to detail and observation
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel
• Experience with Microsoft Access, Microsoft Project, Adobe Professional, or similar software, is desirable.
• Ability to create and draw easement exhibits. AutoCAD experience is a preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must have integrity and trustworthiness, with a strong moral and ethical compass
• Work well with others in a team environment.
• A strong work ethic with reliable attendance, punctuality, and a positive attitude.
• Self-starter who is motivated and has the enthusiasm to work both independently and as a team player.
• Prioritization and organization to meet deadlines and process multiple project packages simultaneously.
• Considerable concentration and ability to work in a changing environment with organizational and clientele diversity and tight deadlines.
• Able to work efficiently and effectively under tight deadlines, as well as balance multiple projects by prioritizing effectively.
• Proficient in English. Spanish is a plus
• Experience using ESRI GIS maps a plus.

Requirements:

• Minimum two-four years of title/research related experience is required
• High School Diploma, or equivalent is required; AAS/BS degree in related field, preferred.
• Must be knowledgeable in the methods and techniques of engineering and surveying related projects.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record required. NO EXCEPTIONS

Benefits:

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Employer paid health insurance
• 401k retirement plan with employer match
• Paid holidays
• Earned vacation time