Job Responsibilities

This position is accountable for the acquisition of the rights-of-way for all types of takings necessary to complete the districts planned transportation system projects, as well as performing related activities as may be assigned by the District Land Acquisition Manager.

Parcels Negotiated: 100 - 300
Program Expenditures: $1,000,000 - $3,000,000

This position reports to the Condemnation Engineer. There are no subordinate positions reporting to the incumbent.

This position is accountable for negotiating the purchase of rights-of-way on all types of properties from industries, commercial, and agricultural to residential parcels required for highway construction projects. The incumbent must review and have thorough knowledge of the approved appraisal prior to initiating acquisition procedures. This is done not only to become familiar with the appraisal, but also to be satisfied that the amount being offered is fair and equitable.

Problems may arise during negotiations because, by nature, owners view their property from a financial aspect, as well as an emotional one. The incumbent must be convincing that the planned project is necessary and in the best interest of the public, and that the compensation being offered is just. The greatest challenge to this position is the timely completion of negotiations in concert with planned letting schedules. The incumbent also must have the ability to remain calm and focused in all negotiation settings regardless of the demeanor of the other parties involved.

The incumbent reviews project design reports, construction plans, title reports, and conveyance documents on assigned parcels; studies the approved appraisal to become familiar with property within the project area; prepares the introductory letter and written offer to purchase; meets with property owners and/or their representative to explain the details of the acquisition and make offer to purchase; follows up on ongoing negotiations and obtains properly executed documents of conveyance; and assists in obtaining necessary documentation for title clearance.

The incumbent must operate within the constraints of the Land Acquisition Policies and Procedures, as well as the Departments Personnel Policies and Procedures. Problems encountered during negotiations concerning items of an engineering nature, such as drainage capacity or relocating driveways, should be coordinated with Studies and Plans and the supervisor. The incumbent has latitude to recommend adjustments in the amount of consideration being offered in cases where, for example, during discussions with the owner, it is observed that some pertinent item affecting value has not been considered by the appraiser.

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Generally, all contacts within the department are made at the district level and with other members and areas of the district organization. A daily contact is made, as a minimum, with these areas so that the incumbent will maintain his/her level of knowledge necessary when dealing with the negotiations. Contacts made external to the department involve daily contacts with property owners, attorneys, trust officers, and public record keepers. The incumbent must be willing to work at night and/or weekends to fit the schedules of the property owners and other parties they need to meet with.

The degrees of success for this position are measured not only in the high volume of parcels handled, but also in the professional manner with which the incumbent represents the department. The effectiveness of this position is also measured by the extent to which the assigned parcels are completed on schedule, by the percentage of settlements reached on assigned parcels, the response of property owners to the negotiation process, and the working relationship with other employees in the section and other bureaus.

Principal Accountabilities

• Acquire right-of-way parcels for transportation projects.
• Create an image of good public relations, both for the incumbent and the department, by honesty and being well-versed on planned projects.
• Ensure documentation will sustain concluded negotiations.
• Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Position Requirements

• Education/Experience
  • Completion of two years of college majoring in engineering, construction management, or related fields PLUS two years of professional experience in real estate, surveying, title work, land acquisition, appraisal, negotiation, property management or relocation assistance or a combination thereof; OR
  • Three years of professional experience in real estate, surveying, title work, land acquisition, appraisal, negotiation, property management or relocation assistance or a combination thereof.
• Valid drivers license
• Districtwide travel

Position Desirables

• Extensive knowledge of real estate acquisition process, negotiations and condemnation process.
• Working knowledge of relocation assistance principles required through the Uniform Act.
• Extensive knowledge of state and federal laws concerning land acquisition and related activities.
• Extensive knowledge of departmental land acquisition policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively; to exercise sound judgment; and read/interpret reports, maps, plans, plats, legal descriptions and title abstracts.
• Ability to establish and maintain effectual working relations with property owners, attorneys, and government officials and government officials.