Description

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.

The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 (PAS3) to support the Olympic Region by acquiring right of way in compliance with state and federal regulations in order to qualify for and preserve federal funds necessary to support the WSDOT’s program delivery. This position obtains all necessary title reports, surveys, and recorded documents for the project engineers and other support groups; and assists with clearing title encumbrances and preparing conveyance documents. This position is responsible for the acquisition of properties owned by Local Jurisdictions, other State Agencies, Federal Agencies and is responsible for the acquisition of developer dedications. The PAS3 oversees the acquisition closing process and escrow closings, all according to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, of the real property necessary to deliver the WSDOT Olympic Region’s highway construction projects and the court mandated fish passage barrier removal projects.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the PAS3 will:

• 
  Determine title report needs and closing requirements, primarily for Fish Passage Projects, to ensure all files meet WSDOT standards according to policy and procedures.
• Perform Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) compliance reviews.
• Initiate and/or coordinates with WSDOT staff to order, monitor and distribute title reports, surveys, record documents, pay invoices, and order supplemental reports.
• Assist in clearing title encumbrances and preparation of required documents.
• Request warrants for payment to property owners, monitor closings, and maintain records.
• Initial negotiations of properties owned by Local Jurisdictions, other State Agencies, and Federal Agencies.
• Be responsible for the acquisition of developer dedications.

Qualifications
This is a Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level (Property & Acquisition Specialist 2) depending on qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

To be considered for this opportunity at the Property & Acquisition Specialist 2 level, the following are required:

• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in business or public administration, real estate, economics, accounting, or related field. AND-
• One (1) year of experience in activities such as acquisition, sales, leasing, appraisal, title examination, escrow closing, negotiations, property management, title examination, relocation assistance, or selling, leasing or buying commercial real estate, or auditing or appraising real or personal property for fair market value.

OR-

• One (1) year of experience as a Property & Acquisition Specialist 1 (or its equivalent).

To be considered for this opportunity at the Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 level, the following are required:

• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in business, public administration, real estate, or related field. AND-
• Two (2) years of experience in eminent domain real estate acquisition, relocation and title on public property or for government agency. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substitute for degree.

OR-

• One (1) year as a Property & Acquisition Specialist 2 (or its equivalent)

In addition to the above, the following is also required:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, using phone, email, and in person means of communication.
• Ability to work independently applying sound analysis to make decisions, set own priorities, and meet required deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team environment with a diverse group, while maintaining a positive working relationship with customers and stakeholders.
• Abilities to read, understand and interpret technical and highly specialized written material and convey that interpretation to technical and non-technical staff and the general public.
• Proficient use of computers and computer software (including, but not limited to Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, FileMaker Pro, Adobe, web etc.).
• Valid driver’s license to operate state vehicle.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Knowledge of Federal regulations (49 CFR, Part 24), the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) relating to acquisition and condemnation of real property and property rights, WSDOT Right of Way Manual.
• Knowledge of WSDOT applications (including, but not limited to ProjectWise, SR View, ECM, IRIS, etc.), WSDOT and local agency web sites.
• Notary Public in Washington State.

Important Notes

• 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.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 10% assignment pay.
• This position has been approved for in-training. The hiring manager is looking to hire at the Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 (PAS3) level, however the in-training plan will allow candidates to be considered as a Property & Acquisition Specialist 2(PAS2) if not qualified at the highest level.
  • PAS2: $ 52,972 – $71,267
  • PAS3: $59,941 – $80,586
• Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. 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
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 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 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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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, Alyssa Nastasi at NastasA@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-OR-32796 in the subject line.