JOB POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Real Estate
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $73,515 - $91,894
SALARY RANGE: $73,515 - $114,868/ (grade 108)
LOCATION: Western Service Center, Apple Valley
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 pm on Monday, July 6, 2026
What You'll Do
The
Real Estate Specialist is responsible for performing a wide variety of duties related to acquiring right of way for County purposes, including transportation, greenways, parks, and conservation. The Specialists work closely with landowners, County staff and project partners to complete the acquisition process, including: acquisition needs easements and types, determining the value of property interests, conducting negotiations, preparing and finalizing documents, coordinating and completing closings, and filing necessary documents.
Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. We strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.
Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES • Bachelor's Degree AND two (2) years of experience in real property acquisition and appraisals.
OR
- Associate's Degree or Paralegal Certificate AND four (4) years of experience in real property acquisition and appraisals.
OR
- An equivalent combination of education and direct work experience in real property acquisition and appraisals totaling six (6) years.
AND
Preferred license(s) beyond minimum qualifications
- Notary Public Commission
- Certification by the International Right of Way Association (IRWA)
- Completed degree in business administration, economics, education, engineering, finance, geography, planning, public administration, real estate, or appraisals.
- Experience with transportation right-of-way acquisition for a government agency. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
- General knowledge of current practices and trends in agriculture; commercial, residential and industrial development; natural resources; outdoor recreation; transportation; and water.
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Knowledge about County's Land Conservation Plan, Park and Greenway and Transportation System Plans.
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Knowledge of federal, state and local, laws, policies, regulations, and procedures pertaining to real estate and zoning, as well as laws and sensitivity regarding private property owners.
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Knowledge of federal, state and regional programs and grants and associated with funding requirements.
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Knowledge and ability to read and understand a variety of GIS, legal, planning, and technical documents.
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Knowledge of appraisal methodologies and ability to explain valuation techniques, acquisition needs, laws, and procedures to property owners.
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General knowledge of land surveying, legal descriptions, conservation easements, and Phase I and II Environmental Assessments.
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Knowledge of general contract processes.
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General knowledge of what right of way is and various easement types used to acquire right of way.
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Knowledge of real estate closing processes and document recording.
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Skills in effectively applying this general knowledge to diverse and unique real estate acquisition projects.
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Skills in utilizing and applying technology for increased efficiency.
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Skills in relating to and negotiating with individual property owners to mutually meet their and the County’s needs and desired outcomes.
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Ability to meet deadlines and efficiently organize time to complete assigned responsibilities.
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Ability to maintain complex records and prepare detailed reports.
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Ability to employ strong organizational and project/time management skills.
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Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships and effectively communicate with property owners, co-workers, contractors, partners, public officials, and the general public.
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Ability to employ sound judgment in exercising this discretion, including determination at the appropriate points in which to involve management staff in decision-making.
Work Environment
The work is generally sedentary, usually accomplished while comfortably seated (or standing) at a desk in a County office building or teleworking from home or some other site during normal work hours. Must have the physical ability to work outside as the Specialist may be exposed to discomfort due to weather, natural vegetation, rugged terrain, and other outdoor conditions as there will be times when the Specialist meets with property owners on their property to inspecting or discuss the property during non-regular work hours. Items carried typically are light objects such as notebooks, and laptop computer. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds may be needed on an occasional basis. Travel and occasional evening and weekend meetings will be required.
Office attendance will be according to the approved Physical Development Division’s Policies and Real Estate Supervisor’s approved work schedule, and as necessary for the successful completion of acquisition projects.
Benefits
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Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
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Excellent work-life balance
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Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
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Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday each year
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Pension with a generous employer contribution
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Ability to work from home some of the time using County equipment
Selection Process
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You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
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We assign you a score based on your qualifications
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Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
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We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
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We extend an offer and conduct background checks
