Right of Way Service Representative

Position Overview

This role will lead all matters related to encroachments and unauthorized activities around FortisBC Energy assets that are regulated by the BC Energy Regulator (BCER).

Handles all matters related to right-of-way encroachment and un-authorized activities with property owners and responds to permit violations, as well as to pipeline and right-of-way inquiries, handles complaints and concerns from the public and property owners. Ensures that operational requirements are met in the preparation of legal documents for sale of right-of-way land, subdivision, release of rights, road closures and right-of-way modifications. Performs a variety of duties relating to the review, acceptance, rejection and/or conditional acceptance of permit applications impacting on pipelines and right-of-way lands. Undertakes special assignments and participates in public awareness programs.

Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of duties relating to the review and issuance of permit applications impacting on high-pressure pipelines and right-of-way lands, including:
  • Preparing, evaluating and processing pipeline permit applications.
  • Researching information from a variety of sources such as legal plans, drawings, documents, agreements etc. necessary for processing permit applications.
  • Determining possible impact of applications on future right-of-way use, safety, environment and current operating requirements; discussing and clarifying proposals with senior personnel.
  • Determining the terms and conditions for right-of-way use and pipeline crossings by researching related design requirements and applicable standards.
  • Recommending acceptance, rejection or conditional acceptance of applications, verifying that the final response to the applicant is complete and accurate.
• Performs a variety of duties relating to encroachments and un-authorized activities on FortisBC's rights-of-way or within 30m of FortisBC’s pipelines, including:
  • Receiving and reviewing a variety of reports and memos from internal and external sources notifying and advising of encroachments and/or un-authorized activities.
  • Conducting field investigations to evaluate encroachments and/or un-authorized activities.
  • Arranging for legal land surveys and Certificates of Encroachment.
  • Contacting internal and external sources for legal and land title information and documentation.
  • Liaising with internal stakeholders (such as Lands, Legal, Operations etc.) regarding right-of-way agreements to determine extent and contravention of agreements.
  • Examining a variety of general offices files, legal files, documents, manuals, policies, guidelines, and survey plans for relevant information.
  • Recommending action for encroachment and/or un-authorized activity removal or modification.
  • Negotiating removal or modification of encroachment and/or un-authorized activity with property owners, or their representative, or contractors.
  • Monitoring encroachment and/or un-authorized activity until resolved.
  • Escalating unresolved encroachments and/or un-authorized activities to leadership team.
  • Maintaining a database of all encroachments and/or un-authorized activities.
• Responds to public and private property owner inquiries, complaints and concerns on pipeline operation and right-of-way use matters.
• Prepares and distributes a variety of correspondences intended for the public including awareness programs around FortisBC rights-of-way and its assets, regular maintenance activities etc.
• Undertakes special assignments for the Supervisor/Manager including but not limited to gathering and analysing relevant information on right-of-way matters and preparing maps, data and photographs for public awareness programs.
• Performs additional duties of a minor nature related to the above duties (including driving a vehicle), which do not affect the rating of the job.

Requirements

• Completion of a recognized post-secondary technologist diploma program in an appropriate engineering technology or equivalent supplemented by courses in land use and property management.
• Certified at the technologist level, by the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia.
• Sound written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound interpersonal skills including the ability to successfully resolve issues, take initiative, work effectively in a team environment and work in a courteous and professional manner.
• Two years related relevant experience.
• Sound analytical, organizational skills including a high attention to detail, fast, accurate word-processing skills as required to prepare and compose a variety of external and internal correspondence, reports, forms, and/or charts.
• Good working knowledge of computer systems such as MS Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Previous experience working on LANDAT, BC Online, and other land management platforms would be considered an asset.
• Valid BC class 5 drivers’ license.