Property and Acquisition Specialist 5

State of Washington; Shoreline (WA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation seeks a Property and Acquisition Specialist 5 to manage complex real property transactions for public projects. You will negotiate leases, determine fair market rent, and coordinate with internal and external partners to protect public assets.

The role requires knowledge of real estate principles, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to interpret deeds, easements, and legal descriptions.

Qualifications

• Recent experience managing or acquiring real property for a public agency under the Uniform Relocation Act of 1970.
• Proficient with computers and common software (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe, SharePoint, MS Teams).
• Effective written and verbal communication, able to convey technical information to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple assignments with deadlines.
• Growth mindset and commitment to learning and development.
• Service-oriented approach to meeting client needs and public interests.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage complex WSDOT-owned real property transactions, including negotiating, preparing, processing, amending, renewing, and terminating leases and occupancy agreements.
• Prepare and process Airspace, Ground, Trail, Displacee, and other occupancy agreements; determine fair market rent for assigned transactions.
• Resolve complex unauthorized occupancies and encroachments, including researching property ownership, title, access, and valuation issues.
• Interpret deeds, easements, plans, legal descriptions, and other documents to determine property interests and impacts.
• Coordinate environmental, maintenance, utilities, design, access, disposal, demolition, and surplus property activities and recommend management strategies.
• Review and process property management transactions and lease packages for completeness and compliance; apply laws and policies to non-routine situations and mitigate risk.
• Coordinate with Headquarters, internal programs, local agencies, the Attorney General’s Office, FHWA, and other stakeholders to resolve complex property management issues and implement policy updates.
• Conduct field inspections and investigations of property, address unauthorized uses and lease compliance, and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Property management experience

Software proficiency

Communication

Organizational skills

Growth mindset

Service-oriented

Education

Bachelor's in real estate/urban planning

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

Adobe

SharePoint

MS 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 Property and Acquisition Specialist 5 to support the successful delivery of transportation projects through effective stewardship of the agency’s real property assets. This position plays a key role in ensuring WSDOT's properties are responsibly managed, protected, and utilized in support of transportation needs and the public interest. Through sound property management practices and coordination with internal and external partners, this role helps resolve complex property issues and advance efficient use of public resources. The position contributes to WSDOT's mission by supporting safe, reliable transportation and ensuring public assets are managed responsibly and in compliance with applicable requirements.

What to Expect

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

• Independently manage complex WSDOT-owned real property transactions, including negotiating, preparing, processing, amending, renewing, and terminating leases and occupancy agreements.
• Prepare and process Airspace, Ground, Trail, Displacee, and other occupancy agreements; determine appropriate fair market rent for assigned transactions.
• Resolve complex unauthorized occupancies and encroachments, including researching property ownership, title, access, property rights, and valuation issues.
• Interpret deeds, easements, plans, legal descriptions, and other documents to determine WSDOT property interests and identify impacts to agency-owned property.
• Coordinate environmental, maintenance, utilities, design, access, disposal, demolition, and surplus property activities and recommend appropriate property management strategies and actions.
• Review and process property management transactions and lease packages for completeness and compliance; interpret and apply federal and state laws, WSDOT policy, and the Right of Way Manual to non-routine situations, evaluate risk, and recommend mitigation or alternative approaches.
• Coordinate with Headquarters, internal programs, local agencies, the Attorney General’s Office, FHWA, and other stakeholders to resolve complex property management issues, provide technical assistance, and implement policy updates.
• Conduct field inspections and investigations of WSDOT-owned property, address unauthorized uses and lease compliance issues, negotiate voluntary compliance, coordinate enforcement actions, respond to customer inquiries, and maintain accurate property management records in agency systems.

Qualifications

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

• Right of Way Property Management Experience:Recent experience managing or 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, MS 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:

• Licensure:A valid Driver's license and ability to independently operate a state-owned automobile for travel to all areas of the state.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Real Estate Educational Foundation:Demonstrated expertise in real estate related functions supported by relevant academic preparation (e.g., bachelor's degree involving major study in real estate, urban planning, or related field) creating a strong understanding of how Title, Appraisal, Acquisition, Relocation and Property Management functions coordinate to manage State Right of Way.
• Leasing Experience:Recent experience with a public agency leasing residential and commercial property 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 individual's 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 a 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 recruiter listed.

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.