Rights-of-Way Specialist, Property and Acquisition Specialist 4 (PAS4)

State of Washington

288d • $62,492 - $84,516

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Rights of Way Program is actively seeking a Rights of Way Specialist to join our team. This position works out of the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, Washington, as a part of the Engineering Division. The Rights of Way Program provides support and coordination across all regions of the state and across Divisions within the agency to acquire access for state land management activities, grant rights to use state lands, and find solutions to complex land management problems. The Rights of Way Program intersects many parts of the agency and provides a unique ability to learn about DNR and the wide range of activities that happen on state lands.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in natural resources, engineering, real property, or other related field.
• Two years professional experience in rights of way, land transactions, forestry, real property, contracts, contract negotiation, government administration, engineering, or surveying.
• Ability to work independently, applying sound analysis to make decisions.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to negotiate.
• Effective communication skills.
• Self-motivated.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in natural resources, engineering, law, title and escrow, real estate, contract law, or related field.
• Experience in complex negotiations.
• An interest in puzzles and creative problem solving.
• Experience in Government Administration (e.g., county or state government administration, government contracts).

Responsibilities

• Act as a project manager on complex and statewide projects, providing advice and marshaling subject matter experts to support projects in the regions or other programs.
• Review contracts, negotiations, develop training, conduct research, and solve problems.
• Ensure that projects on state lands meet obligations to the trusts, are consistent with applicable laws and policy, and bring sensible and sustainable solutions to complex problems.
• Work closely with both internal and external stakeholders across several disciplines, including real estate, contract law, forestry, engineering, agriculture, utilities, natural resources sciences, environmental law, and more.
• Independently support region and agency efforts to acquire easements, grant easements, and resolve trespasses.
• Serve as an agency expert on rights-of-way granting and acquisitions.
• Support the granting of utility easements on state lands.
• Identify and prioritize region easement needs and external easement requests, and define specific projects by identifying the issues, developing a plan for resolving the issues, and pursuing resolution.
• Manage DNR's agreements with the U.S. Forest Service Cost Share Program.
• Review legal documents for past land purchases and understand encumbrances on State and private parcels.

Benefits

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women's Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree