Property Agent 1 (40 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Hartford, CT

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is hiring a Property Agent 1 in the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Resource Conservation. The position independently performs tasks to develop, evaluate, and maintain programs and services that benefit Connecticut farmers and are funded through state and federal programs. Work includes developing guidance for farmland preservation and access funding opportunities; managing the Connecticut FarmLink program and its partners; serving as a point of contact for beginning and urban farmers; conducting site visits; reviewing narrative and financial reports; supporting agricultural business development; coordinating events and trainings; representing the Department in committees and working groups; and building relationships with farmers, municipalities, landowners, conservation organizations, agribusinesses, and other partners. The role uses knowledge of state and local permitting processes relevant to land access, agricultural operations, environmental protection, and property stewardship. Work may be outdoors in varied weather, and travel may be required. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, first shift, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is hybrid, with required in-office days on Mondays and Wednesdays, in Hartford, Connecticut. The job class is accountable for independently performing technical work related to property acquisition, disposal, commercial leasing, and revenue management. Duties can include negotiations, title research, property market analysis, site inspections, recommendations on awards, relocation assistance, condemnation files and testimony, preparation of leases and other agreements, disposal or sale of state property, records and reports, and other related work. The Department’s mission is to foster a healthy economic, environmental, and social climate for agriculture, protect agricultural and aquacultural resources, and promote understanding of Connecticut agriculture. The Bureau works to expand markets for Connecticut farm products and preserve farmland and soils, with a vision of supporting a sustainable and equitable food system.

Requirements

Six years of technical experience in rights of way, real estate appraisal, land acquisition, sale of real property, commercial leasing, or property management; qualifying education and other listed programs or credentials may substitute for some experience.
Knowledge of principles and practices of land acquisition by purchase or condemnation; real property title examination, abstraction, and conveyance; commercial lease agreements and revenue management; relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations; property values and appraisal methods; and deed and tract restrictions, zoning ordinances, setbacks, assessments, and encroachments and their effects on property values.
Considerable interpersonal skills and oral and written communication skills.
Ability to use computer software.
May be required to travel.
May be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
For incumbents involved in real property appraisal, successful completion of agency-specified appraisal courses and a current Connecticut Real Estate Appraiser license and required Residential and/or General appraiser certification are required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with grants, including guidance development, application review, grantee agreements, reporting, or budget management.
Experience with conservation easements, preserved farmland, or farmland preservation processes.
Experience with agricultural leases or permits, or reviewing legal real estate documents such as property deeds or boundary surveys.
Experience with leased agricultural land or properties with aging infrastructure.
Experience administering programs, including coordinating program partners or subcontractors, achieving data-driven outcomes, and conducting program evaluation.

Responsibilities

Develop program guidance for funding opportunities related to farmland preservation tools and farmland access.
Manage and monitor Connecticut FarmLink program outcomes, including its website, partner contracts, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
Serve as a principal point of contact for beginning and urban farmers, sharing information about programs and resources and connecting them with appropriate services.
Conduct on-farm site visits as needed for program purposes.
Review final narrative and financial reports.
Support farmers with agricultural business development and assistance.
Coordinate and facilitate events, meetings, workshops, review panels, and trainings.
Represent the Department of Agriculture on related committees and working groups.
Build relationships with municipalities, farmland owners, land conservation organizations, farmers, agribusinesses, and agricultural nonprofit organizations.
Communicate with state and federal program partners.
Use knowledge of state and local permitting processes related to land access, agricultural operations, environmental protection, and property stewardship.
Conduct negotiations to secure property, property rights, and commercial lease agreements.
Conduct title searches and related research.
Prepare deeds and draw maps from survey notes.
Collect and analyze property market value data.
Conduct site inspections of proposed land acquisitions and recommend fair awards to property owners.
Provide relocation assistance to displaced individuals seeking new residences or places of business.
Prepare condemnation files and provide testimony at condemnation hearings.
Prepare lease agreements, easements, and other agreements related to land acquisition, property management, and revenue development.
Process disposal and sale of state-owned land and buildings.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Perform other related duties as required.