Right of Way Agent 1-4 (Region 3 - Lake Charles)

State of Louisiana • Lake Charles, LA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is seeking a Right of Way professional to support the acquisition of property and servitudes needed for transportation construction projects across Louisiana. This position works hands-on in the right of way process, assisting with property research, coordination with property owners, documentation, and relocation activities in compliance with State and Federal requirements. The role involves statewide travel, collaboration with consultants and local public agencies, and maintaining accurate project records. This position is ideal for individuals interested in public service, property research, and infrastructure development who enjoy detailed work, field activities, and contributing to projects that impact communities statewide.

Requirements

• Three years of experience in property rights acquisition, real estate acquisition, real estate property management, relocation assistance, or real estate appraisal; OR Six years of full-time experience in any field; OR A bachelor's degree.
• Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

Nice To Haves

• Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement.
• Accepting Direction: The ability to be open and willing to follow guidance or instructions.
• Learning Actively: The ability to pursue learning, seek feedback, and integrate new knowledge to improve personal and professional performance.

Responsibilities

• Researching titles in various courthouses and preparing title research reports, which includes providing current ownership with the required chain of title and the legal description needed for the preparation of appraisals, right of way and construction maps, and acts of sale.
• Prepares documents such as Project Notification Letters, Just Compensation Offer Letters, Summaries of Just Compensation and all other correspondence required by State Law and the Federal Uniform Code for negotiating, acquisition and relocation assistance.
• Contacts property owners, leaseholders and other interested parties to negotiate the amicable acquisition of right of way, servitude and other real property.
• Maintains electronic status reporting programs such as LaGov; compiles project status reports for assigned projects.
• Prepares deeds of acquisition, obtains proper signatures and records deeds in the appropriate courthouses.
• Also prepares vouchers, orders checks for payment, and disburses funds to property owners and other vendors for right of way, servitude and other real property acquired and services required.
• Prepares Relocation Assistance Plans and Conceptual Stage Relocation Plans to comply with Federal and State guidelines.
• Makes cost estimates, moving expenses estimates, computes replacement housing payments, and makes payments to displacees.
• Prepares documentation and reviews completeness and correctness of consultant and/or regional acquisition files in cases where right of way, servitude and other real estate.
• Assists in the relocation of family units, businesses and personal property for right of way required for right of way on assigned DOTD projects.

Benefits

• The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is an equal employment opportunity employer and serves as a model employer for individuals with disabilities.
• DOTD does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or pregnancy, and prohibits harassment of any type.

What This Job Offers

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