Political Science Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Scout Clean Energy Land Agents play a crucial role in the development and expansion of our renewable energy projects. As a Land Agent, you will be responsible for identifying, acquiring, and managing land parcels for the implementation of renewable energy initiatives. This role requires a unique blend of interpersonal and negotiation skills, technical knowledge and environmental understanding, and project management expertise to drive the success of our renewable energy projects. You are experienced with stakeholder outreach regarding infrastructure projects and have the soft skills to deliver results. You are located in the Midwest are able to service multiple projects in the territory, with frequent trips to projects in multiple states.

Key Responsibilities:

Site Control Campaign

Agents shall use best efforts to negotiate and obtain signed lease, easement, and/or option agreements, which efforts shall include, but not be limited to:

• Identification and outreach to individual landowners within the AOI

• Contacting landowners via phone, email, in-person, or through postal mail.

• Informing landowners of project specifics; educating them about renewable energy; answering questions and dispelling misinformation; and reviewing and executing leases/easements/options with them

• Document in detail all interactions with landowners either in Salesforce and line lists

Additional Duties

• Study local permitting and governmental ordinances as well as current events and community centric topics and be able to answer questions and speak knowledgeably about such to Stakeholders.

• Utilize a GIS based software tool (e.g. Esri AcrGIS Collector, Google Earth KMZ) to note Features of Interest (FOI) to identify and micro-site prospective projects working in close collaboration with Project Managers.

• Serve as high-level support for external land agents, assisting in resolving challenging issues, both via meeting and messaging formats as well as on-site ride-alongs

• Additional ad hoc duties may include:

• Visit, in person, FOIs throughout the AOI such as railroads, transmission lines, substations, pipeline crossing, environmental concerns, and similar; then provide photographs and GPS coordinates of said FOI.

• Attend landowner dinners, open houses, fairs, and similar community and group-based activities on behalf of the project.
• Attend particularly important or interesting town or county governmental meetings.

Requirements

Agents are expected to be proficient in the use of:

• Microsoft Office Software Suite

• Google Earth Maps (i.e. KMZ, KML)

• Online Land Records Systems including Tapestry Fidlar and Landshark

• Adobe PDF

• Must be able to travel and work outside of normal business hours. Many landowner meetings and community events are held during evenings. Travel can be up to 75% depending on current project assignments, project location(s) and employee’s location. Project concentration is presently highest in Illinois with active prospecting in most adjacent states.

• Located and able to travel in an area of Scout’s ongoing Development activity in RTOs such as MISO, PJM. Candidates from outside the Midwest may be considered with demonstration of prior success in the region.

• Excellent communication skills

Organizational fit:

• Demonstrated ability to work in a flat organization, successfully leveraging the expertise of multiple colleagues in different lines of reporting.
• Ability to multi-task and arbitrate between conflicting priorities with clear target setting and follow-through capability in a fast-paced work environment.
• Experience using influence rather than authority to achieve desired outcomes.
• Able to work proactively and productively in a collaborative team environment without direct supervision.
• Ability to maintain information confidentiality and handle with discretion.

Preferred Skills and experience:

3-5 Years of Renewable Energy Land Acquisition Experience

Salesforce Sales or similar CRM

Esri Platforms (i.e. ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, Collector)

Familiarity with Asana, Clarizen, Wrike, or similar project management software

Education & Certifications:

No specific formal education, certifications, or trainings are required; however, preference may be given to Agents with some of the following, all else being equal:

• Bachelor’s in Business, Marketing, Political Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, or Environmental Sciences
• AAPL or International Right of Way Association member, training, and/or credentials
• Training, credentials, credits, and membership from the American Land Title Association or similar professional organizations relating to land records
• Paralegal or legal experience
• Farming and/or ranching experience
• Platform specific trainings and credentials for:
• Geospatial platforms (e.g. Esri ArcGIS)
• Customer Relationship Management platforms (e.g. Salesforce)
• Authorized to work in the U.S.

Timeline and Location

The target start date for this role is early August 2025, pending successful reference and background checks.

Our ideal candidate will be based out of our office in Boulder, CO. We will consider remote candidates who are based in the following locations and open to monthly travel to the Boulder office:

• Des Moines, IA
• Chicago, IL
• Springfield, IL
• Boulder, CO

Scout’s Values

• Mission-Orientation. High achievers who want to make a difference in this world and contribute to Scout’s stated mission.
• Teamwork. Respectful and appreciative colleagues with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to fostering positive relationships across organizational boundaries to deliver on shared team goals.
• Safety. Uncompromising advocates for the health and safety of fellow employees, contractors, customers, and community members.
• Integrity. Ethical professionals who do the right thing even when it is difficult.
• Initiative. Resourceful self-motivators who thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment because of their exceptional leadership, work ethic, and organizational skills.
• Intelligence. Problem-solving learners who can make informed decisions quickly and create innovative and pragmatic solutions to challenging problems.

Invitation to Women and U.S. Underrepresented Groups

We encourage applications from all demographics and especially those that are traditionally underrepresented in the energy industry. Consistent with our core values, Scout celebrates the diversity of thought and experience that comes from a range of backgrounds including, but not limited to, gender, race, and ethnicity.

Invitation to Veterans

Scout welcomes veterans of the United States Armed Forces to apply for this position. Scout includes veterans of all branches and a diverse set of occupational specialties. We value the independent thinking, problem solving, leadership, and teamwork that our veterans have developed through their service. We welcome applications from any service and any military occupational specialty.

Benefits

Target base salary: $85,000-$105,000. Negotiable for the right candidate.

Attractive annual bonus potential and eligibility for a deferred bonus program.

Scout offers a full range of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance with attractive premiums, 401(k) match, STD, LTD, an Employee Assistance Program, paid parental leave, and a range of optional supplemental insurance coverage.