Real Estate Specialist

Job Description:

Reporting to the Director of Real Estate, the Real Estate Specialist is a key member of the Conrail team and will help manage the full range of Company-owned assets. Conrail owns approximately 8,500 acres located in 10 different states including categories of uses such as active rail corridors, vacant land, leased space, fiber and billboards, and others. This position will have a central role in the planning, management, and control of real property through acquisition, disposition, or lease activities.  The Real Estate Specialist will coordinate activities to ensure optimal utilization and return of corporate assets and will act as a service provider to both internal and external customers. 

Principal Duties:

• Support the negotiation and execution of sale, lease, and/or license of assets to outside parties. Analyze potential leases or sales for fit and compatibility with Conrail mission, working with customers to meet identified requirements and to optimize the utility and profitability of Company-owned real estate assets.
• Provide strong customer service by interfacing regularly via email/phone/in-person with interested parties such as contractors, adjacent property owners, government officials, permit authorities, utilities, and other railroads.
• Support the negotiation and maintenance of easements and right-of-entry agreements, obtaining surveys when necessary.
• Secure and maintain the legal rights of ownership by actively removing encroachments from Company-owned assets.
• Maintain frequent contact with developers, brokers, appraisers, and governmental agencies, all of which may have an impact in establishing the value of Company-owned real estate assets.
• Maintain familiarity with all Company assets to provide input on Fair Market Value and proper utilization of properties.
• Develop and maintain a deep familiarity with the Company’s GIS databases, paper maps and records.
• Assist in managing the process of inspecting properties on a routine basis to ensure environmental and contractual compliance.
• Work closely with internal departments such as Legal and Engineering to ensure that all transactions are processed consistently and in accordance with internal protocols.
• Provide regular updates to teammates and senior leadership.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in real estate required.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, real estate or related field required.
• Real Estate License preferred.
• Background in the railroad or public utility industries with experience in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan is preferred.

Skills:

• Working understanding of real estate law, land surveying, project management, engineering construction.
• Ability to read legal descriptions and understand maps with associated boundaries, easements, etc.
• Ability to quickly learn and comprehend a wide variety of complex work tasks with limited supervision and manage multiple assignments concurrently.
• Proficiency in computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Analytical and critical thinking and the ability to communicate ideas effectively.
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment.

Work Conditions

• Work will be conducted primarily in an office setting with frequent visits to field locations.
• Must be able to walk on uneven pavement or unpaved areas to inspect field locations.
• Must have and maintain a valid drivers’ license, reliable transportation, and insurance.
• Out of town travel may be required up to 15%
• Employee will be salaried with a 40-hour non-shift weekday schedule.