Land Development Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

position summary

Merjent Inc. (Merjent) has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Land Services Project Manager with demonstrated success, preferably in the energy industry. In consultation with the Land Services Director and senior project leadership, the Land Services Project Manager will manage land services projects from conception to completion, inclusive of managing client relationships, project delivery, and mentoring staff and pursuing growth opportunities.

The Land Services Project Manager will support the delivery of land acquisition, title research, and right-of-way services for energy and infrastructure projects while ensuring projects are executed efficiently, in accordance with contract requirements, and consistent with Merjent's commitment to quality, safety, and professional integrity.

This is a full-time benefits eligible opportunity that will be based out of Minnesota. However, while we are seeking individuals living in Minnesota, we will also consider Project Managers willing to travel to project sites for extended periods. The anticipated annual salary for this position is between $111,300 and $145,300 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience.

why Merjent?

Merjent is a medium-sized consulting company dedicated to creating an environment where both people and projects succeed. Merjent has staff located across the United States who may choose a remote, in-office, or hybrid work arrangement. All full-time employees begin their tenure at Merjent with 4 weeks of paid vacation regardless of seniority. In addition, employees receive 10 paid holidays and generous benefits and compensation packages. Merjent supports annual career-related training for employees to become or continue as leaders in their field of expertise. Merjent facilitates organic growth within the company and encourages employees to bring their ideas forward to grow existing and create new service lines within and beyond the currently served sectors of energy, mining, transportation, manufacturing and construction, land development industries, and government. Merjent also invests in its company culture by supporting travel for remote employees to attend in-person team meetings and all-staff events.

The Merjent difference is real - it's based on a commitment to our values, which guide us in how we work with clients and each other. Our commitment to quality and professional integrity encompasses everything we do. We are proud of our reputation for delivering quality work and building long-term, trusting relationships with our clients and with regulatory agencies.

responsibilities

Project & Program Management

• Lead land services project scopes for energy and infrastructure projects, including transmission, distribution, substations, renewables, and pipeline projects.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, work plans, and land-related deliverables from initiation through closeout.
• Track project performance, identify risks, and proactively resolve issues impacting scope, schedule, quality, or budget.
• Prepare and review proposals, work orders, scope changes, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure all land services activities comply with contract requirements, client expectations, and Merjent's quality and professional standards.

Land Services Execution & Coordination

• Direct land acquisition efforts, including easements, fee acquisitions, access agreements, licenses, and temporary workspace.
• Oversee title research, ownership verification, encumbrance analysis, and resolution of title issues.
• Interview, hire, manage, and coordinate right-of-way agents, title agents, surveyors, and subconsultants to ensure timely, accurate delivery.
• Review land-related deliverables for accuracy, completeness, and consistency prior to client submission.

Client, Stakeholder & Team Collaboration

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients on land services scope, schedule, budget, and overall project status.
• Coordinate with landowners, legal counsel, surveyors, engineers, environmental teams, and permitting agencies.
• Prepare and deliver project status updates, reports, and forecasts to clients and internal leadership.
• Mentor and support land services staff and field teams, fostering professional development and consistent project delivery.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Monitor project budgets and support accurate, timely invoicing in accordance with contract terms, including time-and-materials and not-to-exceed agreements.
• Support proposal development, scope refinement, and change management activities.
• Maintain organized, complete, and auditable project documentation and records.

• 5+ years' experience in the land services industry, with 3+ years of land services project management experience in the energy industry.
• Experience in land acquisition, energy, real estate, permitting, project development, and/or client facing consulting, with a focus on transmission line and pipeline infrastructure project management preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in geography, real estate, planning, project management, business, or related fields preferred but not required.
• Initiative-taking problem-solver with the ability to assist in planning resources to keep land service projects running smoothly.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Highly flexible and able to quickly adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to proactively identify and strategically work to resolve challenging situations with confidence.
• Comfortable with public speaking and presenting to management, clients, and key landowners.
• Ability to delegate work assignments, set expectations, and monitor progress.
• Highly effective negotiator in difficult situations, taking all points of view into consideration to determine the best course of action for Merjent and the Field Services Division.
• Strong work ethic and high integrity; Action-oriented, dedicated, and deliberate.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.
• Ability to work in both office and field environments.

E-Verify

Merjent, Inc. participates with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify program. We will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Candidates interested in applying should submit a completed Application for Employment (cover letter and resume) to merjent.applicantpro.com.

Merjent, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factors. Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.

Merjent is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity.