Trail & Easement Acquisition Coordinator

Salary : $56,351.00 - $95,797.00 Annually
Location : Wilmington, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400031
Department: PARKS & GARDENS
Opening Date: 01/26/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Information
Embark on an exciting journey with New Hanover County! We are looking for an experienced candidate to join our Parks and Gardens Department as the Trail & Easement Acquisition Coordinator.
This role is responsible for the oversight and implementation of bicycle and pedestrian improvements in unincorporated New Hanover County which includes acquiring right-of-way, easements, and necessary real estate for trail projects; collaborates with various county staff, contractors, state, and local agencies to ensure compliance with laws, rules, regulations; and facilitating grant opportunities through the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO), and other agencies to help fund trail projects.
The Parks & Gardens Department's mission is to maintain and operate parks and facilities that enrich the lives of the community and promote an overall healthier lifestyle. The department manages and maintains over 2,900 acres including parks & athletic facilities, historic Airlie Gardens, and County-owned non-park facilities such as the county libraries, the Cape Fear Museum, NHC Jail and Fire Stations.
Essential duties include:

• Oversees design, engineering and construction for multi-use trail projects working closely with project teams to ensure plans are executed timely and with established guidelines.
• Coordinates submittals to NCDOT and monitors project progression.
• Acquires property for New Hanover County by determining value, preparing and presenting offers to owners, negotiating pricing, assisting with legal documents, reviewing information with staff and consultants, and maintaining files of transactions.
• Conducts field inspections of project property to determine administrative valuations. Researches and obtains title chains, deeds and tax information needed for property acquisitions. Coordinates with the Legal department and other entities in the acquisition and recording process.
• Establishes project budgets and timelines for Easement Acquisition activities.
• Maintains orderly and comprehensive documentation of property valuations and negotiations per NCDOT requirements.
• Researches and helps oversee opportunities for grant funding for trail projects, including funding for design and construction of new trails, maintenance of existing trails, land acquisitions, and legal, environmental and permitting costs.
• Performs work with regular and predictable attendance consistently meeting the scheduling needs as required by the county.
• Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge & Skills:Knowledge of state, federal and local applicable laws, rules, policies and procedures related to negotiation, acquisition, easements, and real estate law; Acquisition procedures and practices; Principles of project management; Principles and practices related to property appraisals; Local, state, and federal grant opportunities for trail projects.
Skill in negotiating and acquiring easements for public entities; Researching applicable regulations, state and federal laws, and public records; Site and property inspections; Preparing defensible estimates of value; Appraising land based on zoning and tax values; Interpreting descriptions of real property; reading, understanding and interpreting legal descriptions, maps, plans, specifications and reports pertaining to complex design and construction projects; Interpret and apply pertinent policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and permits; using a computer and related software programs; using general office equipment; preparing formal documents and reports; communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, equity, integrity, stewardship and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. Supported by the work of our Office of Diversity and Equity, New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees' backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change on the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.
Work schedule:
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. All County employees must be available to report for emergency work assignments during emergency situations.
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
Salary Information:
The hiring range for this position is $56,351 - 76,074 annually plus a competitive benefits packageSalary will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, budget, and market considerations.
New Hanover County offers:

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

We invite you to explore our careers page at for additional information about why New Hanover County is a great place to work, and to check out our competitive benefits package.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
Associate's Degree in a course of study related to the occupational field, and three (3) years of related experience in easement negotiation and acquisition, real estate acquisition, complex property transactions related to acquisition or managing public capital; or an equivalent combination of training and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the specific position as listed above.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:
The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force to constantly lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: climbing, crouching, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, and walking.
The work is performed primarily in an office or indoor setting with typical levels of noise and disruptions. Occasionally, work may be performed outside where the employee may be exposed to varying temperature and/or weather conditions.
Licenses/Certifications
Required:

• Valid Driver's License (from any state) and good driving record required at time of application.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License required by first date of employment with good driving record.
• Licensed as a non-provisional Real Estate Broker in North Carolina.
  o If not currently licensed, must obtain within six months of hire.

Other Information
This posting is open until filled. Priority consideration will be given to candidates who submit an application by Thursday, February 29, 2024.
Residing in New Hanover County, North Carolina:
Embrace an outstanding quality of life in New Hanover County, enriched by its charming coastal setting. Enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and a variety of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, relish a range of culinary delights, and embark on explorations of historical sites. The county is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving arts scene. With a focus on good governance and a commitment to customer service, New Hanover County provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.
Applicant Information:After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for.All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.
New Hanover County offers a competitive benefits package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being and productivity to include

• Employer paid 401k deferred compensation contributions (5% for sworn law enforcement and 2.5% for all other benefits eligible positions);
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Employee assistance program;
• 100% employer paid long term disability;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center which includes a nurse practitioner and physical therapist;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Benefit options for eligible positions include medical, dental, elective supplemental insurance options including short-term disability, vision, flexible spending accounts, voluntary term life, cancer, accident, and critical illness policies. Employees who elect medical and dental insurance within the specified timelines provided during on-boarding, will have coverage effective on their date of hire. For more information about New Hanover County benefit options, including our benefit rates, please click
Please check out our careers page at for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.
Note: All positions listed as temporary, casual part time, volunteer, and intern are not eligible to receive benefits. Part-time position with fewer than 20 scheduled hours per week will not include benefits.
01
Do you have an active license as a non-provisional Real Estate Broker in North Carolina?

• Yes
• No

02
Indicate the length of related experience in easement negotiation and acquisition, real estate acquisition, or complex property transactions related to acquisition or managing public capital.

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 year but fewer than 2 years of experience
• 2 years but fewer than 4 years of experience
• 4 years but fewer than 6 years of experience
• 6 or more years of experience

03
Are you physically capable of performing work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and able to perform the following physical activities: climbing, crouching, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, and walking?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you understand that the work of this role is performed in an office or indoor setting as well as outside where the employee may be exposed to varying temperature and/or weather conditions?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you have a valid North Carolina Driver's license?

• Yes
• No

06
Are you eligible to obtain a NC Driver's License?

• Yes
• No
• N/A - already have a NC DL

07
Have you had your driver's license suspended for any reason in the last three years?

• Yes
• No

08
Have you had 2 or more driving violation tickets in the previous 12 months or 3 or more in the previous 25 months? Please note: Answering yes to this question will not automatically disqualify you from consideration for the position.

• Yes
• No

Required Question