Acquisition & Relocation Agent (PAS4)

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Shoreline (WA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Balance

Paid Leave

Tuition Assistance

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in Shoreline, WA is seeking an Acquisition and Relocation Agent for their Northwest Region. This role supports transportation projects by managing property rights acquisitions and relocations, adhering to the Federal 1970 Uniform Relocation Act.

Candidates will conduct field inspections, engage with property owners, and maintain accurate records of acquisitions, ensuring compliance with regulations.

Qualifications

• Experience acquiring real property for a public agency under the Uniform Relocation Act.
• Proficient with software including Microsoft suite and Adobe.
• Strong communication skills to convey technical information.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate property acquisitions and relocations in compliance with regulations.
• Research property history and valuation data to support negotiations.
• Conduct site visits to inspect properties and document findings.

Skills

Right of Way Acquisition Experience

Technical Software Proficiency

Communication & Interpersonal Proficio

Organizational Skills

Growth Mindset

Service-Oriented

Education

Valid driver’s license

Notary Public License

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Adobe

SharePoint

Microsoft Teams

Job description

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a right of way professional to serve as an Acquisition and Relocation Agent (PAS4) for the Northwest Region in Shoreline, WA. The specialist will support the delivery of transportation projects through complex property rights acquisitions and relocation activities. This position works within the Real Estate Services Office (RES) to coordinate real estate transactions and ensure compliance with the Federal 1970 Uniform Relocation Act. RES stewards the agency’s property assets and supports program delivery through guidance and policy development related to property valuations, acquisitions, relocation, and property management. This position directly supports the fish passage program and WSDOT's mission to provide an integrated, multimodal transportation system.

What to Expect

This position conducts field inspection work on properties that WSDOT currently owns as well as properties that WSDOT may acquire, which may include traversing steep or uneven terrain, sometimes in inclement weather. Infrequent weekend or evening work may be necessary to meet owner’s availability. This role also requires travel to project locations on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis; short notice travel is often required, and the candidate will preferably reside within or near North Pierce County, King County, or Snohomish County to meet with owners, engineers, surveyors, and appraisers.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Negotiate property acquisitions and relocations with property owners and tenants in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Act of 1970.
• Research property history, ownership structures, and valuation data to support fair negotiations and acquisition decisions.
• Collaborate with supervisors, project staff, title examiners, and external partners to resolve complex acquisition, ownership, and property issues.
• Follow WSDOT Right of Way procedures and project schedules, perform title clearing actions, and notarize documents as needed.
• Review and or assist in the preparation of appraisals, title reports, right-of-way plans, acquisition documents, relocation notices, easements, deeds, leases, and other property-related documents.
• Conduct site visits to inspect properties, document findings and potential impacts, photograph improvements, and meet with property owners to explain acquisition processes and address concerns.
• Maintain accurate acquisition and relocation records using agency tracking systems, software, agent diaries, and parcel activity tracker, while providing regular status updates.
• Conduct relocation research, develop relocation plans and estimates, calculate benefits, and monitor activities to ensure compliance with federal regulations and agency policies.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Right of Way Acquisition Experience: Recent experience acquiring real property for a public agency property under the Uniform Relocation Act of 1970.
• Technical Software Proficiency: Proficient with computers and computer software (including, but not limited to Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, web, etc.).
• Communication & Interpersonal Proficiency: Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical information to a variety of internal and external customers.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple work assignments with simultaneous schedules and deadlines.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Possession of Notary Public License in Washington State (RCW 42.45 Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts) or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Real Estate Foundation: Demonstrated expertise in real estate related functions and/or academic preparation in real estate, urban planning, or a related field creating a strong understanding of how Title, Appraisal, and Property Management functions support the Acquisition/Relocation function.
• Relocation Agent Experience: Recent experience with a public agency relocating residential and commercial property owners and/or their tenants under the Uniform Relocation Act of 1970.

Important Notes

• 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 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). 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 available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees mayearn up to 25 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.
• PlanFor 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?

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-13223 in the subject line.