ASSOCIATE NEGOTIATOR (REALTY SPECIALIST II)

State of Illinois; Schaumburg (IL); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedule

Hybrid work arrangement

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Transportation is hiring an Associate Negotiator (Realty Specialist II) to lead negotiations for property acquisitions tied to highway projects. This role requires coordinating with property owners and ensuring timely settlements.

You will work in a hybrid schedule with in-office days, and must have two years of college in engineering/related fields or two years real estate experience. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Two years of college in engineering, construction management, or related fields plus one year of professional experience in real estate, surveying, title work, land acquisition, appraisal, negotiation, property management or relocation assistance or a combination thereof; OR two years of professional experience in real estate, surveying, title work, land acquisition, appraisal, negotiation, property management or relocation assistance or a combination thereof.
• Proficient computer skills with proficiency in SharePoint, Outlook, Adobe, Word, and other MS Office programs.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manages negotiations with property owners to progress acquisitions.
• Ensures timely closing of transactions with accurate plats and titles.
• Adheres to Land Acquisition manual rules and procedures.
• Maintains data accuracy in the Land Acquisition Management System (LAMS).
• Complies with state and federal laws on right-of-way acquisitions.
• Supports safety and fair treatment of all employees.

Skills

Negotiation

Real estate knowledge

MS Office proficiency

Education

Two years of college in engineering/related fields

Tools

SharePoint

Outlook

Adobe

Word

Job description

ASSOCIATE NEGOTIATOR (REALTY SPECIALIST II)

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:59388IPR # 26-01860
Opening Date: 10/15/2026
Closing Date: 10/29/2026
Agency: Department of Transportation
Position Title: Realty Specialist II
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $4,445 Monthly; Full Range: $4,445- $7,760 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code: NR916 Protech Teamsters
Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:15 PM Monday - Friday

Work Office: Office of Highways and Intermodal Project Implementation, Region 1 /District 1 /Bureau of Land Acquisition

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs

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 accountable for performing negotiations and negotiation related activities in the acquisition of real property as right-of-way (ROW) for state highway improvement programs to meet established contract letting dates.

Essential Functions

• Ensures timely and expedient management of negotiations with property owners.
• Ensures timely closing of settled transactions, while ensuring that accurate plats and legal descriptionsand clean titles are obtained.
• Ensures satisfaction of requirements of good faith negotiations prior to institution of condemnation.
• Ensures that all applicable rules and procedure, as outlined in the Land Acquisition manual are followed.
• Ensure accuracy of data in the Land Acquisition Management System (LAMS).
• Ensure that all applicable state and federal laws and regulations concerning the acquisition of right-ofwayare followed.
• Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conduciveto 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 relatedfields PLUS one year of professional experience in real estate, surveying, title work, land acquisition,appraisal, negotiation, property management or relocation assistance or a combination thereof; ORtwo years of professional experience in real estate, surveying, title work, land acquisition, appraisal,negotiation, property management or relocation assistance or a combination thereof.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical knowledge of real estate, appraisals, surveying and engineering.
• Proficient computer skills with proficiency in SharePoint, Outlook, Adobe, Word, and other MS Officeprograms.
• Excellent organizational and self-motivational skills.
• Exceptional time management skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Conditions of Employment

• Valid driver’s license.
• Occasional district wide travel.
• Successful completion of a background screening.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to thisposition. 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 employeeshall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the ExecutiveInspector 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 aslisted in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire Associate Negotiators.

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 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.