Careers at O.R. Colan Associates (ORC)

What I do at O.R. Colan Associates (ORC)

The Utilities Director provides operational and strategic leadership across a portfolio of utility right of way programs and client accounts. The role oversees project performance, client relationships, financial results, resource planning, staff development, quality, risk management, and business growth while providing leadership and support to Project Managers and project teams.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee performance of multiple utility right of way programs and projects, including schedule, budget, quality, staffing, and client deliverables.
Lead, coach, and develop Project Managers and operational teams while promoting accountability and consistent project execution.
Manage key client relationships, address escalated issues, and maintain a strong understanding of client needs and future workload.
Monitor financial performance, forecasts, utilization, project budgets, and profitability.
Plan and allocate resources based on current workload, project pipeline, and anticipated client demand.
Identify and mitigate operational, contractual, financial, staffing, and client risks.
Support proposals, estimates, contract negotiations, and strategic business development opportunities.
Drive continuous improvement, collaboration, and consistent application of company and client standards across assigned programs.

Why O.R. Colan Associates (ORC)

I recommend ORC because of the flexibility and culture the company provides. ORC offers a flexible work model that allows employees to balance the needs of their projects, clients, and personal lives while still being part of a collaborative and supportive team. The culture is built around trust, autonomy, and giving people the opportunity to take ownership of their work. Even as the company continues to grow, ORC maintains a team-oriented environment where people are accessible, willing to help, and invested in each other's success.

Who am I?

Nicholas Adkins has more than eight years of progressive experience in the right of way and utility infrastructure industry, all with ORC. He began his career in right of way acquisition and advanced through roles including Right of Way Agent, Lead Agent, Project Manager, Program Manager, and Director-level leadership. His experience includes electric transmission and distribution, renewable energy, telecommunications, economic development, and other infrastructure projects.

Throughout his career, Nicholas has managed complex right of way projects and multi-project client programs, with responsibilities spanning acquisition, title and due diligence, permitting, GIS, stakeholder engagement, project controls, budgeting, resource planning, and client management. In his current leadership role, he oversees utility programs, project managers and multidisciplinary teams while supporting strategic client relationships, operational performance, staff development, and business growth.