POSTING TYPE: Open-competitive
DEPARTMENT: Transportation
SALARY RANGE: $63,915 - 99,868/year (108 Grade Level)
LOCATION: Apple Valley, WSC
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: This posting will remain open until the ideal candidate is identified, the first review of application will occur on Monday, July 11, 2022.

We offer more than just careers that make a difference; we also offer competitive benefits, work life balance, and convenient work locations. Will you be the next person to join us at Dakota County?

The Right of Way Specialist is responsible for performing professional right of way acquisition and relocation assistance, including administrative management of the program in the Transportation Department. The Right of Way Specialist within Federal law, State rules, and County policy has discretion to determine acquisition strategies, provide fair appraisals, calculate offers, and negotiate settlements. The position is expected to employ sound judgment in the exercise of this discretion, including determination of the appropriate points at which to involve the Design Engineer in decision making.

The Right of Way Specialist assists the Transportation Department on property acquisition needs for projects. The Specialist acts as a member of the respective project team by providing direction on acquisitions needs; coordinates with the respective project manager on the timing of the necessary acquisition; is responsible for all duties associated with acquiring the necessary right of way including but not limited hiring an appraisal and relocation services, reviewing appraisals, and discussing concerns with the respective project manager; upon approval of the appraisals, the specialist presents the information to the property owner for their review and consideration; and coordination with County Attorney's Office on eminent domain matters. During the negotiation phase, it is expected that the Specialist will travel and meet with property owners outside of the office setting at non-standard work hours.

** The position will work remotely, in the field, and in the office.

* Bachelor's Degree AND two (2) years of experience in real property acquisition and appraisals.
OR
* Associate's Degree AND four (4) years of experience in real property acquisition and appraisals.
OR
* Six (6) years of full-time direct work experience in real property acquisition and appraisals.
OR
* An equivalent combination of education and direct work experience in real property acquisition and appraisals to total six (6) years.

AND
* Valid Minnesota driver's license

Preferred education and license(s) beyond minimum qualifications:
* Completed degree in Business, Public Administration, Economics, Engineering, Planning, Geographic Information System (GIS), Paralegal, Real Estate/Appraisal, or closely related field.
* Notary Public Commission
* Certification by the International Right of Way Association (IRWA)

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Perform, direct, and coordinate property research with other County departments and Title and Abstract companies.
* Obtain current property ownership records
* Perform title searches
* Obtain mortgage and other financial information

2. Prepare, and direct preparation of supporting material for the County Offer of Settlement.
* Review construction plans to determine the impact of construction projects on the affected property.
* Check right of way maps for conformity to standards and needs.
* Perform or direct independent appraisals to fairly obtain property values of required acquisition and/or relocation.
* Prepare or direct the preparation of offers and right of way documents.
* Review independent appraisals for consistency/uniformity with County and USPAP standards

3. Serve as the County contact in providing offers, negotiations, and settlements.
* Provide appropriate project and acquisition information to property owners, tenants, mortgagees, and attorneys.
* Meet to settle acquisitions with property owners through negotiation.
* Direct, obtain, review and coordinate relocation services.
* Provide direction on last written offer considerations, as applicable

4. Serve as Transportation Expert in Eminent Domain proceedings.
* Determine when to continue negotiations or begin eminent domain proceedings in consultation with the County Attorney's office.
* Coordinate condemnation hearing scheduling and communication between court-appointed commissioners and property owners.
* Prepare or direct the preparation of reports, exhibits, and appraisals for condemnation proceedings.
* Testify at Commissioners' Hearings or District Court trials as requested by the County Attorney's office.

5. Provide administrative management of the right of way acquisition process.
* Initiate and document payments for the right of way acquisition process.
* Prepare and maintain files and reports to properly document the acquisition process, and record the appropriate right of way documents.
* Provide information for maintaining permanent right of way files and maps at the County Engineer's office.
* Provide information and answer questions at public meetings to describe the right-of-way acquisition process.
* Assist County staff, as needed, in the preparation of requests for County Board action on right of way related items, and provide supporting documentation and reports.
* Coordinate the efforts of the County Right of Way committee involving the Attorney's office, Surveyor's office, and Highway Department.
* Coordinate and obtain mortgage consents/releases for various projects from outside banks, financial institutions, etc.

6. Manage County-owned right of way including renting, sale, demolition, clean-up, septic system removal, well sealing, and protecting public safety.
* Determine when to obtain and manages services of environmental consultants, and environmental and demolition contractors.

7. Perform other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Items 1-6 listed above are essential functions of this position.

* Thorough knowledge of property values and property appraisal methods.
* Comprehensive knowledge of property descriptions, records, and the legal documents and procedures involved in property transactions.
* Demonstrated knowledge of and working experience with state and federal laws and regulations governing right of way acquisition, including State Aid and Federal Aid rules.
* Working knowledge of land surveying and reading and interpreting engineering plans and drawings.
* Communication skills, both written and verbal, to clearly and concisely convey complex issues to decision-makers in order to enhance effective decision-making.
* Demonstrated skill and ability to negotiate complex issues.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with property owners, public officials and staff, co-workers, and the general public.
* Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects with property acquisition work.
* Ability to work non-standard work hours to meet client needs.-making.
* Demonstrated skill and ability to negotiate complex issues.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with property owners, public officials and staff, co-workers, and the general public.
* Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects with property acquisition work.
* Ability to work non-standard work hours to meet client needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware working environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Work is primarily sedentary and is usually accomplished while incumbent is comfortably seated at a desk or table. Some walking and standing may occur in the course of a normal workday in connection with attendance at meetings and conferences, or while researching files, or conducting on-site property visits. Must have the physical ability to work outside in all weather and inspect properties. Items carried typically are light objects such as briefcases, notebooks, and data processing equipment. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis.

SELECTION PROCESS: The examination/selection process for this classification will consist of a rating of your training and experience from the application materials submitted. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.