Relocation and Acquisition Specialist (PAS4)

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans designs builds and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the addition to maintaining over 20000 lane miles of state highway and 4100 bridges WSDOT manages the worlds longest floating bridge leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan holds the record for the worlds widest tunneling project and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Property & Acquisition Specialist 4 (PAS4) to support the Olympic Region (OR) by acquiring right of way in compliance with state and federal regulations to qualify for and preserve federal funds necessary to support the WSDOTs program delivery. This position obtains all necessary title reports surveys and recorded documents for the project engineers and other support groups; assists with clearing title encumbrances and preparing conveyance documents. This position is responsible for the acquisition of properties owned by Local Jurisdictions other State Agencies Federal Agencies and is responsible for the acquisition of developer dedications. This position oversees the acquisition closing process and escrow closings all according to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 of the real property necessary to deliver the WSDOT Olympic Regions highway construction projects and the court-mandated fish passage barrier removal projects.

This position supports the agencys strategic plan and goal areas of 1) Workforce Development by influencing a workplace that supports and promotes training and development for professional growth and upward mobility; 2) Diversity Equity and Inclusion by creating influencing and fostering a physically and psychologically safe workplace where all employees feel that they belong; and 3) Resilience by ensuring through adherence to WSDOT policies that delivery of real estate acquisition ongoing management and research activities are administered to the expected quality safety and stewardship standards to support Washingtons long-term resilience.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role the Relocation and Acquisition Specialist will:

• Prepare and administer relocation assistance plans in accordance with applicable laws regulations and agency policies.
• Compute relocation entitlements and payments ensuring accuracy and compliance with program requirements.
• Explain relocation program requirements benefits and procedures to displaced individuals families and businesses.
• Coordinate and arrange relocations for possession of acquired properties ensuring timely transfer of displace(s); coordinate and arrange relocations for displaced individuals families and businesses temporary accommodations during construction process.
• Under eminent domain apply analysis of state and federal laws regarding right of way acquisition to independently initiate negotiations of assigned parcels to be acquired with governmental agencies properties owned by Local Jurisdictions tribal property private railroads corporations partnerships and LLCs property owners and individuals some represented by legal counsel.
• Prepare legal descriptions and documents for the acquisition of real property.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity the following competencies are required:

• Real Estate and Acquisition and Relocation Expertise:Demonstrated experience acquiring real property with experience in developing implementing and overseeing relocation assistance plans in compliance with applicable laws regulations and agency policies. Working knowledge of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970; to ensure owners and displaced persons are treated fairly consistently and equitably.
• Analytical Judgment and Independent Decision-Making:Proven ability to work independently applying sound professional judgment and critical thinking to evaluate complex real estate matters. Skills to identify potential risks recommending appropriate courses of action and resolving acquisition and relocation related challenges in alignment with policy and legal frameworks.
• Technical Reading and Interpretation:Advanced skills in reading and interpreting legal documents legal descriptions policies title and appraisal reports and technical real estate materials. Ability to translate highly specialized language into accessible guidance for both internal staff and external stakeholders with varying levels of technical understanding.
• Stakeholder Communication and Support:Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively explain relocation policies procedures and benefits to diverse stakeholders including individuals families and businesses impacted by displacement.
• Technology and Digital Literacy:Proficient in the use of Windows-based computer systems and a range of software including Microsoft Office Suite (Word Excel Outlook) Adobe Acrobat cloud-based file sharing platforms and virtual meeting tools such as Microsoft Teams. Ability to manage digital documents perform basic data analysis and support remote collaboration.
• Organizational and Time Management Skills:Demonstrated ability to manage multiple property acquisitions and/or relocations while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy in records and reporting.

In addition to the above competencies the following is also required:

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Working knowledge of Real Estate Law including title and eminent domain.
• Washington State Notary Public License.
• Experience independently initiating and completing a disposal or reviewing and completing a region-initiated disposal of state-owned property.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular sporadic or as needed basis for off-site meetings meetings with property owners at their homes property inspections or to attend or provide training.
• In addition to base salary employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type duties or location of the position. For union-represented positions more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicableCollective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found inChapter 357-28of the Washington Administrative Code.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information please visit.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals lifestyle. As such there are a number of flexible schedule options available including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave In addition to 12 paid holidays full-time employees mayearn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses including tuition reimbursement programs government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• PlanFor Your Future WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs and much more. Go toState Benefitsfor more information.

Check out this video to learn more:Why WSDOT

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore it is very important that the Work Experience portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance technical skills and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the References section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the APPLY button to proceed.Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons regardless of race ethnicity age veteran status sexual orientation and/ or gender identity are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information please visit.

Contact Us

For inquiries aboutthis posting you may contact the assigned Recruiter at. Please be sure to reference25DOT-OR-32762 in the subject line.