Manager, Right-of-Way

St. Louis County, Missouri; United States; On-site; USD 47,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO 4 weeks

Holidays 11

Retirement plan

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

St. Louis County, Missouri, is seeking a Right of Way Manager to lead appraisal and acquisition activities for major road, bridge, and sidewalk projects.

You will shape infrastructure strategy, direct a talented team, and ensure compliance with federal and state requirements. You will review property appraisals, negotiate with landowners, and coordinate with engineers, attorneys, and executives to advance priority projects.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and real estate appraisal expertise required.
• Experience managing complex negotiations.
• Ability to interpret policies and coordinate diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Review property acquisition appraisals.
• Oversee negotiations, relocations, and closings with property owners.
• Stay current with federal policies governing property rights and relocation of individuals and businesses.
• Develop and implement unit policies, practices, and procedures.
• Manage and evaluate subordinates.

Skills

Real estate leadership

Appraisal expertise

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent

Job description

Discover Your Future with Opportunity Central!

Job Description Summary:

Take command of a high impact leadership role in the Department of Transportation and Public Works-where your expertise directly drives critical infrastructure progress throughout St. Louis County. As the Right of Way Manager, you will confidently oversee all appraisal and acquisition activities that secure the land and easements needed for major road, bridge, stormwater, and sidewalk improvement projects. This role empowers you to shape the County's long term infrastructure vision while leading a high performing team with clarity and purpose.

Job Description:

This role is essential to St. Louis County's commitment to delivering accessible, equitable, and accountable public services. By directing right of way acquisition operations, you ensure that vital transportation and public works projects advance efficiently, responsibly, and in compliance with all federal and state requirements-contributing directly to a stronger, safer, and more connected community.

Qualities of a Standout Candidate:

The ideal candidate brings confident leadership, advanced real estate and appraisal expertise, and a proven ability to manage complex negotiations. You excel at interpreting policies, coordinating diverse teams, and resolving challenges with professionalism and precision. A strong Right of Way Manager leads decisively, communicates clearly, and supports staff through sound guidance, technical mastery, and strategic oversight.

Starting Salary:

$34.00-$40.80 hourly based on experience and budget considerations.

Why You Should Consider a Career as a Right of Way Manager:

Impactful Leadership:

Your decisions and direction directly advance the County's most critical infrastructure improvements.

Strategic Influence:

Guide policies, practices, and procedures that shape how land and easement acquisitions support long term mobility and safety.

Growth and Advancement:

Develop deep expertise in appraisal oversight, federal compliance, complex negotiations, and team leadership while managing high profile projects.

Comprehensive Benefits:

• St. Louis County provides outstanding benefits including affordable health, dental, and vision insurance;
• four weeks of Paid Time Off in your first year;
• 11 paid holidays;
• and a deferred benefit retirement plan. Employees may also qualify for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Professional Team Environment:

Collaborate with engineers, attorneys, appraisers, and departmental leaders who execute infrastructure priorities with discipline, confidence, and excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review property acquisition appraisals prepared by external and internal appraisers.
• Perform staff appraisals for property acquisitions.
• Oversee negotiations, relocations, and closings with property owners for property rights needed by the Department.
• Stay current with federal policies and regulations governing acquisition of property rights and relocation of individuals and businesses.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.
• Coordinate unit strategies and activities.
• Develop and implement unit policies, practices, and procedures.
• Manage and evaluate the performance of subordinates.
• Delegate operational responsibilities effectively.
• Collaborate with peers to plan and coordinate work.
• Prepare and sign performance appraisals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree and two years of relevant professional experience.
• State of Missouri Real Estate Agent licensure.
• State of Missouri Real Estate Appraiser licensure (Licensed, Certified Residential, or General Appraiser).

Special Requirements:

• Obtain and maintain licensed Missouri notary status within six months of hire.
• Maintain active Missouri licensure as both a Real Estate Agent and Real Estate Appraiser.

Pre-Employment Process Requirements:

Applicants will be evaluated based on relevant education, experience, responses to supplemental questions, and other work‑related information provided on the application. Resumes are supplementary and do not replace the required application.

All candidates will receive notifications regarding application status once determined. Status updates are provided via email and can be found within each candidate's Workday profile.

Responses that qualified candidates provide to the application questions will count as 100% of their final evaluation score. A candidate must earn a qualifying grade of 70 or more on the interview to be eligible for appointment. The five highest-ranking candidates will be referred to the Department Director/Appointing Authority for final selection.

Pre-Employment Screening:

Candidates extended a conditional offer must successfully complete all required pre‑employment screenings. These screenings include a drug test administered at no cost to the applicant by a certified laboratory and a background check evaluating the recency and relevance of the candidate's history to the position.