Right-of-Way Negotiator

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Right of Way Negotiations Agent for the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), you will learn about real estate, marketing, public relations, engineering, public administration, and law. This role involves acquiring the land needed to build and maintain the State's transportation infrastructure. The position offers a mix of field work traveling the state and office work with a supportive team. Employees experience job autonomy and contribute to projects that change the landscape of the state. NDOT provides 100% tuition reimbursement for applicable degrees and offers a wide range of training and education opportunities.

Requirements

Education and/or experience in real estate appraisal or valuation, relocation assistance, property management, public relations, public policy, mediation, or public/business administration.
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
Excellent time management, workload planning and prioritizing skills.
Possess strong communication skills to effectively communicate and educate the public, and successfully negotiate settlements with landowners.
Ability to travel throughout the state with occasional (sometimes frequent) overnight stays.
Ability to quickly learn right-of-way and negotiation methods, procedures, practices, and regulations in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and policies.
Ability to write narratives within call reports, accurately describing interactions with landowners and other parties.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree
Real Estate License
Appraisal License
Abstractor's Certificate
Experience in current highway construction projects and NDOT Agency/ROW Division goals and policies.
Experience in appraisal, ROW acquisition, legal real estate instruments, negotiation techniques, and/or basic engineering practices.
Interpersonal communication skills and exercise of tact and judgement when dealing with property owners, agency representatives, and the public.

Responsibilities

Review design plans, appraisals, and legal documents prior to making an offer to the owners to acquire property.
Contact property owners to explain project plans, appraisals, contracts, acquisition processes, and answer questions.
Display a patient demeanor and a capability to explain the project.
Educate the landowner regarding potential impacts to their property.
Extend purchase offers and counteroffers to property owners.
Negotiate reasonable and justifiable counteroffers that can address the owners' concerns; explain condemnation procedures if negotiations do not reach a settlement, and prepare documents required for the eminent domain procedures.
Prepare call reports documenting all contacts with owners or residents, and settlement reports documenting the basis of settlements.
Prepare and review files and documents to submit to senior management of the Right-of-Way Division to ensure compliance of actions, decisions, or settlements with laws, rules, and policies; prepare documents used by the State Attorney General's office as the basis for determining appropriate parties in condemnation actions.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

State-matched retirement contribution of 156%
13 paid holidays
Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
Military leave
Tuition reimbursement program
Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
79% employer-paid health insurance plans
Dental and vision insurance plans
Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
Training and Development based on your career aspirations
Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
Employee Assistance Program
Fun, inviting teammates
Free parking