Right of Way Agent 2 (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

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Job Summary:

Job Description:

The following documents are required to be submitted with your application. Applications that do not include all required documents may not be considered:
• Resume

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Inspects properties affected, in the field or at the office, and makes formal and supportable fair market value appraisals of properties needed for rights of way or other public use; reviews and submits reports on appraisals made and submitted by others for compliance with standards and writes opinions of value on surplus lands.
• Determines and conducts all steps necessary to clear titles of properties to be acquired; drafts all pertinent legal documents (i.e. - property legal descriptions, right-of-way deeds, purchase contracts, leases, agreements, quitclaim and warranty deeds, easements, permits to enter, mortgage releases, etc.) to complete the acquisition or transaction; prepares records of transactions completed or condemned.
• Reviews preliminary title commitments, identifies title issues presented by title commitment, identifies potential resolutions to title issues, and drafts encumbrance reports.
• Performs title searches through the Spokane County Auditor, researches legal descriptions and breaks in the chains of title, and researches complex title issues and practical or legal solutions.
• Drafts and edits acquisition documents, including the following: offer letters, acquisition agreements, right of way deeds, slope easements, drainage easements, temporary construction easements, payment vouchers, construction contract memorandums, purchase and sale agreements, option to purchase, etc.
• Negotiates and acquires fee ownership, easements and permits of properties needed for County projects. 
• Negotiates and acquires permits for temporary encroachments, spoils deposits, borrow pit sites, and other construction permits as required. 
• Negotiates and acquires easements and fee ownership of properties for roads, slopes, storm drainage, sewer lines, pump stations and plant sites, electric and telephone transmission lines, park sites, greenways, maintenance sites, and for other county needs as required.
• Investigates and determines eligibility for relocation payments; recommends proper and just payments; and assists displaced owners in claim preparation.
• Assists in the compilation and review of right-of-way transactions prior to acceptance and payment.
• Assists the public on inquiries concerning right-of-way and other related matters.
• Works directly with local agency coordinators to conform to WSDOT regulation during the certification stage of road projects
• Works with the Real Estate Services Manager to implement new procedures and documents for the Right-of-Way department/team.
• Researches and interprets complex title questions.
• Trains and assists employees of a lower class.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent. 
• Four (4) years of experience as a Right-of-Way Agent 1 or equivalent.
• Must be licensed as a Notary of Public in the State of Washington, or have the ability to obtain status within six (6) months of date of hire.
• Possession of a valid Washington Driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of methods and principles of negotiating, real property, appraising, relocation procedures, real estate law, title research and determining ownership of property rights.
• Knowledge of state laws related to acquisition of land for public purposes.
• Knowledge of appraisal and/or negotiation principles, policies, procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of the application of depreciated replacement cost, capitalized income and a variety of market data comparison methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of complex property legal descriptions and instruments of ownership.
• Knowledge of real estate and condemnation law.
• Knowledge of title code reports.
• Knowledge of basic accounting.
• Knowledge of zoning and building codes.
• Knowledge of appraisal theory and techniques as it applies to eminent domain.
• Knowledge of federal, state and county real property acquisition and relocation policies and procedures.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers and supervisors.     
• Ability to read and interpret legal descriptions, surveys, title reports, geographic maps and road construction plans.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, profile drawings, survey and maps.
• Ability to read and interpret local agency guidelines, RCW and WAC codes.
• Ability to read and interpret title code reports.
• Ability to draft various property related documents:  deeds, easements, agreements, permits and other related documents.
• Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with owners and negotiate successfully in acquiring necessary property interests for road and sewer projects.
• Ability to read and interpret local agency guidelines:  RCW and WAC codes.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise reports.
• Ability to work over a wide geographic area with only general supervision.
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with property owners in a stressful atmosphere.
• Ability to train and assist persons in the Right-of-Way Agent 1 classification.

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS

All County employees are responsible for contributing to a safe and positive work environment, actively demonstrating the County values in their daily work and interactions:

• Respect:   Appreciating and valuing customers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness.  Communicating in a productive and professional manner.   
• Accountability:   Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us.
• Integrity:   Modelling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards.
• Innovation:   Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement and empowerment and embracing continuous improvement.

WORKING CONDITIONS  

• The work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.
• Work is also performed outdoors; and requires occasional travel within the County, exposing the associate to weather extremes, various forms of precipitation and the hazards associated with travel on public roads.

Total Compensation:

Total compensation is anestimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

Please select the link below to view Spokane County Benefits:

• Benefits | Spokane County, WA