Land Acquisition Discipline Manager

Hanson Professional Services•Springfield, IL

32d•$125,000 - $165,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This role will combine resource management and technical production. The Discipline Manager oversees, guides, and mentors the land acquisition staff, consisting of negotiating and relocation agents and specialists, and property appraisers, and acts as an interface from the production staff to the project managers located in a variety of geographies and markets to produce the various deliverables required as part of our land acquisition consulting practice. Technically, the manager will be familiar with and have experience in all aspects of land acquisition services for both public agencies and private industry, including residential, commercial, and agricultural fee simple purchases, easements of various forms, damage assessment and claims, eminent domain and condemnation, and the appraisal process. Understanding and knowledge of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act ("Uniform Act") is imperative. The position will be assigned to one of the following office locations: Springfield, IL; Marion, IL; St. Louis, MO; or Indianapolis, IN; but offers the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule.

Requirements

Familiarity with State Department of Transportation (DOT) land acquisition, transportation planning, programming, and environmental practices
Experience with complex projects that have required significant interaction with clients, consultants, and the public
A history of effective teambuilding and leadership of project teams over a broad project range
Must be able to build productive relationships with internal and external client bases
Effective written and oral communication skills are required, including being able to communicate complex technical concepts both visually and in text, to peers, clients, and public stakeholders, many of which may be non-technically individuals
Strong sense of urgency and self-initiative to meet client deadlines
Must be able to work independently and as a team member to problem solve and learn new technical skills
Ability and willingness to assist staff in setting and achieving practical, productive annual goals
A bachelor's degree in civil engineering, architecture, finance, or related field, and fifteen (15) years or more of public land acquisition experience, or
An associate degree in a related field, and twenty (20) years or more of public land acquisition experience
Work assignment flexibility including being available to travel for out-of-town assignments, primarily daytrips or evening attendance of local client meetings.
Hours worked will vary based on project demands, including occasional, periodic overtime.

Nice To Haves

Completion of International Right of Way Association (IRWA) coursework in Negotiation and Relocation preferred.
Possession of a Real Estate Broker or Managing Broker license in the related geographic location of application preferred.
Be identified as an approved Land Acquisition Specialty Agent (or equivalent) within the States of Illinois, Indiana, or Missouri; or must have the necessary background, experience, and ability to acquire this status within six (6) months of employment preferred.
Experience engaging with private utility and industry energy generation and transmission providers preferred.
Successful supervision of five (5) or more land acquisition staff concurrently preferred.

Responsibilities

Interface with project managers in identifying and assigning land acquisition resources
Supervision of land acquisition professionals, from day-to-day project assignments to development of goals, mentoring and compensation and performance reviews
Review and approval of staff time and expense submittals
Supervising quality assurance and quality control of real estate product delivery
Supervising staff compliance with federal Uniform Relocation Act required for projects with federal funding, or by client requirement
Collaborating with senior technical staff within the Infrastructure, Aviation, Rail, Power, and Industry markets on land-related items, visioning needs, and potential obstacles to acquisition
Interface with practice and market leadership to assess financial and employee performance
Author and present on technical topics at industry and in-house events
Assist in recruiting and retention of staff
Other duties as assigned