Right of Way Agent III

Thurston County • Olympia, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Thurston County Public Works is recruiting for a skilled Right of Way Agent III
to join our dynamic, energetic, and innovative Real Estate Services team in the
Office of the County Engineer. Join our team of dedicated professionals who
specialize in acquiring temporary and permanent property rights for federal,
state, and locally funded projects. The successful candidate will perform
technical work associated with negotiation and acquisition of easements and
rights of way for road improvement, fish passage, construction, and utility
projects. A project-based approach is used to accomplish tasks associated with
title examination, appraisal, audit, acquisition, and/or disposal of real or
personal property; property management; negotiation of contracts, franchise
agreements, leasing agreements, and relocation assistance; as well as
preparation of land use and right of way permits. Duties typically include work
related to vacant, residential, commercial, agricultural, public utility,
exempt, recreational, and/or industrial properties.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with major course work in real estate or related discipline and three (3) years as a Right of Way Agent II or equivalent. Additional experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain a Washington State Driver's License within thirty days of employment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain a Washington State Notary Public Commission within thirty days of employment is required for continued employment.

Nice To Haves

• Senior Right of Way (SR/WA) designation through the International Right of Way Association (IRWA), Washington State Real Estate Sales License or Brokers License desired for a Right of Way Agent I or Right of Way Agent II.
• Extensive experience in negotiating with property owners and their representative for acquisition of land, easements, and other types of property rights, including navigating complex transactions.
• Working knowledge and understanding in the application of Washington State RCWs and WACs, federal and state eminent domain laws and the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.
• The ability to understand intermediate and complex appraisals, as well as develop value estimates that establish fair market value ranges for the acquisition of land and land use rights.
• Solid understanding of basic engineering and surveying practices, with experience in reviewing and understanding right-of-way plans.
• Proficiency in managing public records, comprehending legal descriptions, preparing conveyance documents, comprehending complex title reports, and other ownership data to determine the correct vesting of the title and clearing of encumbrances.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Assist and/or perform property valuations of real property through review of right of way maps, commissioners' records, plat books, engineering reports, title searches, and other records or materials. May include property inspection to determine property damages or improvements. Prepare applicable reports and documents as required.
• Locate property owners and obtain permission for a variety of county activities, such as right of way staking, temporary easements, and construction permits.
• Inform owners of their rights, applicable laws, and regulations. Provide relocation assistance to individuals impacted by proposed projects.
• Negotiate with property owners to acquire a wide range of property rights for public projects including corridor, intersection, sidewalk, flood, trail, and bridge projects for purchase or lease of property. Maintain files of property records, departmental maps, section activities, and correspondence. Prepare required legal instruments necessary to acquire rights of way.
• Prepare, review, and/or administer land use, right of way permits and road vacation requests for compliance with county policies, regulations, and applicable laws. Maintain files of property records, departmental maps, section activities, and correspondence.
• On occasion, represents Public Works at public meetings and at public hearings before the Hearing Examiner and Board of County Commissioners. Prepare and review exhibits and documents for presentation.
• Assist Real Estate Services Manager in development and implementation of section objectives, plans, policies, and procedures. Assist or lead development of oral and written policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program that allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid.

What This Job Offers

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