Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 | Title & Research

State of Washington; Wenatchee (WA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid remote work options

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a detail‑oriented Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 to support real estate transactions and research in the North Central Region. This role involves researching titles, encumbrances, and right of way limits to ensure compliant acquisitions.

You will work with regional staff and property owners, travel to sites, and help resolve complex property questions while adhering to federal/state requirements and agency policies.

Qualifications

• Title & encumbrance review: practical experience examining, clearing encumbrances and vesting issues.
• Real estate regulations & compliance: applying federal/state regs to acquisitions and titles.
• Legal descriptions & documents: prepare/review legal descriptions and property documents.
• Communication: ability to work with owners, title companies and staff to gather information and resolve issues.
• Property research methods: knowledge of research methods for ownership questions and encroachments.
• Records & compliance review: collect/analyze information for public disclosure requests.
• Office operations & records: support payments, records keeping and timely document delivery.
• Growth mindset: commitment to learning and improvement.
• Service-oriented: takes actions to meet others' needs.

Responsibilities

• Order new and updated title reports from title companies for properties to be acquired or WSDOT-owned parcels.
• Review title reports and prepare encumbrance reports.
• Research vesting and title issues.
• Communicate with HQ Real Estate Services regarding processes and compliance.
• Provide recommendations on title-clearing options and escalate when needed.
• Research inquiries from stakeholders and others regarding ownership, ROW limits and encroachments.
• Respond to public disclosure requests with required information.
• Travel to properties for inspections and consultations with property owners.
• Process payments related to acquisitions, relocations, and invoices.

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 detail-oriented Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 to support real estate transactions and property research in the North Central Region. This role uses specialized knowledge to research property ownership, resolve title and encumbrance issues, establish right of way limits, and prepare accurate legal descriptions and acquisition documents. Working closely with regional real estate staff and property owners, this position helps resolve complex property questions and ensures acquisition activities comply with federal regulations, state law, and WSDOT requirements. This is an opportunity to play a key role in advancing transportation projects by ensuring property and title issues are thoroughly researched and effectively resolved.

What to Expect

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

• Order new and updated title reports from title companies for properties to be acquired or WSDOT-owned parcels.
• Review title reports and prepare encumbrance reports.
• Research vesting and title issues.
• Communicate with HQ Real Estate Services regarding processes and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state requirements and guidelines.
• Provide recommendations to upper-level staff regarding title-clearing options and identify matters requiring elevation for higher-level review.
• Research inquiries from stakeholders, local agencies, the public, property owners, senior management, project offices, and others regarding property ownership, right of way limits, and potential encroachments.
• Research and collect information requested by Real Estate Services in response to public disclosure requests.
• Travel to properties for inspections, consultation with property owners, and other assigned activities.
• Process payments related to acquisitions, relocation, and invoices and ensures payments are delivered timely to agents or payees.

Qualifications

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

• Title & Encumbrance Review: Practical experience in examining, reviewing, and clearing real estate titles, including identifying and resolving encumbrances and vesting issues.
• Real Estate Regulations & Compliance:Experience applying federal, state, and agency regulations (such as 49 CFR, Part 24, Uniform Relocation Act, RCW, WAC, and WSDOT Right of Way Manual) to ensure all acquisition and title activities meet legal and policy requirements.
• Legal Descriptions & Documents: Ability to accurately prepare and review legal descriptions and property documents, using relevant tools and resources.
• Communication:Experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders, including property owners, title companies, and agency staff, to gather information, resolve issues, and provide guidance on title and acquisition matters.
• Property Research Methods: Knowledge of acceptable research methods for addressing ownership questions, right of way limits, and potential encroachments.
• Records & Compliance Review:Ability to collect and analyze information for public disclosure requests and compliance reviews.
• Office Operations & Records:Ability to support office operations by processing payments, managing records, and ensuring timely delivery and retention of documents.
• 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 to conduct site visits, inspections, and consultations with property owners.
• Ability to traverse varied terrain.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Eminent Domain & Acquisition:Experience applying specialized knowledge and experience in real estate acquisition involving eminent domain, including compliance with federal regulations and agency procedures.
• Right of Way Regulations: Knowledge of state and federal regulations (49 CFR, Part 24), the Uniform Relocation and Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) relating to acquisition and condemnation of real property and property rights, WSDOT Right of Way Manual.
• Real Property Law & Condemnation:Knowledge of real property law, including condemnation process.
• Property Title Examination: Experience conducting property title examination of transactions as a title examiner or title officer, escrow officer, or Limited Practice Officer or a combination of those disciplines.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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 may earn 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.
• Plan For 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.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NCR-24763 in the subject line.