Right of Way Agent/ Property Analyst

Fairfax County•Fairfax (Ej32), VA

About The Position

The Right of Way Agent works in Fairfax County’s Land Acquisition Division to acquire land, real property, and other property rights needed for public improvement projects. The role supports projects across Capital Facilities, Stormwater Management, Transportation, Wastewater, public buildings, and other agencies, managing multiple assignments with challenging deadlines. The agent researches county and title records, verifies ownership and property descriptions, reviews appraisals and engineering plans, calculates land areas, and prepares acquisition cost estimates. The position also supports public hearings and condemnation proceedings, prepares Board agenda materials and presentations, maintains project records and reports, and coordinates with property owners, County staff, agents, vendors, and legal representatives. The successful candidate is expected to work independently and collaboratively, build relationships, resolve complex issues, and communicate effectively with varied audiences. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in real estate or a related field, or equivalent education, experience, and training, plus three years of experience in real property negotiation, disposition, and/or evaluation. A valid driver’s license is required. The appointee must pass criminal background and driving record checks to the employer’s satisfaction.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in real estate or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university, plus three years of experience in real property negotiation, disposition, and/or evaluation, or equivalent education, experience, and training.
Valid driver’s license.
Successful completion of a criminal background check and driving record check to the employer’s satisfaction.
Knowledge of principles and practices of real property acquisition or disposal for public purposes.
Knowledge of legal instruments involved in real estate transactions.
Knowledge of commercial law and laws governing condemnation or disposal proceedings.
Negotiation skills for purchasing or selling real property.
Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public.
Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to prepare correspondence and reports.
Ability to communicate in person and by telephone, produce handwritten and typed documents, and read engineering plans, documents, and computer screens.
Ability to travel to project locations and walk properties across irregular terrain.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in real estate acquisitions related to public improvement projects.
Extensive experience negotiating acquisition of land rights and purchasing real property.
Two years of education or experience in one or more of real estate, appraisals, property title research, real estate law, land use and development, or construction.
Extensive experience managing multiple projects with challenging deadlines.
Knowledge of eminent domain law and condemnation procedures.
Familiarity and experience reviewing or evaluating construction plans and plats for highways, sewers, and utilities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word, and PDF editing software such as Adobe or Foxit.
Bilingual ability in English and another language.

Responsibilities

Negotiate acquisition of land rights and purchase real property for County public improvement projects.
Research County records and verify ownership and legal records; review title reports and property descriptions.
Calculate and verify land area and review engineering plans and construction drawings.
Interpret real estate valuation principles, review appraisal reports, and prepare land acquisition cost estimates.
Compile information for public hearings and condemnation proceedings, prepare Board agenda items, and make presentations to the Board.
Maintain project files and project-management system data; produce documents and reports.
Serve as a liaison between property owners and County staff, agents, and vendors.
Evaluate proposal packages for consideration by the Board of Supervisors.
Develop and coordinate alternative acquisition programs, including donations, leases, and interim-use agreements.
Secure signatures to deeds and write property descriptions.
Contract for appraisals or review outside appraisals and interpret valuation principles.
Analyze County-owned real estate and make recommendations concerning interim use.
Manage County-owned rental units, including leases, tenants, rent collection, and property maintenance.
Participate in final negotiation and settlement proceedings.
Investigate encroachments on County-owned land, notify offending parties, and pursue resolution, coordinating legal action with the County Attorney when needed.
Testify in court and develop facts or analyses for condemnation or disposal proceedings.
Maintain records of work in progress and completed work; conduct special investigations and prepare reports as assigned.
May assist with the annual budget and periodic statistical activity reports.
Travel to project locations, walk properties, and traverse irregular terrain.