Real Estate Lead

AECOM • San Diego, CA

9d • $120,000 - $160,000 • Onsite

About The Position

AECOM is seeking a Real Estate Lead to oversee compliance with real property acquisition requirements, third‑party coordination protocols, and associated best management practices (BMPs) across a defined portion of a large, complex infrastructure program. This role is designed for an experienced real estate and acquisition professional with a strong background in property transactions, public‑agency coordination, and multi‑disciplinary program delivery.
In this role, you will serve as the primary authority for real property and third‑party coordination within your assigned area, ensuring that all acquisition, negotiation, relocation, and property management activities meet regulatory requirements and program standards. You will coordinate with engineering, environmental, legal, construction, and program leadership to support field activities, resolve issues, and promote consistent, compliant execution across all real estate functions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in real estate, business administration, public administration, urban planning, engineering, or a related field, plus at least 8 years of relevant experience, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Extensive experience in real property acquisition, valuation, negotiations, relocation assistance, and third‑party coordination
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local real property regulations; experience with URA compliance preferred
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and manage complex property, title, appraisal, and acquisition documentation
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to synthesize large amounts of data and communicate findings effectively
• Experience preparing executive‑level reports, dashboards, or scorecards
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, multi‑disciplinary environment
• Due to the nature of this work, US citizenship is required

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated analytical approach to problem solving with high attention to detail
• Experience working on large, complex infrastructure or federal programs
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Consultative, service‑oriented mindset with strong interpersonal skills
• Outstanding oral, written, and presentation communication skills
• Experience with real estate finance, capital planning, or property‑related financial analysis · Experience with business intelligence tools or dashboard platforms
• 3+ years of experience in real estate, right‑of‑way, acquisitions, public agency coordination, consulting, or strategic planning

Responsibilities

• Lead real property and third‑party coordination activities across assigned program areas, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Oversee the full lifecycle of real property functions, including surveys, permits to enter, appraisals, valuations, negotiations, acquisitions, relocation assistance, title and escrow, demolition oversight, and property management
• Direct coordination with public agencies, utilities, railroads, municipalities, and other third parties to secure approvals, resolve conflicts, and maintain program momentum
• Prepare deliverables, reports, and briefings for executives and program leadership, including risk assessments, acquisition status updates, and issue‑resolution strategies
• Collaborate with internal teams—including engineering, environmental, legal, construction, and program controls—to integrate real property requirements into program planning and execution
• Identify program risks and opportunities, analyze issues using appropriate resources, develop alternatives, and implement optimal solutions
• Provide technical expertise in real property acquisition, valuation, relocation, and third‑party management
• Guide and direct staff and consultants to ensure consistent, high‑quality execution of all real property and third‑party functions
• Support condemnation coordination in partnership with legal counsel
• Manage airspace leasing, excess land disposition, and other property‑related transactions
• Promote continuous improvement, process consistency, and adherence to program standards and best practices

Benefits

• AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level