State of Washington · 4 days ago
Property and Acquisition Specialist 4
Walla Walla, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$28/hr - $31/hrThe Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. They are seeking a Property and Acquisition Specialist 4 to acquire property and provide relocation assistance for highway construction and fish passage barrier removal projects, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and maintaining project schedules.
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No H1B
Responsibilities
Conduct property acquisitions through negotiation and eminent domain in compliance with federal and state regulations
Meet with property owners to present offers, negotiate terms, and secure required agreements, including occasional travel outside normal business hours
Plan and prioritize acquisition activities to secure property rights needed for highway construction and fish barrier removal projects
Prepare legal descriptions, clear encumbrances, and produce required acquisition documentation such as deeds, vouchers, and closing instructions
Maintain accurate project and acquisition records by entering data into the approved real estate services system
Perform relocation assistance functions by interviewing displacees, analyzing eligibility, completing studies, and preparing relocation payment packages
Support legal processes by assisting the Attorney General’s Office with documentation, mediations, appeals, and expert testimony related to relocation
Provide relocation advisory services and technical guidance to the public, consultant firms, and internal WSDOT departments
Qualification
Required
Demonstrated knowledge of property acquisition methods, including negotiation under eminent domain, and compliance with applicable federal and state regulations (e.g., Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act)
Ability to interpret, apply, and explain legal and regulatory frameworks governing real estate transactions and relocation assistance
Skill in preparing and reviewing legal documents related to property acquisition (e.g., deeds, easements, legal descriptions, title and escrow documents)
Understanding of title encumbrances, boundary issues, and property rights to resolve complex acquisition cases
Proven ability to lead negotiations with a wide range of stakeholders, including individual property owners, legal representatives, corporations, and public agencies
Ability to communicate and present acquisition offers effectively and professionally in sensitive or adversarial settings
Experience resolving conflicts and disputes, including participating in mediations and preparing documentation for litigation or hearings
Ability to advocate for agency positions while maintaining professional, ethical, and respectful relationships with displaced individuals or impacted property owners
Strong analytical skills to conduct feasibility studies, relocation planning studies, and cost estimates for property displacements
Ability to plan, prioritize, and independently manage multiple real estate transactions and relocation assignments across various projects and timelines
Demonstrated experience making sound recommendations and decisions based on analysis, policy interpretation, and stakeholder input
Capability to assess relocation eligibility, determine appropriate compensation, and monitor moves to ensure compliance and fairness
Ability to communicate complex technical and regulatory information clearly and effectively to internal teams, the public, and other stakeholders
Strong written communication skills for preparing documentation such as acquisition diaries, transmittals, reports, and expert witness statements
Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to conduct interviews, provide training, and respond to public inquiries
Experience building rapport with diverse stakeholders, including distressed or adversarial individuals, while maintaining professionalism
Proficient in using real estate databases and systems for tracking property acquisitions, relocations, and project progress
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in managing legal documents, payment processing, and compliance reporting
Ability to train and support others in technical or procedural aspects of real estate and relocation practices
Willingness to travel, work flexible hours, and support cross-functional needs as required by project timelines or staffing needs
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth
Takes action to meet the needs of others
Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain
Preferred
Strong understanding of property rights, land use issues, and applicable federal and state regulations governing property acquisition and relocation assistance (e.g., 49 CFR Part 24)
Familiarity with coordinating property transactions involving private owners, corporations, local jurisdictions, and legal representatives
Experience resolving disputes and managing emotionally sensitive conversations with tact and professionalism
Demonstrated success negotiating voluntary acquisitions as well as settlements in eminent domain cases
Skilled in planning and executing property acquisition or relocation efforts in alignment with project timelines and budget requirements
Ability to make sound, independent decisions and recommendations in complex, high-stakes property or relocation cases
Experience conducting interviews, field meetings, or consultations with displaced individuals or impacted property owners
Ability to mentor or provide technical guidance to team members and contribute to cross-functional coordination
Skilled in maintaining detailed, organized records of negotiations, transactions, payments, and project milestones
Experience preparing payment vouchers, tracking inventory, and coordinating with fiscal or legal teams to ensure compliance
Benefits
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.
Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn 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.
Plan For 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.
Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement And Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month.
Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave.
Company
State of Washington
Washington state public employees help to create a working Washington built on education and innovation, where all Washingtonians thrive.
Founded in 1889
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Matt Manweller
State Representative
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