Acquisition Unit Supervisor (PAS5)

Acquisition Unit Supervisor (PAS5)

Salary

$78,504.00 - $105,612.00 Annually

Location

Spokane County - Spokane, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-ER-60935

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Eastern Region

Opening Date

07/09/2026

Closing Date

7/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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 worlds longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking an Acquisition Unit Supervisor to lead the Eastern Region (ER) Acquisition Program by providing strategic leadership, technical expertise, and oversight of right-of-way acquisition activities that support the planning, development, construction, operation, and maintenance of Washingtons state transportation system. This position supervises acquisition staff and consultant resources, ensures compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies governing property acquisition and eminent domain, and oversees acquisition certification requirements that support successful project delivery, mitigate risk, and protect eligibility for federal funding. Our top candidate will possess expertise in right-of-way acquisition and real estate practices, leadership and staff development skills, knowledge of federal and state compliance requirements, and the ability to build collaborative partnerships while effectively managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Acquisition Unit Supervisor will:

• Provide direct supervision and leadership for the ER Acquisition Program.
• Develop and implement workforce plans, resource strategies, budgets, and funding requests to ensure acquisition services are available to support project delivery schedules and organizational priorities.
• Oversee consultant acquisition contracts, monitor contractor performance, and ensure contracted services meet project requirements, regulatory standards, and agency expectations.
• Work collaboratively with Real Estate Services management, Project Development, Engineering, Environmental, Local Programs, and Headquarters staff to establish acquisition schedules, identify resource needs, and resolve issues.
• Serve as the ERs subject matter expert for acquisition, eminent domain, and federal compliance requirements.
• Provide technical oversight and guidance to staff, consultants, project teams, and executive leadership regarding acquisition procedures, regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Review acquisition files, settlement packages, certification documents, and support records to ensure compliance.
• Ensure acquisition activities are properly documented and completed in accordance with federal funding requirements to protect project eligibility and reduce agency risk.
• Analyze complex acquisition issues and develop recommendations to resolve legal, procedural, and operational challenges.
• Identify compliance deficiencies, process gaps, and program risks and implement corrective actions to maintain regulatory compliance and support project delivery objectives.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

Acquisition and Right-of-Way Expertise

• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing right-of-way acquisition, eminent domain, relocation assistance, and real estate transactions.
• Skills to analyze complex property acquisition issues and develop legally defensible and practical solutions and review and approve acquisition activities for compliance with applicable regulations and agency requirements.

Leadership and Supervision

• Ability to lead, mentor, develop, and evaluate employees in a professional work environment.
• Skills to assign, prioritize, and monitor work to meet organizational goals, deadlines, and project delivery commitments and foster accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Program and Project Management

• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Skills and ability to monitor schedules, workloads, budgets, and performance measures to ensure successful program delivery.
• Ability to identify risks and implement corrective actions to support project success.

Communication and Relationship Management

• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, property owners, consultants, attorneys, public agencies, and project stakeholders.
• Skills to communicate complex technical information effectively both verbally and in writing and facilitate discussions and negotiations involving sensitive or contentious issues.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Exercise independent judgment and make sound decisions within delegated authority.
• Analyze information from multiple sources and recommend appropriate courses of action.
• Resolve complex issues while balancing regulatory requirements, project needs, and stakeholder interests.

Growth Mindset and Service-Oriented

• Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Notary Public commission within six (6) months of hire.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:

• Supervision of Professional Staff: Experience supervising professional staff in right-of-way, real estate, property acquisition, transportation, or public-sector acquisition programs, including assigning work, providing direction, and supporting performance and team effectiveness.
• Federally Funded Acquisition Program Administration: Experience administering or overseeing federally funded acquisition programs, including ensuring compliance with funding requirements, coordination with oversight entities, and maintaining program eligibility.
• Policy Compliance: Experience applying the Uniform Act in acquisition and relocation activities, including ensuring compliance with federal requirements for property acquisition, compensation, and relocation assistance.
• Acquisition Expertise: Experience negotiating and executing complex real estate transactions, settlements, or eminent domain acquisitions involving multiple stakeholders, legal considerations, and financial impacts.
• Consultant Contract and Acquisition Services Management: Experience managing or overseeing consultant contracts and consultant-delivered acquisition services, including scope development, performance monitoring, and deliverable acceptance.
• Title and Conveyance Document Review: Experience reviewing and interpreting title reports, legal descriptions, deeds, easements, and other real estate conveyance documents to support acquisition and property rights decisions.
• Right-of-Way and Project Delivery Systems: Experience using right-of-way management systems, project tracking tools, or transportation project delivery systems to document, track, and manage acquisition activities and project workflows.
• WSDOT Right of Way Manual Application: Knowledge of WSDOT Right of Way Manual Chapters 6, 9, and 12 and experience applying related guidance in acquisition, relocation, and property management activities.
• Eminent Domain and Public Agency Acquisition Law: Knowledge of Title 47 RCW, eminent domain law, and public agency property acquisition requirements and experience applying legal principles in acquisition or project delivery contexts.
• Collaboration and Accountability: Demonstrated ability to apply strategic thinking, maintain accountability for outcomes, foster collaboration across diverse stakeholders, resolve conflicts effectively, and influence and negotiate successful resolutions in complex organizational environments.

Important Notes

• The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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.
• Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as-needed basis.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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

• 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.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• 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.
• 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:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may 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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-ER-60935 in the subject line.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Please briefly describe your most recent acquisition role including when and where you gained the experience. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

02

Acquisition and Right-of-Way Expertise: Select the option that best describes your experience applying federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to right-of-way acquisition, eminent domain, relocation assistance, and real estate transactions.

• Extensive experience independently interpreting and applying federal and state right-of-way, eminent domain, relocation assistance, and real estate acquisition requirements, including resolving complex compliance issues
• Moderate experience applying right-of-way and acquisition regulations with occasional guidance on complex compliance or legal interpretation matters
• Limited experience supporting acquisition activities with exposure to applicable regulations and policies but minimal independent application
• No experience applying federal or state right-of-way acquisition or eminent domain requirements

03

Leadership and Supervision: Select the option that best describes your experience leading, mentoring, and evaluating employees in a professional environment.

• Extensive experience leading, mentoring, developing, and evaluating professional staff, including performance management, coaching, and workforce planning responsibilities
• Moderate experience supervising staff with responsibility for assigning work, providing direction, and participating in performance discussions
• Limited experience providing informal leadership, coordination, or task direction without formal supervisory authority
• No experience supervising or leading staff

04

Program and Project Management: Select the option that best describes your experience managing multiple complex projects, schedules, budgets, and program delivery priorities.

• Extensive experience managing multiple complex projects or programs simultaneously, including oversight of schedules, budgets, risk management, and corrective actions to ensure successful delivery
• Moderate experience supporting or managing projects with responsibility for tracking schedules, deliverables, and contributing to performance monitoring or issue resolution
• Limited experience assisting with project coordination or administrative tracking of schedules or deliverables
• No experience in project or program management

05

Problem Solving and Decision Making: Select the option that best describes your experience exercising independent judgment and resolving complex issues.

• Extensive experience independently analyzing complex, multi-source information to make sound decisions, resolve issues, and recommend solutions balancing regulatory, operational, and stakeholder needs
• Moderate experience contributing to problem-solving and decision-making processes with some independent judgment in resolving routine or moderately complex issues
• Limited experience assisting with analysis or decision-making under close supervision
• No experience in independent problem solving or decision making

06

Are you able to obtain and maintain a Washington State Notary Public commission?

• I am currently a Washington State Notary Public
• Yes, I am able and willing to obtain and maintain a Washington State Notary Public commission within six (6) months of hire
• No, I am not able to meet this requirement

07

Supervision of Professional Staff: Please briefly describe your experience supervising professional staff in right-of-way, real estate, or public-sector acquisition programs. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

08

Federally Funded Acquisition Program Administration: Select the option that best describes your experience administering or overseeing federally funded acquisition programs.

• Extensive experience managing federally funded acquisition programs, including compliance oversight, reporting, and coordination with federal agencies
• Moderate experience supporting federally funded acquisition activities with involvement in compliance or reporting functions
• Limited experience working on federally funded projects with minimal involvement in program oversight
• No experience with federally funded acquisition programs

09

Policy Compliance (Uniform Act): Select the option that best describes your experience applying the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act.

• Extensive experience independently applying Uniform Act requirements in acquisition and relocation activities, ensuring full compliance in complex project environments
• Moderate experience applying Uniform Act requirements under guidance or as part of a project team
• Limited exposure to Uniform Act requirements through training or limited project involvement
• No experience applying the Uniform Act

10

Acquisition Expertise (Negotiation and Eminent Domain): Select the option that best describes your experience negotiating complex real estate transactions, settlements, or eminent domain acquisitions.

• Extensive experience independently leading complex negotiations involving acquisitions, settlements, or eminent domain actions with significant legal, financial, and stakeholder complexity
• Moderate experience participating in negotiations with some independent responsibility for resolving acquisition-related issues
• Limited experience supporting or assisting with real estate negotiations or transactions
• No experience in real estate negotiations or eminent domain acquisition

11

Please briefly describe your experience negotiating complex real estate transactions, settlements, or eminent domain acquisitions to include when and where you gained the experience. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

12

Consultant Contract and Acquisition Services Management: Select the option that best describes your experience managing consultant contracts or consultant-delivered acquisition services.

• Extensive experience managing consultant contracts, including scope development, performance oversight, budget monitoring, and deliverable acceptance
• Moderate experience supporting consultant contract administration or coordinating consultant work products
• Limited experience interacting with consultants without formal contract management responsibility
• No experience managing consultant contracts or services

13

Title and Conveyance Document Review: Select the option that best describes your experience reviewing title reports, legal descriptions, deeds, easements, or other conveyance documents.

• Extensive experience independently reviewing and interpreting complex title and conveyance documents to support acquisition decisions and property rights determinations
• Moderate experience reviewing real estate documents with occasional technical or legal support
• Limited exposure to reviewing property-related documents in a support capacity
• No experience reviewing title or conveyance documents

14

Right-of-Way and Project Delivery Systems: Select the option that best describes your experience using right-of-way management or project tracking systems.

• Extensive experience using right-of-way or transportation project delivery systems to manage acquisition workflows, reporting, and project tracking
• Moderate experience regularly using project tracking or enterprise systems to support transportation or acquisition work
• Limited experience using basic tracking tools or administrative systems for documentation purposes
• No experience using right-of-way or project delivery systems

15

Eminent Domain and Public Agency Acquisition Law: Select the option that best describes your knowledge of Title 47 RCW, eminent domain law, and public agency acquisition requirements.

• Extensive knowledge and application of Title 47 RCW and eminent domain principles in public agency acquisition work
• Moderate knowledge with some application in acquisition or legal compliance activities
• Limited familiarity with eminent domain or public acquisition law concepts
• No knowledge of Title 47 RCW or eminent domain law

16

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

17

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

18

If you selected Other on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov