Clark County Public Works is currently seeking an experienced Right of Way professional who loves working in a team environment to join our Real Property Services’ (RPS) team. We are looking for a professional with strong communication and interpersonal skills who can maintain a high level of intra-departmental teamwork and customer relations. We have cultivated a positive, supportive work environment and expect a high level of professionalism. In addition, the successful candidate will have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, is quality focused, organized and thrives in a fast-paced work environment with shifting priorities and competing deadlines.
As a Right of way Agent, you would perform technical work under the general supervision in a team environment and would be responsible for negotiating with property owners to acquire a wide range of property rights for public projects. You will be responsible for managing difficult and complex projects related to the acquisition of land and other real property rights including easements, leases, licenses, permits, operating agreements and other land management arrangements through the purchase, dedication, exchange and condemnation. In addition, this position would manage and dispose of surplus properties and property rights through leasing, surplus sales, and vacating roads.
We are currently looking to fill this position as a Real Property Agent I, Real Property Agent II, or a Real Property Agent III depending on number applicants and qualifications.
Preference is given to those professionals who have initiated or have obtained a designation with the IRWA International Right of Way Association.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
This position is represented by Local 17 PTE.
What you would do:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the right of way professional will perform the following:
Resolve complex and complicated land activities such as road vacations, surplus properties, tax foreclosures, identify and clearing encroachments and encumbrances from the right of way.
Prepare/coordinate legal documents necessary to complete transactions such as purchase sale agreements, leases, easements, deeds, licenses, permits interagency agreements, and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Recommend actions according to real estate processes, procedure, and law. Present and speak in front of County Council.
Negotiate and acquire private properties and land rights needed for public projects for various county departments. Contact property owners and negotiate for purchase, both permanent and temporary rights. Advise property owner(s) of their rights under all applicable laws and regulations, negotiates claims and/or settlements with owners. Perform all functions of the job by implementing practices under the Uniform Act and WSDOT guidelines.
Perform comprehensive research into property transactions such as deeds, contracts, easements, title searches, right of way restrictions, encumbrances, appraisals and value analysis, environmental impacts, interpret information and prepare findings in a written and presentation format.
Research and respond to routine inquiries by the public, other county departments, and outside agencies regarding right of way and various property in a timely manner.
Prepare valuation reports for partial acquisitions, easements, and permits for non-complex acquisitions in accordance with current federal, state and county laws, policies, and procedures.
Research public deed records and coordinate the release of unnecessary easements.
Salvage appraisal reports.
Prepare auctions.
Prepare and manage demolition contracts.
Manage and track State Turnbacks.
Maintain diary.
Ideal Candidate:
Ideal candidates for this position will have experience working in the government sector. Is familiar with condemnation law, title work and property management; legal opinion, zoning and building code, map reading, land title reports and specialty appraisals; appraisal theory and techniques as it applies to eminent domain; Federal, State and County real property acquisition and relocation assistance policies and procedures.
Have strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to exercise initiative, tact, and independent judgment.
Can meet strict deadlines and understand the importance of managing a dynamic and changing workload. Is able to work on a multitude of tasks and understand/react to various situations in a fast-paced environment.
Is an organizer and planner who thrives on details and is uncompromising in consistency and accuracy.
Experience utilizing strong customer service skills and the ability to implement effective conflict resolution techniques when working in high stress situation with property owners and find creative solutions that can assist in reaching settlements on complex property transactions.
Understand, interpret and apply Federal Regulations, the Uniform Act, State Laws, and WSDOT LAG Manuel, policies and procedures related to eminent domain acquisitions and disposals of properties.
Experience and knowledge of the basic principles of right of way acquisition, real property law, contract law, real property appraisal and negotiations.
Knowledge of condemnation law, title work and property management, legal opinion, zoning building code, map reading, land title reports, appraisal theory, Just Compensation as it applies to eminent domain, the Uniform Act, Federal, State and County laws.
Experience in reading and interpreting technical documents such as: maps, engineering drawings, title reports, appraisals, surveys, legal descriptions, and reports relating to personal and real property.
Experience researching public records including deeds, easements, maps and plats as well as a general understanding and navigation of GIS mapping systems.
The ability to understand appraisal methodology and explain/defend appraisal and construction concepts to impacted property owners.
Who you are:
Communicator: a strong communicator to technical and non-technical individuals and who is proficient verbally and in writing.
Relationship Builder: You’re an outgoing professional who values partnerships and forms relationships to get things done !
Empathetic Negotiation: You have strong negotiation skills but also are aware how to be empathetic to property owner/customer. Your skills allow you to de-escalate difficult situations and lean into hard conversations.
Problem solver: You work to develop creative solutions to meet stated programs and policy outcome.
Team oriented: You enjoy working as part of a team and value collaboration.
The successful candidate will be hired as a Real Property Agent I, II, or III depending on their qualifications. Any combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge and abilities will be considered.
Real Property Agent I level:
Two years of experience in right of way related work such as appraisals, property sales, acquisition, property management, title examination, and condemnation procedures; or,
One-year college level or equivalent course work in real estate and one year of experience; or
Any combination of education and experience that would demonstrate the ability to perform this work.
Possession of valid motor vehicle operator’s license, or ability to obtain one prior to start date.
Possession of Notary Public status in State of Washington, or ability to obtain within three months of hire.
Preference is given to those professionals who have initiated or have obtained a designation (RWA) with the IRWA International right of way Association.
Real Property Agent II level:
In addition to the requirements for a Real Property Agent I a Real Property Agent II will have:
Two years of experience equivalent to a Real Property Agent I with duties including analyzing property appraisals and appraisal reviews, negotiating with property owners for the acquisition of right of way and examining titles.
In depth knowledge of negotiation principles, procedure, and techniques.
Preference is given to those professionals who have initiated or have obtained a designation (RWP) with the IRWA International right of way Association.
Real Property Agent III level:
In addition to the requirements for a Real Property Agent II a Real Property Agent III will have:
One year of experience at a level equivalent to a Real Property Agent II and at least three total years of experience acquiring right of way.
Senior Right-of-Way Agent designation of the International Right-of-Way Association or commenced structured program for obtaining it.
Completed International Right-of-Way Association Course 101 or the equivalent.
Professional designation by a major appraisal society.
Supervisory experience.
Preference is given to those professionals who have initiated or have obtained a designation (SR/WA) with the IRWA International right of way Association.
The Real Property Agent III will have a:
Knowledge of:
Property appraisal theory, principles, and practices.
Negotiation policies, procedures, and techniques.
The Uniform Act and other federal and state requirements for acquiring real property and providing relocation assistance.
Title examination procedures.
Ability to:
Work cooperatively and develop effective relationships with the community.
Deal with stressful and difficult situations.
Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Represent the county at hearings and public meetings
Prepare detailed reports.
Read and interpret engineering plans and drawings.
Train, and support subordinate staff.
Typical Duties of a Real Property Agent III:
Be a liaison between Clark County and the Washington State Department of Transportation and other governmental agencies.
Advise and assist staff in in the preparation of legal descriptions, deeds, leases, easements, and permits.
Provide assistance to other agents on difficult acquisitions.
Conduct final negotiations with owners before initiation of condemnation actions.
Prepare documentation of Determination of Just Compensation and assure negotiation compliance with all state and federal requirements.
Monitor acquisition progress and recommends condemnation when necessary; reviews condemnation reports to determine adequacy of appraisal and specialty expert witness testimony available for court use.
Examines all completed estimates and appraisals for technical compliance with established procedures. Rejects unacceptable reports and advises appraisers relative to deficiencies requiring correction.
HOW TO APPLY:
An online application is required. For complete job announcement, application requirements, and to apply on-line, please visit our website at:
Equal Opportunity Employer
Clark County is committed to increasing the ethnic, cultural, and social diversity of its workforce and ensuring that diversity is a key priority of our organization. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and access regardless of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a disabled person, sexual orientation/gender identity, veteran status or any other status protected by law. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents
If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (360) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.
Real Property Agent I $29.84 - $40.28 per hour.
Real Property Agent II $32.45 - $43.80 per hour.
Real Property Agent III $38.38 - $51.81 per hour.
Prerequisites:
Knowledge of the basic principles of right of way acquisition, real property law, contract law, real property appraisal, and negotiations.
Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations related to property and easement acquisitions and disposal.
Experience utilizing strong customer service skills and the ability to implement effective conflict resolution techniques when working with difficult or upset property owners.
Experience reading and interpreting technical documents such as: maps, engineering drawings, title reports, appraisals, surveys, legal descriptions and reports relating to real property.
Experience researching public records including deeds, easements, maps and plats, and a general understanding of GIS mapping systems.
Knowledge of the application of depreciated replacement cost, capitalized income and a variety of market data comparison methods and techniques.
Knowledge of condemnation law, title work and property management; legal opinion, zoning and building code, map reading, land title reports appraisal theory, just compensation as it applies to eminent domain; the Uniform Act, Federal, State and County laws.
Flexable work arrangements may be considered.
Applications will be accepted until an adequate number of applicants are received. This posting may close at any time after January 15, 2024 with no additional notice.
SELECTION PROCESS
If you wish to upload a resume or other documents: Resumes and documents must be attached together in the ‘Resume Upload’ section of the application. Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.
Application Review (Pass/Fail) – An online application is required. Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.
Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) – This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not be limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.
Oral Interview – The interview will be job related and may include, but not be limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.
Employment References will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.
It is the general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression.
Local 17 Engineers.9 - Local 17 Engineers.12
$30.44 - $52.85- per hour.
For complete job announcement, application requirements, and to apply on-line (applications on external sites are not monitored), please visit our website at:
https://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/explore-careers-clark-county
With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and businesses. We welcome those who visit and settle here, providing fresh perspectives, growing diversity and vibrant energy.
Our forward-looking community is framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the south and west. The area is a picturesque place to work, play, and live.
Named for Captain William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition fame, our county is one of the fastest growing regions in Washington state and the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area. Today, more than 467,000 people call Clark County home.
Clark County government works to enhance the quality of life for all of our diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness and accountability. We are one of the county's largest employers, providing a wide range of rewarding careers for about 1,570 people.