Right of Way Agent
City of Spokane Valley
Spokane Valley, WA
ABOUT THE CITY: Spokane Valley is a city with a population of over 110,000 located on the eastern border of Washington State in the heart of the Inland Northwest. We pride ourselves on quality neighborhoods and schools, along with strong business and retail centers. Friendly people, natural surroundings and beautiful weather are part of what makes our community a favorite destination. Spokane Valley is developing a high-performing organization and employs the use of best practices. We are a workforce based upon loyalty, accountability and professionalism. We place a high value on customer service, and take a team-oriented, collaborative approach to the way we do business. If working for a fast-paced, evolving organization appeals to you, and you desire a work environment that is intellectually stimulating, respectful and rewarding, we urge you to complete an application.
ABOUT THE POSITION: Spokane Valley is seeking a highly qualified and enthusiastic employee to serve our City as a regular, full-time ROW Agent in our City Services Department. This position is responsible for facilitating the acquisition of land and property rights necessary for the City’s capital improvement programs for transportation, stormwater, parks and other capital projects in accordance with state and federal requirements. This position is in-person.
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: Oversees all aspects of the acquisition of property rights including right-of-way, parcels, easements and temporary rights needed for capital projects. Responsible for procuring and coordinating with appraiser and appraisal reviewers. Develops project funding estimates, reviews title reports, and interprets legal descriptions. Coordinates with the Public Works Division to ensure project needs and schedules are met. Coordinate all aspects of project negotiations with property owners including preparing fair market value offers, negotiating counter offers and recommending administrative settlements. Assists Public Works and Attorney’s office staff with condemnation proceedings. Maintains complete records of communications and interactions with property owners, prepares diaries and prepares ROW certification packages. Ensures compliance with the Uniform Relocation Act and state and federal requirements for property right acquisitions.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience: Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in business administration, real estate, public administration or a closely related field; and minimum of five (5) years of experience in appraisal, negotiations, acquisitions, relocation and property management in Washington State working with local agencies or an equivalent combination of education and experience. NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of the Uniform Relocation Act, Washington State Department of Transportation’s Right of Way Manual, and all federal and state laws pertinent for the acquisition of property rights for transportation projects. Thorough knowledge of the real estate field as it pertains to public property transactions and asset management, including appraisal, acquisition, management, and disposition of property. Thorough knowledge of rights-of-way acquisition, eminent domain, appraisal review, relocations, and financial reimbursement as well as applicable laws, regulations, and procedures. Strong project management skills and the ability to oversee and manage multiple projects simultaneously, be sensitive to deadlines and changing priorities, develop project cost estimates, work within the constraints of the budget, and monitor contracts. Ideal candidate must be detail oriented, self-motivated, passionate and willing to work in a fast-faced environment. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with employees, consultants, other governmental agency representatives, City officials and the general public; ability to conduct necessary engineering research and compile comprehensive reports.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must possess a valid State driver's license and notary public license or have the ability to obtain one prior to employment. Successful completion of a background check, including a criminal check, is a requirement of employment at Spokane Valley.
SALARY: Salary range is $8,726.72 - $13,210.58 per month (Grade 18) DOQ plus excellent benefit package. This is a represented FLSA exempt position, in the City Services Department.
BENEFITS: Health benefits are provided through the Association of Washington Cities Employee Benefit Trust. The City currently provides medical, dental, life, long term disability, vision, HRA contributions and Employee Assistance benefits. Holiday, vacation, and other paid leave are provided. The required retirement system of the City is Washington Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS) which requires an employee contribution. The City does not participate in Social Security. However, the City has adopted an MissionSquare(A) Social Security substitute plan with the same contribution rates as FICA.
TO APPLY: Interested and qualified people are invited to submit a complete City application, résumé, cover letter and list of five (5) work-related references (name and phone number) via our online application system at Job Openings.