Right of Way Agent

Job Summary

Performs duties involving the planning, appraising, negotiating, administrating, and reviewing the acquisition of a wide variety of real properties for highway right-of-way and other county purposes. Some weekend and evening hours may be required.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Directs and oversees the right-of-way process in compliance with organizational policies, department practices, and in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations under a forced (involuntary) acquisition or taking of real property. 

• Conducts or administers valuation process to establish fair compensation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations for an involuntary (forced) taking of real property rights. 

• Effectively conducts negotiation with property owners and their legal representatives to include problem solving property owner issues and concerns to devise solutions while negotiating concurrently with property owners, representatives, and legal counsel. This happens mostly off premises in the field or their domicile/office, sometimes in a contentious environment, and within critical project schedules for forced (involuntary) takings, which are highly regulated for property owner rights.

• Examines and reviews engineering plans to interpret and understand impacts and right of way needs on properties and to provide right-of-way input on project feasibility and cost impact of design. 

• Prepares, manages, and monitors the right-of-way budget for assigned projects. 

• Directs and supports project staff on right-of-way related issues and matters. 

• Drafts and prepares documents, instruments, agreements, and legal descriptions for settlements; supports County Attorney's Office by participating in drafting condemnation documents or reviewing same prior to filing. Drafts or reviews consultant drafted documents, instruments, and agreements prior to settlement. 

• Provides consultation, review, and oversight of independent contractors performing right-of-way acquisition work on consultant-assigned projects. 

• Provides testimony under Oath at Court hearings and trials for condemnation proceedings. 

• Participates in and plans meetings. 

• Manages the sale of excess county right-of-way or property. 

• Conducts title searches, title examinations, title curative, and reviews to determine marketable title. 

• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time, including some evenings and weekends as necessary. 

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires equivalency of a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, Economics, Engineering, Real Estate, Survey, Geography or closely related and 3 years’ experience with property appraisal and land acquisition, ideally related to highway projects and right of way. One must obtain an Appraiser's license from the MN Dept of Commerce within 12 months of hire. The incumbent shall have a valid driver’s license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Preference given for a Real Estate Broker's license and for experience negotiating acquisition of property under the Uniform Act.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Transportation Planning Manager. The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others. The incumbent learns, understands, executes, and promotes organizational cultural initiatives and county-wide program objectives.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the taking of real property under the Uniform Act for acquisition and relocation benefits.

Knowledge of property values and property appraisal techniques.

Knowledge of property descriptions, records, and legal documents involved in property transactions and eminent domain proceedings.

Knowledge of highway design, right of way standards, and land surveying.

Knowledge of assessment practices and procedures.

Knowledge in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and plans.

Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.

Abilities – Ability to analyze factors influencing the value of property, read real estate descriptions, plats, maps, imprints, contracts, and mortgages.

Ability to keep records, gather data, and create reports.

Ability to negotiate successfully for the purchase of property and right of way.

Ability to make accurate appraisals of property and right of way.

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with property owners, public officials, administrative personnel, coworkers, and the general public.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use the county's land records systems and ArcGIS.

Ability to read, interpret and explain engineer drawings to the public.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires field work, typically in a construction oriented setting; and inside work, typically in an office setting. One may be exposed to construction site hazards such as falling debris, moving equipment, chemical/dust exposure, treacherous surfaces, etc. when traversing inspection sites. One may also be exposed to upset or emotionally charged residents when negotiating and discussing projects and property ownership and values.

Physical activities include light to medium work: Sitting, talking, hearing, seeing, driving, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, pushing, pulling, feeling, reaching, lifting, grasping, twisting above the waist, bending at waist, repetitive hand and arm motion, and fine finger manipulation in the use of a computer. Incumbent will exert force to maneuver items, and lifts and/or navigate up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.