APPRAISER (REALTY SPECIALIST I)

Illinoiscomptroller; Peoria (IL); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Pension Plan

Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Sick Days

Paid Vacation Days

Paid Holidays

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Transportation seeks a Realty Specialist I to assist with highway rights-of-way acquisitions and related appraisals in Peoria, IL. The position requires completing two years of college in engineering or related fields and may involve complex property negotiations with stakeholders.

The role offers a hybrid work schedule with in-office days and a comprehensive benefit package; travel within the district is extensive and a valid driver's license is required.

Qualifications

• Two years of college majoring in engineering, construction management, or related fields.
• Knowledge of or ability to acquire working knowledge of real estate appraisals, negotiations, property management, and relocation principles and practices.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with property owners, coworkers, consultants, public agencies, and other stakeholders while maintaining professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Prepares right-of-way appraisals.
• Prepares right-of-way cost estimates for preliminary cost studies of alternative locations.
• Prepares minor reports and economic studies.
• Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules and in a manner fair to all employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Education

Two years of college in engineering or related fields

Job description

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID:59259 IPR# 26-01826
Opening Date: 09/30/2026
Closing Date: 10/15/2026
Agency: Department of Transportation
Position Title: Realty Specialist I
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $ 3,904 Monthly; Full Range: $ 3,904 - $ 6,790 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit: NR916 Pro Tech Teamsters

Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Work Location: 401 Main St, Peoria, Illinois, 61602

Work Office:Office of Highways and Intermodal Project Implementation, Region 3/District 4/Bureau of Program Development

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

This position is responsible for preparing the less difficult/complicated staff appraisals to be used with highway rights-of-way acquisitions.

Essential Functions

• Prepares right-of-way appraisals.
• Prepares right-of-way cost estimates for preliminary cost studies of alternative locations.
• Prepares minor reports and economic studies.
• Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of two years of college majoring in engineering, construction management, or related fields; or six months of professional experience in real estate, surveying, title work, land acquisition, negotiation, property management or relocation assistance or a combination thereof.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of, or the ability to acquire, working knowledge of real estate appraisals, negotiations, property management, and relocation principles and practices.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with property owners, coworkers, consultants, public agencies, and other stakeholders while maintaining professionalism.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, evaluate available information objectively, and make well-reasoned recommendations consistent with department policies and professional appraisal standards.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, plans, plats, legal descriptions, title abstracts, aerial photography, and other technical documents.
• Ability to research property information, verify data from multiple sources, organize findings, and accurately document conclusions.
• Ability to prioritize assignments, manage multiple appraisal projects, maintain accurate records, and consistently meet established deadlines.
• Ability to demonstrate honesty, integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism while performing appraisal duties affecting both the department and private property owners.
• Ability to learn appraisal principles, department procedures, applicable laws and regulations, and continually develop professional knowledge and technical skills.

Conditions of Employment

• Valid driver’s license.
• Extensive travel within the district.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire Appraisers.

The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment. We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois.Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs.

The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities.Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:

• Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling)
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• (12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

We invite qualified applicants to apply to become part of our team. We are confident that you will take pride in serving Illinois and its residents and visitors.

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.