Right-of-Way; ROW) Program Lead

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Jacobs is seeking an experienced Right-of-Way (ROW) Program Lead to support a strategic delivery partner program for a major electric utility serving the Midwest and Eastern United States. As a key member of the Jacobs Siting, Outreach, Right-of-Way, and Environmental (SOAR+E) team, the ROW Program Lead will provide leadership, oversight, and delivery management for a portfolio of transmission, substation, and grid modernization projects executed under the client's Program Management Office (PMO).

The ROW Program Lead will be responsible for directing and integrating a team of internal Jacobs resources and external delivery partners providing right-of-way services across multiple capital programs. This position will ensure consistent execution of ROW acquisition, easement procurement, property rights management, stakeholder coordination, and project support activities while maintaining alignment with client objectives, schedules, budgets, and regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate will work closely with the SOAR+E Discipline Lead and other environmental sub-discipline leaders to deliver integrated project solutions and support the successful execution of environmental and permitting scopes associated with utility infrastructure projects.

• Deliver high-quality ROW services that support safe, timely, and cost-effective project execution.
• Build strong relationships with utility client leadership, landowners, agencies, and delivery partners.
• Drive consistency, accountability, and performance across internal and external ROW teams.
• Successfully integrate ROW delivery with siting, outreach, environmental, permitting, engineering, and construction efforts.
• Support Jacobs' strategic position as a trusted delivery partner for utility infrastructure programs throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States.

• Lead the planning, execution, and performance of ROW services across a portfolio of electric transmission, substation, and related infrastructure projects.
• Manage and coordinate internal Jacobs staff and external ROW consultants, contractors, and subcontractors to achieve program objectives.
• Establish delivery strategies, work processes, and performance metrics that support efficient and consistent ROW execution across multiple projects.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for ROW matters within the SOAR+E team and PMO structure.
• Support development and implementation of program-level standards, procedures, tools, and reporting mechanisms.

• Collaborate closely with client representatives, PMO leadership, project managers, engineering teams, and environmental personnel to support project delivery.
• Provide strategic guidance on ROW risks, opportunities, acquisition strategies, and schedule considerations during project planning and execution.
• Participate in client governance meetings, program reviews, and executive-level discussions regarding ROW performance and project status.
• Support forecasting, staffing, budgeting, and resource planning activities for ROW delivery programs.

• Oversee all phases of right-of-way activities, including
• Property research and due diligence
• Route and site evaluation support
• Easement acquisition and negotiations
• Landowner engagement and coordination
• Title review and curative activities
• Appraisal and valuation coordination
• Condemnation support
• Construction support and damage claims management
• Property rights documentation and records management
• Ensure ROW activities are executed in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, client requirements, and industry best practices.
• Monitor acquisition progress and proactively identify and resolve schedule, stakeholder, and regulatory risks.

• Partner with SOAR+E discipline leaders responsible for siting, environmental planning, permitting, public engagement, cultural resources, biological resources, and other environmental services.
• Facilitate integration of ROW activities with routing, permitting, environmental compliance, engineering, and construction initiatives.
• Support…