19060 - ROW Spec

Virginia Department of Transportation; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

VDOT is seeking a dedicated professional to contribute to the Right of Way program, handling complex and routine tasks in the legal section and ensuring accurate appraisals and filings.

Responsibilities include reviewing appraisals, conducting technical reviews of certificates and plans, and providing training and guidance to regional staff and central office personnel. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Ability to conduct legal research.
• Ability to make independent decisions based on analysis of available information.
• Ability to read plat sheets.
• Knowledge of project management techniques and tools.
• Experience in Land Acquisition or related field is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Appraisal Reviews: Recommend revisions or corrections and approve appraisals prepared by staff, fee or consultant appraisers for all types of real property to determine just compensation.
• Perform Technical Reviews: Perform technical reviews of certificates, plans, property descriptions, including centerline, metes and bounds and plats, utility clauses and condemnation authorizations appointing fee counsel to represent VDOT in litigation matters.
• Program Assistance: provide technical assistance to program manager in charge of acquisition, legal, relocation, special negotiations, policy and audit.
• Provide Technical Support: Provide guidance and advice to maximize production, accuracy and timeliness.

Skills

Legal research

Independent decision making

Interpersonal communication

Project management

Negotiation & mediation

Attention to detail

Tools

Web-based applications

Job description

Job Description

Actively participate as a multi-faceted team member to accomplish project objectives (milestones), achieve project quality, assure cost effectiveness and meet advertisement schedules. Complete routine and complex assignments in the legal section of Right of Way.

Job Description

Actively participate as a multi-faceted team member to accomplish project objectives (milestones), achieve project quality, assure cost effectiveness and meet advertisement schedules. Complete routine and complex assignments in the legal section of Right of Way.

How You Will Contribute

• Conduct Appraisal Reviews: Recommend revisions or corrections and approve appraisals prepared by staff, fee or consultant appraisers for all types of real property to determine just compensation. Prepare appraisal reports on selected parcels. Inspect affected property and evaluates supporting appraisal documentation.
• Perform Technical Reviews: Perform technical reviews of certificates, plans, property descriptions, including centerline, metes and bounds and plats, utility clauses and condemnation authorizations appointing fee counsel to represent VDOT in litigation matters. Conduct reviews of the negotiation reports to ensure compliance with policies and procedures. Communicate orally and in writing to regional staff to make necessary corrections, additions, or deletions so that documents can be further processed.
• Program Assistance: provide technical assistance to program manager in charge of acquisition, legal, relocation, special negotiations, policy and audit. Review legal documents, plans and descriptions with assistant program manager, provide training and guidance to regional personnel and central office staff as needed.
• Provide Technical Support: Provide guidance and advice to maximize production, accuracy and timeliness. All legal considerations are taken into account. Support management. Provide training, project orientation, and updates. Work with the engineering sections, while minimizing negative impacts on private property and taking sensitive issues into consideration.
  

What Will Make You Successful

• Ability to analyze information and reach independent conclusions.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to coordinate preliminary engineering activities, and develop estimates.
• Ability to negotiate and mediate to resolve conflicts.
• Ability to provide direction and technical assistance.
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external customers in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently with an attention to detail.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to conduct legal research.
• Ability to make independent decisions based on analysis of available information.
• Ability to provide direction and technical assistance to diverse customers.
• Ability to read plat sheets.
• Ability to work independently and complete routine work assignments with an attention to detail.
• Knowledge of project management techniques and tools.
• Skill in interpersonal communication with competencies in persuasion and conflict management.
• Skill in the use of computers and web-based applications.
  

Additional Considerations

• A combination of training, experience, or education in Land Acquisition, Real Estate or related field desired.
• Experience in a work environment where attention to detail and analysis are highly valued.
• Experience in a work environment where legal documents are routinely generated and reviewed.
• Knowledge of Federal and State laws related to land acquisition.
• Knowledge of project development related to highway construction and improvements.
• Knowledge of real estate practices.
  

Competency Model

Physical Requirements

VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.

VDOT Code of Ethics

Standards of Conduct

About Us

VDOT utilizes a market based pay program, which has been approved by DHRM. Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please be aware all VDOT positions require pre-employment screenings. These screenings may include the following:

• Fingerprint based Criminal History Background Check
• DMV Record Check
• Work History Verification
• References
• Pre-employment physical
• Drug screen