Description

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.

The Opportunity
WSDOT seeks a Property & Acquisition Specialist 6 to join the Real Estate Services (RES) Division in Tumwater, WA. This position supervises and directs the HQ RES Acquisition Program's federal and state acquisition procedures to assist the regions in implementing the statewide program, including the Fish Passage Program. The incumbent serves as the subject matter expert providing technical assistance, project support, certification concurrence, oversight, and feedback on acquisition files throughout the state. In addition, to guarantee regulatory compliance and program delivery, the incumbent provides training and direction on federal and state acquisition procedures, evaluates risk, and contributes to statewide policy development. The Property & Acquisition Specialist also acts as a state liaison between WSDOT Real Estate Services and other Washington State agencies, federal agencies, and railroads to acquire property and/or property rights. The Property & Acquisition Specialist is also a stat liaison between the Attorney General’s Office and Transportation & Public Construction Division for condemnation and legal advice.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Property & Acquisition Specialist will:

• 
  Implement short- and long-range strategies to meet WSDOT’s strategic goals as well as the Programs’ goals as they relate to the Title and Acquisition of real property.
• Serve as a technical program expert in right of way and is responsible for providing technical expertise to agency administrators, managers, regions, mega project program managers, project engineers, local agencies, consultants, and the public as it relates to real estate acquisition, title, certification, and condemnation.
• Advise Acquisition Program Manager of the region, mega program, and fish passage program challenges related to project delivery/staffing and program compliance regarding title and acquisition of real property.
• Serve as a liaison between FHWA and Region RES in securing ROW certification approval.
• Perform technical review of the region’s Right of Way Plans and PS&Es to ensure the region has acquired sufficient property rights for their project's construction, operation, and maintenance.
• Provide detailed oversight and feedback on acquisition transactions for the regions to assure compliance of state projects with federal and state eminent domain acquisition regulations.
• Independently provides technical assistance, advice, and guidance to region RES staff, region engineering/technical staff, and consultants on technical and/or procedural matters of considerable scope and complexity.
• Interpret regulations and make determinations/decisions based on clear guidelines and procedures.

Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• A bachelor’s degree plus three (3) years of experience in real estate activities such as appraising, property negotiations, property management, or selling or buying real estate on public property or for a government agency (must include a minimum of 2 years in the acquisition, negotiation, or title activities on public property or for a government agency).

OR

• An associate degree plus five (5) years of experience in real estate-related fields (must include four (4) years in right-of-way acquisition or title activities on public property or for a governmental agency).

OR

• Seven (7) years of experience in right-of-way acquisition or title activities on public property or for a governmental agency.

OR

• One (1) year as a Property and Acquisition Specialist 5 (or its equivalent) or two (2) years as a Property and Acquisition Specialist 4 (or its equivalent)

AND

• The ability to obtain a Washington Notary Public.

Knowledge of:

• Federal regulations (49 CFR, Part 24), the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended (URA), that govern acquisition and relocation assistance activities under the URA.
• Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) relating to acquisition, condemnation, certification, title examination guidelines and procedures, and right of way process as identified in the WSDOT Right of Way Manual.

Skills:

• Proficient use of computers and computer software (including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, MS PowerPoint, FileMaker Pro, Adobe, SharePoint, ProjectWise, web, etc.).
• Proficient use of WSDOT applications (including but not limited to SR View, GIS, Oracle, Integrated Realty Information System (IRIS), and the Electronic Content Management (ECM) Portal, etc.) and WSDOT and local agency websites.

Ability to:

• Work independently to complete assignments and make decisions.
• Efficiently manage and complete multiple tasks regularly, often in stressful and demanding situations.
• Work in a team environment
• Analyze complex issues, assess risk, and make decisions.
• Understand instructions, set priorities, and meet required deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and interpret technical written material.
• Organize and prioritize workload, make determinations/decisions based on clear guidelines or procedures, and apply problem-solving techniques to resolve issues.
• Self-motivated and solution-oriented.
• Listen effectively with the ability to participate in remote online meetings (Teams, Zoom, GoToMeeting, etc.) and be on camera at times.
• Consistently and dependably be at work on time as scheduled and allow flexibility in work schedules.
• Provide information to customers over the phone and must be available to provide answers to customers, staff, and other RES/WSDOT, employees.
• Read, understand, and interpret technical and highly specialized written material and convey that interpretation to technical and non-technical staff and the public.
• Work with a diverse group and with varied personalities.
• Maintain positive working relationships with customers and stakeholders.
• Stand or sit for long periods
• Attend meetings and travel statewide to provide oversight, guidance, training, and reviews.
• Create and follow a pre-activity safety plan.
• Lift and move archive boxes, files, and other office materials up to 25 lbs.
• Operate office equipment (phones, copiers, computers, printers, etc.).
• Perform complex word processing and data entry, prepare spreadsheets, and operate various computer software.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have the following:
Experience in:

• All right-of-way disciplines: appraisal, title, acquisition/negotiations, relocation, and property management, with most of the experience in acquisition/negotiations.
• Reviewing and comparing ROW Plans and Plan Specifications and Engineering (PS&E) Plans.
• Performing oversight on federally funded projects.
• Providing real estate technical assistance and guidance on right-of-way matters on federal aid projects to ensure projects are completed per the WSDOT ROW Manual and the URA and to assure regulatory compliance so projects can be certified for construction.

Knowledge of:

• Technical engineering practices and statewide policies, procedures, and standards.
• Statutory authorities impacting federally funded right-of-way activities.
• Title, acquisition/negotiations, eminent domain, understanding of appraisal, and relocation.
• WSDOT Purchasing rules, regulations, and signature authority.
• Real Estate and Landlord Tenant Laws, including title and eminent domain.
• Right-of-Way engineering
• Fundamental application of consultant contracts.
• WSDOT internal organization, functions, missions, and strategic goals.

Ability to:

• Interpret right-of-way plans.
• Review and compare right-of-way plans and Plan Specifications & Engineering Plans (PS&E).
• Comprehend and interpret complex legal descriptions.
• Independently review files for accuracy and federal/state compliance.
• Review acquisition transactions for compliance.
• Supervise and train individuals and groups and provide guidance and direction to Regions and HQs Real Estate Staff and Engineers throughout the state.
• Develop and provide policy recommendations.
• Review and make acquisition and title determinations based on clear guidelines and procedures.
• Prepare legal descriptions & exhibits for various transactions of real property.
• Interpret and understand WSDOT contract plans, including those of other State Agencies.
• Understand highway access control requirements and provide appropriate language required for the transaction.

• To review the full Position Description, don't hesitate to contact the recruiter in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required regularly, sporadic, or as needed. Attend meetings, training, and work sites (including driving a motor vehicle and overnight travel for extended periods if necessary).
• Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. An exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum of 14 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and federal student loan forgiveness eligibility.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine your salary. Therefore, the “Work Experience” portion of the application must be completed in as much detail as possible.
To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlines (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; it does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to sign in or create an account. This step is required to apply for this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment where all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam-era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Yasmin Munoz, at MunozY@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 22DOT-HQ- 01968 in the subject line.