Title Examiner (PAS3)

State of Washington•King County - Seattle – Other, WA

5d•Remote

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Property and Acquisition Specialist 3 to join the Northwest Region Real Estate Services team. In this vital role, you will help secure the property rights needed to deliver transportation improvement projects that enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of Washington's highway system. Your work ensures property acquisitions are completed in compliance with federal and state requirements while supporting the timely delivery of critical infrastructure projects. This position plays an essential role in advancing WSDOT's mission to provide a safe, reliable transportation system for the traveling public.

Requirements

Ability to analyze complex title reports, historical records, and encumbrances and develop recommendations to support right-of-way acquisitions, donations, and condemnation actions.
Ability to prepare, review, plot, and validate legal descriptions and finalize deeds, easements, agreements, exhibits, and other conveyance documents with accuracy and consistency.
Ability to conduct detailed property research and compile accurate ownership and right-of-way information using assessor databases, mapping tools, and agency systems.
Ability to clearly communicate technical and legal information verbally and in writing and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to build productive working relationships and work effectively across multidisciplinary teams to resolve complex issues.
Ability to prioritize work, maintain accurate records, perform quality assurance reviews, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and provide responsive customer service.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, web-based applications, and other computer software.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fully remote (100% telework) environment.
Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning, improvement, and professional growth.
Takes initiative to meet the needs of internal and external customers through responsive, professional service.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with a state or government agency.
Experience working in the right-of-way field.
Experience applying federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and industry standards related to real property acquisition, condemnation, title examination, and right-of-way activities.
Experience using WSDOT applications (e.g., IRIS, ECM), WSDOT and local agency websites.
Experience using Bluebeam.
Ability to interpret right-of-way plans.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and provide title services to support real estate acquisition activities by collaborating with acquisition, appraisal, property management, relocation, engineering, survey, title companies, and other internal and external stakeholders to advance parcel files and meet project schedules.
Maintain records of title services provided and review, approve, and process invoices for payment.
Perform complex title analysis by reviewing title reports, historical records, legal descriptions, and ownership documents; prepare encumbrance reports and recommend title clearing actions to support property acquisitions.
Draft, review, revise, and finalize deeds, easements, agreements, permits, legal descriptions, exhibits, and other real estate conveyance documents in compliance with federal regulations, state laws, and WSDOT policies and procedures.
Conduct research using public records, government databases, title resources, assessor records, and agency records to resolve ownership, title, access, right-of-way, and encumbrance issues.
Provide technical expertise, consultation, and recommendations on title matters, legal descriptions, conveyance documents, right-of-way procedures, and property acquisition requirements to WSDOT staff, project teams, and external partners.
Support engineering staff by researching property ownership, reviewing right-of-way plans and exhibit maps, identifying potential issues, and collaborating to develop temporary easements and other property rights needed for transportation projects.
Review and approve technical work products for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with agency standards; apply critical thinking and risk analysis to resolve complex title issues and facilitate successful real estate transactions.
Maintain title service records, process invoices, respond to customer inquiries, and deliver high-quality customer service while balancing competing priorities and supporting timely project delivery.