Site Development Associate – Data Center Development

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Texas.

📋 Description

• Lead and assist with site entitlement initiatives, which include zoning, platting, land use approvals, and other local governmental approvals necessary for advancing data center locations.

• Act as the primary liaison between the company and municipalities, counties, city councils, county commissioners, and other public officials for designated projects.

• Develop and sustain collaborative relationships with mayors, city managers, county judges, and municipal/county staff.

• Prepare and present information to city councils, commissioners' courts, planning and zoning boards, and various public entities.

• Identify, assess, and assist in acquiring necessary permits for site development, such as building permits and entrance/access permits, while coordinating with public works and TxDOT/county road authorities as required.

• Work with utility providers (power, water, wastewater, gas, telecom/fiber) to verify capacity, service availability, and extension requirements for potential sites.

• Aid in land acquisition efforts, including sourcing potential sites, negotiating with landowners, and structuring purchase and option agreements.

• Utilize knowledge of Texas oil, gas, and mineral rights to identify and assist in resolving mineral, surface, and lease issues impacting site control.

• Comprehend and manage the essentials of real estate contracts, title work, and the closing process, collaborating with legal counsel, title companies, and surveyors as necessary.

• Understand the fundamentals of addressing claims that may emerge during due diligence, construction, or site development (e.g., title, boundary, or contractor-related claims), and know when and how to escalate them internally.

• Maintain regular and clear communication with internal stakeholders — leadership, legal, engineering, and construction teams — regarding project status, risks, and timelines.

• Develop a working knowledge of data center development requirements (power, fiber, water, site criteria) and apply that knowledge to site selection and entitlement strategy.

• Travel within the Lubbock region and across the broader Texas market as necessary to support site visits, public meetings, and landowner negotiations.

⛳️ Requirements

• Experience in real estate development, with direct participation in at least one completed development project from acquisition through entitlement (commercial or residential); OR equivalent experience as a landman.

• Proven experience entitling property and collaborating directly with municipalities, city councils, county commissioners, or other public officials.

• Comfortable and skilled at presenting to public bodies, boards, and internal leadership.

• Working understanding of Texas oil, gas, and mineral rights and their implications on real estate transactions or sites.

• Basic comprehension of real estate purchase contracts, title, and the closing process.

• Experience negotiating with landowners and/or sellers in a land acquisition context.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of representing the company professionally to both external officials and internal stakeholders.

• Eagerness and genuine interest in learning the fundamentals of data center development.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally and regionally as required.

• Commercial real estate development experience is strongly preferred over residential.

• Previous experience in acquiring or coordinating utility, building, or entrance permits.

• Established relationships with officials or staff in Lubbock and surrounding West Texas municipalities/counties.

• Familiarity with the basic handling of title, boundary, or construction-related claims.

• Background in energy, land, or infrastructure-related real estate (landman, oil & gas land experience, utility right-of-way, etc.).

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive base salary and discretionary bonus

• Flexible Time Off (i.e. unlimited paid vacation days)

• Company paid Holidays (14)

• Company paid sick leave

• Company-paid health and protective benefits for employees, partners, and other dependents

• 3% 401(k) company contribution

• Generous paid Parental Leave

• Free virtual coaching and counseling sessions through Ginger

• Smart, entrepreneurial, and fun colleagues

• Employee Resource Groups