Sr. Acquisition Agent

Gannett Fleming • Berkeley, CA

57d • $80,000 - $96,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking an Acquisition Agent to support a variety of projects in the West Region. This role follows a Hybrid work model, or can be remote. Working on the Transportation team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all. Explore some of our signature Transportation projects here. GFT has an immediate opening for a Senior Acquisition Agent who implements advanced right of way (R/W) acquisition, encroachment management, jurisdictional agencies, and title research. Has background and working knowledge of Federal, State and municipal agencies rules and regulations; develops and maintains excellent external relations and effectively communicate the company's position on sometimes adversarial issues to regulatory agencies and ensures the procedures, processes of the department are adhered to. Utilizes experience and fundamental understating of issues related to land acquisitions and encroachments to maintain compliance. In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business or other relevant degree program. Experience may be substituted for education on a case-by-case basis.
• A minimum of 4 plus years of experience with right-of-way acquisition and/or relocation.
• An understanding of utility relocation, of R/W engineering, and familiarity with the Uniform Relocation Act and eminent domain proceedings.
• Proficiency in basic R/W residential/tenant relocation and acquisition.
• Current and valid Real Estate license.
• Valid Drivers' License and the ability to provide valid proof of auto insurance.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office 2010 (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple project components simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills
• Persuasive negotiation skills
• Self-motivated and maintain a positive teamwork-oriented attitude in a busy office environment.
• Able to work effectively with diverse work groups including co-workers, clients, vendors, and claimants.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual is beneficial

Responsibilities

• Serves as trainer of more junior field staff and engages with project manager for their development.
• Prepares cost estimates based on market research completed.
• Reviews project plans or engineering drawings and coordinates with project manager to obtain or prepare land exhibits.
• Prepares, coordinates and research deeds, reconveyances, agreements, maps and other documents involving property rights.
• Maintains complete and accurate casefiles, pursuant to GFT Inc company and project specific requirements.
• Updates SharePoint case journal and applicable SharePoint fields as required by project.
• Submits case files to the project manager in a timely manner on a monthly basis for review and/or as required.
• Updates and closes case files continually and in accurate manner.
• Performs all project tasks promptly, efficiently and on schedule.
• Records in the timesheet daily and accurately, the time spent on each project and the corresponding brief memo.
• Performs effectively in a remote work environment.
• Communicates clearly, accurately, and timely in writing and verbally, with affected property owners, project managers, client, and project teams.
• Handles multiple acquisition cases for multiple projects, concurrently, effectively and efficiently.
• Prepares accurate project documents. Understands and can clearly explain to the property owner the content and purpose of the documents.
• Understands property appraisals and can clearly explain to the property owner its content and how the property value was determined.
• Understands project plans and can clearly explain to the property owner project impacts to their property.
• Presents basic/non-complex and complex acquisition offers to fee owners, owner occupants, offsite owners, and tenants.
• Presents basic/non-complex and complex acquisition offers for various leasehold interests.
• Reviews and understands property title reports interests, encumbrances to enable the acquisition to be free and clear of property interests.
• Provides clear explanation regarding property need and potential impacts as indicated in the offer package and appraisal.
• Reports to project manager regarding status of offer, makes recommendations, and seeks further guidance.
• Negotiates with property owners, mortgage holders, corporations, executors, or their attorneys or representatives to obtain rights of way for projects, either private or public, by fee purchases, dedication, or stipulation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services