Right-Of-Way Agent 3 - Surface Water Management

Why It's a Great Opportunity:
Pierce County is looking for you to join our team and lead the Right of Way (ROW) group within Surface Water Management, a division of Planning and Public Works (PPW). In this position you will lead a team of right of way professionals and be responsible to acquire property rights to support the department's planning and delivery of capital improvement projects. Your role within these projects will include purchasing and contracting real property and rights of way, securing rights of entry, easements (both temporary and permanent), and performing other real-estate transactions. You will be working with both internal and external customers throughout the County, which will include PPW leadership, planners, engineers, biologists, private and public landowners, tribal/federal/state/local representatives, non-profit organizations, and the public. Your working knowledge of federal, state and local grant administration, accessing land records using GIS systems, conducting title searches, developing procedures for ROW acquisition, formulating real estate offers and purchase/sale agreements, reviewing appraisals and environmental assessments, and participating in public outreach efforts related to land acquisitions and rights of entry will also be utilized.
Your professional real estate experience will support SWM's regional, environmental, and natural resource planning, and program development, and will make a direct and positive difference to the communities of Pierce County.
Why It's a Great Department:
PPW is a diverse and fast-moving department filled with motivated professionals working to ensure Pierce County is positioned to handle growth while building, operating, and maintaining reliable infrastructure to support livable communities. PPW is responsible for a broad and complex portfolio of services that provides unique opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and inspire. We are responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!

Learn more about Planning and Public Works at www.piercecountywa.org/ppw
Learn more about Surface Water Management | Pierce County, WA - Official Website (piercecountywa.gov)

How to be Successful in the Role:
Our team is looking for a collaborative and communicative leader to support SWM's vision and mission, ultimately leading to your success and the success of the team. As a seasoned ROW agent, be prepared to support an experienced team ensuring adherence to State and Federal requirements, as we strive to make Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.

Your Future in this Role:
You and your team will provide essential support for Pierce Counties Surface Water programs. You will see how changes are made and the impact that you will have directly in the community. Pierce County offers professional development through the Leadership Certification program, robust online learning, and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success.
Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement internal policies and procedures for the Right of Way section, in accordance with federal, state, and county regulations and guidelines.
• Provide leadership and direction to the professional and technical staff of the Right of Way section; manage and allocate resources to complete assignments using professionally recognized methods for land acquisition by a public entity.
• Develop and manage budgets related to the acquisition of property rights and relocation activities for Surface Water projects included in the SWIP.
• Supervise and monitor the preparation of documents and correspondence related to negotiations and appraisals.
• Assist in the preparation of the county's biennial budgets through development of division and section budgets, make recommendations on the acquisition schedules and strategic purchases, and establish procedures for the division.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.Minimum Qualifications:

• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in real estate or related discipline.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible work in the right of way field.
• One year of experience as a senior level person or supervisor is required.
• Notary within 30 days.
• Additional experience or education may substitute equally for the recruiting requirement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Member of IRWA, APWA, and currently holding DOT certification.
• Prior knowledge of government leasing, acquisition, and property management.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration. To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place to live, work, and raise a family?Employment Type: Career Service - Full Time