Real Estate Specialist

Dakota County•Apple Valley, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Real Estate Specialist is responsible for performing a wide variety of duties related to acquiring right of way for County purposes, including transportation, greenways, parks, and conservation. The Specialists work closely with landowners, County staff and project partners to complete the acquisition process, including: acquisition needs easements and types, determining the value of property interests, conducting negotiations, preparing and finalizing documents, coordinating and completing closings, and filing necessary documents. Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. We strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree AND two (2) years of experience in real property acquisition and appraisals.
Associate's Degree or Paralegal Certificate AND four (4) years of experience in real property acquisition and appraisals.
An equivalent combination of education and direct work experience in real property acquisition and appraisals totaling six (6) years.
Valid driver's license

Nice To Haves

Notary Public Commission
Certification by the International Right of Way Association (IRWA)
Completed degree in business administration, economics, education, engineering, finance, geography, planning, public administration, real estate, or appraisals.
Experience with transportation right-of-way acquisition for a government agency.

Responsibilities

Prepare real estate-related information for County staff, utility companies, real estate agents/brokers, general public, other governmental entities, and organizations as requested.
Works with interdisciplinary teams as properties are identified for County acquisition to provide real estate-related information and maintains communications with property owners; relevant County staff, project partners, and other entities throughout the acquisition process.
Develop and distribute Requests for Proposal for appraisals and appraisal reviews, selects contractor and provides a wide variety of information needed to complete the reports to determine real estate value and options.
Facilitate necessary due diligence, including by obtaining and reviewing, Preliminary Title Commitments, Mortgage Consents/Releases, and Environmental Assessments, etc.
Serve as the primary County contact in negotiations and providing offers and settlements to property owners when acquiring right of way.
Coordinates with the County Attorney's Office to provide required information and serve as an expert in Eminent Domain proceedings.
Coordinate the drafting and execution of forms, agreements and other required documents with terms acceptable to the property owner, County, project partners, funding entities, closing company, and other associated parties.
Coordinate real estate closings with all parties and ensuring all appropriate documents are filed in a timely and accurate manner.
Prepare basic real estate acquisition information needed for County Board action.
Provide information and assists in maintaining/updating the County’s Real Estate and GIS databases.
Complete annual monitoring of County agricultural, buffer, greenway natural area, park, and trail easements.
Monitor and negotiate existing County leases and assists in the development of new County leases, as assigned.
Performs other acquisition and program-related activities in consultation with or as assigned by the Real Estate Manager, Real Estate Supervisor, Lead Real Estate Specialist and/or Project Managers.