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SalarySpecial Programs Right of Way Agent-(24140767)
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Special Programs Right of Way Agent level I, II, III, or IV. This position is responsible for conducting property appraisals and negotiations for highway project property valuations and acquisitions.
This position is part of the career ladder with career advancement opportunities. Career ladder placement is dependent upon successful candidates’ qualifications.
For a full job description, please contact Tiffany Thornton at tithornton@mt.gov.
Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:
- Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance.
- Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available. (if applicable to position)
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
- Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families.
- State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities. (deferred compensation)
- Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek.
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
- Benefits apply on the first day of employment.
- Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer. (if applicable to position)
For information on the Montana Department of Transportation’s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values
Required Education and Experience:
Agent level I:
- The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Highschool Diploma.
- Relevant education and/or experience may substitute for experience as determined by the Panel. Relevant fields of study include Business Administration, Public Administration, Real Estate, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Communication, and Engineering. Other fields of study will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- One (1) year of experience in Right of Way or an area of employment requiring communication or public contact skills involving one or more Right of Way Agent communication-related activities such as persuasion, conflict management, diplomacy, rapport- building, mediation, problem-solving, or decision-making.
- Certifications, licensure, or other credentials include: N/A
- Alternative qualifications include: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.
Agent level II:
- The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Highschool Diploma.
- Additional relevant education and/or experience may substitute for experience as determined by the Panel. Relevant fields of study include Business Administration, Public Administration, Real Estate, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Communication, and Engineering. Other fields of study will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- One year, five months (1.5) years of experience consisting of the following: One (1) year equivalent work requiring communication or public contact skills involving one or more Right of Way Agent communication-related activities such as persuasion, conflict management, diplomacy, rapport-building, mediation, problem-solving, or decision-making AND six (6) months of Right of Way Agent experience or equivalent with demonstrated ability to perform those required tasks.
- Certifications, licensure, or other credentials include: N/A
- Alternative qualifications include: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.
Agent level III:
- The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a High School Diploma or a relevant field of study including Business Administration, Public Administration, Real Estate, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Communication, and Engineering. Other fields of study will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Three (3) years of experience in the following: One (1) year equivalent work requiring communication or public contact skills involving one or more Right of Way Agent communication-related activities such as persuasion, conflict management, diplomacy, rapport-building, mediation, problem-solving, or decision-making AND two (2) years of Right of Way Agent experience or equivalent with demonstrated ability to perform those required tasks.
- Certifications, licensure, or other credentials include: N/A
- Alternative qualifications include: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.
Agent level IV:
- The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Highschool Diploma or relevant field of study including Business Administration, Public Administration, Real Estate, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Communication, and Engineering. Other fields of study will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Five (5) years of experience in the following: One (1) year equivalent work requiring communication or public contact skills involving one or more Right of Way Agent communication-related activities such as persuasion, conflict management, diplomacy, rapport-building, mediation, problem-solving, or decision-making AND four (4) years of Right of Way Agent experience with demonstrated ability to perform those required tasks.
- Certifications, licensure, or other credentials include: N/A
- Alternative qualifications include: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.
This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of real estate appraisal, including the principles of eminent domain, real estate law as it applies to land titles and transfer documents.
- Knowledge of appraisal acquisition of real property for federal aid projects, and other program functions.
- General knowledge of applicable state, federal, AASHTO, and FHWA requirements and standards.
- Knowledge of technical and legal documentation standards.
- Knowledge of principles of negotiation and conflict management.
- Working knowledge of land surveying, highway engineering and design and construction methods and materials.
- Skill in the use of specialized surveying and other equipment such as microfiche readers, microfilm readers, distance measuring equipment, motion analyzers, planimeters, and others.
- Ability to examine, interpret, and translate technical/legal information to varied audiences.
- Ability to use standard office software applications (e.g., word processing, databases, etc.).
- Ability to analyze and interpret statistical information, negotiating consensus on land values and compensation amounts.
- Ability to explain and defend Department actions in legal proceedings and formal appraisal reviews; and managing and mediating confrontational or contentious situations with landowners, legal representatives, and others.
- Ability to develop effective techniques and procedures to achieve goals and objectives.
- Ability to provide technical assistance to team members to ensure effective operations and project activities.
- Ability to identify root causes of problems and develop alternative solutions; confidently challenge the status quo by experimenting with new ideas.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to work effectively in a high stress and multi-task environment.
Required Application Materials:
- A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.
- A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing your qualifications for the position.
Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as “Relevant.”
If you need accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.
Other Information:
The driver’s record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant’s permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment. (if applicable)
This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference. (if applicable)
The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, on 406.444.6054.
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.
Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana. MDT is not enrolled in E-Verify and is unable to hire F-1 STEM OPT visa candidates.
Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.
Salary: $ 21.82 - 35.34 Hourly
Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan
Number of Openings: 1 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time Job Type: Standard
Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes, 15 % of the Time
Primary Location: Helena
Agency: Department of Transportation Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees
Posting Date: Mar 25, 2024, 3:24:39 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): May 7, 2024, 12:59:00 AM
Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume
Contact Name: Tiffany Thornton | Contact Email: tithornton@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-475-0709
