About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a right of way professional to serve as an Acquisition and Relocation Agent (PAS4) for the Northwest Region in Shoreline, WA. The specialist will support the delivery of transportation projects through complex property rights acquisitions and relocation activities. This position works within the Real Estate Services Office (RES) to coordinate real estate transactions and ensure compliance with the Federal 1970 Uniform Relocation Act. RES stewards the agency’s property assets and supports program delivery through guidance and policy development related to property valuations, acquisitions, relocation, and property management. This position directly supports the fish passage program and WSDOT's mission to provide an integrated, multimodal transportation system.
What to Expect
This position conducts field inspection work on properties that WSDOT currently owns as well as properties that WSDOT may acquire, which may include traversing steep or uneven terrain, sometimes in inclement weather. Infrequent weekend or evening work may be necessary to meet owner’s availability. This role also requires travel to project locations on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis; short notice travel is often required, and the candidate will preferably reside within or near North Pierce County, King County, or Snohomish County to meet with owners, engineers, surveyors, and appraisers.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:
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Negotiate property acquisitions and relocations with property owners and tenants in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Act of 1970.
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Research property history, ownership structures, and valuation data to support fair negotiations and acquisition decisions.
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Collaborate with supervisors, project staff, title examiners, and external partners to resolve complex acquisition, ownership, and property issues.
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Follow WSDOT Right of Way procedures and project schedules, perform title clearing actions, and notarize documents as needed.
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Review and or assist in the preparation of appraisals, title reports, right-of-way plans, acquisition documents, relocation notices, easements, deeds, leases, and other property-related documents.
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Conduct site visits to inspect properties, document findings and potential impacts, photograph improvements, and meet with property owners to explain acquisition processes and address concerns.
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Maintain accurate acquisition and relocation records using agency tracking systems, software, agent diaries, and parcel activity tracker, while providing regular status updates.
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Conduct relocation research, develop relocation plans and estimates, calculate benefits, and monitor activities to ensure compliance with federal regulations and agency policies.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
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Right of Way Acquisition Experience: Recent experience acquiring real property for a public agency property under the Uniform Relocation Act of 1970.
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Technical Software Proficiency: Proficient with computers and computer software (including, but not limited to Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, web, etc.).
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Communication & Interpersonal Proficiency: Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical information to a variety of internal and external customers.
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Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple work assignments with simultaneous schedules and deadlines.
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Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
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Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
The following qualifications are also required:
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A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
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Possession of Notary Public License in Washington State (RCW 42.45 Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts) or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
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Real Estate Foundation: Demonstrated expertise in real estate related functions and/or academic preparation in real estate, urban planning, or a related field creating a strong understanding of how Title, Appraisal, and Property Management functions support the Acquisition/Relocation function.
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Relocation Agent Experience: Recent experience with a public agency relocating residential and commercial property owners and/or their tenants under the Uniform Relocation Act of 1970.
To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
Important Notes
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This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
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This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
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The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
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In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
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WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Why WSDOT
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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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
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Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
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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.
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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. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
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An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
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An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
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Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at
[email protected]. Please be sure to reference
26DOT-NWR-13223 in the subject line.
