No two days in the life of a Right-of-Way agent are the same—new properties, new people, new challenges. Always new ways to get things “righted.”
I start with preparation. Well, that and coffee. Maps, documents, plans. The more I understand before I arrive, the better the conversation goes once I’m there—because obstacles always come up and being ready matters. Once everything is in order, it’s time to hit the road.
And before you picture a lifted, mud-covered truck—nope. I drive a Prius. Not exactly off-road ready, but at 55 MPG, I’m not complaining.
On my current project, most days are spent in the mountains. Today it’s a site walk in the Sierras alongside project management, construction, survey, vegetation, and estimating. I’m representing Land—which usually means getting a better understanding of the plan and knocking on a few doors.
When meeting with property owners, sometimes it’s a quick conversation. Other times it takes patience and multiple visits. Either way, nothing replaces boots on the ground. Being there in person helps eliminate confusion, answer questions, and—most importantly—build trust.
Because while easements live on maps, the conversations around them are personal. You’re talking about someone’s home. I can write an email about wildfire mitigation, but standing on someone’s property and hearing their experience—that’s where real understanding happens. And if I’m lucky, there’s a dog involved.
Once the fieldwork wraps up, it’s back to the office to compile notes, send follow-ups, process agreements, and keep things moving. Before the day ends, I’m checking tomorrow’s schedule, sending confirmations, and setting up new site visits.
And that’s my day. Coming home after a day like this, it’s a good reminder: this work isn’t just about property lines—it’s about people, their homes, and building something that serves a greater good. And knowing that makes the views all that much better.
So, until next time—I’ll see you along the way.
-Isaac Monroe