Right of Way Agent

State of Montana • Kalispell, MT

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting a Right of Way Agent in the Missoula District. This position is located in either the Missoula or Kalispell office and is responsible for assisting other agents with property appraisals and negotiations for highway project property valuations and acquisitions. This includes researching property information, conducting site inspections, conducting simple waiver valuations, and related duties. The position is expected to perform these support functions while gaining a progressively responsible knowledge of appraisal and negotiation processes, standards, and requirements. The position reports to the District Right of Way Manager or Special Programs Manager and does not directly supervise others. This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities.

Requirements

• Combination of education and experience equivalent to a Highschool Diploma.
• Level 1: Minimum of One (1) year of experience in communication or public contact skills involving one or more Right of Way Agent communication-related activities such as persuasion, conflict management, diplomacy, rapport-building, mediation, problem-solving, or decision-making.
• Level 2: Minimum of One (1) year and Six (6) months of experience in communication or public contact skills involving one or more Right of Way Agent communication-related activities such as persuasion, conflict management, diplomacy, rapport-building, mediation, problem-solving, or decision-making, AND Six (6) months of ROW Agent Level I (one) experience.
• Level 3: Minimum of Three (3) years of experience including: One (1) year equivalent work requiring communication or public contact skills involving one or more Right of Way Agent communication-related activities such as persuasion, conflict management, diplomacy, rapport-building, mediation, problem-solving, or decision-making; Six (6) months of ROW Agent Level I (one) experience; One (1) year six (6) months of Right of Way Agent Level II (two) experience or equivalent with demonstrated ability to perform those required tasks.
• Level 4: Minimum of Five (5) years of experience including: One (1) year equivalent work requiring communication or public contact skills involving one or more Right of Way Agent communication-related activities such as persuasion, conflict management, diplomacy, rapport-building, mediation, problem-solving, or decision-making; Six (6) months of ROW Agent Level I (one) experience; One (1) year six (6) months of Right of Way Agent Level II (two) experience or equivalent with demonstrated ability to perform those required tasks; Two (2) years of Right of Way Agent Level III (three) experience with demonstrated ability to perform those required tasks.
• Alternative qualifications: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.
• Knowledge of real estate appraisal processes; principles of negotiation and conflict management; and laws and rules pertaining to acquisition of land for public purposes.
• Knowledge of mapping/platting methods and procedures (Individuals new to Right of Way are expected to acquire this knowledge within the first year of employment).
• Skills and abilities in reading and interpreting technical maps, plans, and legal documents.
• Skills in explaining and negotiating technical and sometimes contentious issues with the public.
• Skills in understanding and carrying out written and verbal instructions.
• Skills in maintaining effective working relationships with Bureau staff, other MDT personnel, and the public.
• Ability to develop effective techniques and procedures to achieve goals and objectives.
• Ability to provide technical assistance to team members to ensure effective operations and project activities.
• Ability to identify root causes of problems and develop alternative solutions.
• Ability to confidently challenge the status quo by experimenting with new ideas.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively in a high stress and multi-task environment.
• Driver’s record will be verified.
• Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant’s permanent driving records.
• Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.

Responsibilities

• Assisting other agents with property appraisals and negotiations for highway project property valuations and acquisitions.
• Researching property information.
• Conducting site inspections.
• Conducting simple waiver valuations.
• Performing support functions while gaining progressively responsible knowledge of appraisal and negotiation processes, standards, and requirements.

Benefits

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Benefits apply on first day of employment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED