Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutRight of Way RepresentativeJEFFERSON COUNTY Job Description Job Title: Right of Way Representative Department: Public Works Division: Engineering Reports To: Engineering Services Manager FLSA Exempt (YIN): NO Union: Yes, Teamsters BBP: No HIPAA: N/A Salary Level: Al -C Location: Public Works Office Approved B Human Resources Manager Approved Date: February 2018 SUMMARY: Oversees and manages the right of way activities for the Department, including acquisition, sale, disposal or transfer of real property for County road projects and other public projects in compliance with federal, State and County guidelines, by performing the following duties. Direction is received from the Engineering Services Manager, Public Works Director/County Engineer. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Performs research and prepares legal documents such as deeds, leases, permits, easements, contracts, right of way agreements, legal descriptions, and maps for County owned property or property to be acquired. Performs appraisal of real property. Serves as review appraiser. Determines damages and prepares reports. Makes field inspections as necessary. Performs research on existing ownership, zoning, restrictions, easements, and encumbrances to ascertain whether additional right of way is needed. Reviews right of way strip maps, Commissioners' records, plat books, engineers' reports and other records or materials. Makes or acquires title searches. Provides research assistance to the public and other government entities. Performs research and assimilates data for fair market value determination, land estimates, land acquisition and easement issues. Works with land surveyors to develop right-of-way plans for road construction projects. Ensures plans are developed in accordance with industry standards and WSDOT requirements. Negotiates with land owners on right of way acquisitions, easements, land purchases, and other real property matters. Advises land owners of project impacts and their rights under law, acquiring real property, easements, and construction permits in conformance with applicable regulations. Coordinates relocation assistance for individuals affected by county projects when required. Jefferson County Job Description: Right of Way Representative Page 2 of 6 Arranges for maintenance, protection, sale and removal of buildings within acquired right of way. Manages the selection, coordination and monitoring of consultants providing title review and real property appraisal. Works with consultants to have property appraised, appraisal review, or contract negotiations for land and right of way acquisition. Manages the appraisal process, including negotiating contracts, determining value, process approval and payments. Requests determination of value, administrative settlements, and process request approvals and payment. Prepares true cost estimates and Project Funding Estimates (PFEs) as needed. Inspects property to be acquired, contacts property owners and obtains permission for a variety of County activities, such as right of way staking or temporary construction permits. Participates in the road construction program review involving budgetary projections, feasibility and scheduling of road projects. Prepares right of way analysis, endorsement certificates, coordinates relocation plans and provides required checklists on projects that require right of way acquisition and certification. Prepares thorough and timely analysis, recommendations and technical reports which can serve as the basis for sound decisions by the Public Works Department. Administers condemnation processes including documentation of parcels for condemnation. Files reports with Prosecuting Attorney for public use and necessity hearing. Represents the County as part of the foreclosure and condemnation legal process. Provides the Department representation regarding right of way related issues on various committees with other agencies, and before the Board of County Commissioners and the general public. Prepares and reviews exhibits and documents for presentation to court, community organizations, elected officials and the general public. Represents the Department's position at public meetings as required. Represents the County in real property matters. Investigates and processes damage claims related to county property. Completes all activities associated with county road vacations. Performs steps necessary to dispose of surplus county property. Coordinates the county road establishment process. Reviews subdivision applications to determine whether additional right-of-way is needed. Prepares recommendations and works with applicants to secure right-of-way as needed. Leads process and completes steps related to the formation of Road Improvement Districts (RID) and Local Improvement Districts (LID). Prepares ordinances and attends related public meetings and hearings. Creates, negotiates, and coordinates utility franchise agreements for location of utilities in county Jefferson County Job Description: Right of Way Representative Page 3 of 6 road right of way. Works with engineering staff to coordinate utility relocations for public projects. Accountable for specific projects and project specific steps, works in a team based environment and participates in the annual training program and annual performance evaluation process. Trains, directs, and leads other personnel regarding activities associated with research and preparation of legal documents, existing ownership, and fair market value for property acquisition, right of way needs and easement issues. Also directs and leads other personnel for activities associated with road vacations, quiet title requests, open right of way requests, public information requests and general action requests regarding rights of way and other County property. Participates in team processes to assist in developing the division budget for the department. Participates in self-directed team process to set work level expectations, goals, and objectives. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position has no supervisory responsibilities. COMPETENCY: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate competency in the following: Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data. Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget. Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others. Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments. Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control. Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings. Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret technical/legal written information. Teamwork — Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Contributes to building a positive team spirit. Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources. Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values. Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity. Jefferson County Job Description: Right of Way Representative Page 4 of 6 Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions. Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. ualit - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality. uantit - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly. Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time. Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from four-year College or university in business, business management, public administration, paralegal studies, land surveying, finance, program management or related field and four (4) years related experience. OR Associate's degree (A.A.) in business, business management, public administration, paralegal studies, land surveying, finance, program management or related field and eight (8) years related experience. OR Equivalent combination of education and experience. LANGUAGE SHILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret manuals and reports, general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Jefferson County Job Description: Right of Way Representative Page 5 of 6 MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. REASONING ABILITY Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. COMPUTER SKILLS: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Internet Explorer, or equivalent software; MS Excel spreadsheet software, and MS Word, or equivalent word processing software. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Valid Washington State Driver's License. SR/WA designation from the International Right of Way Association preferred, but not required. OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of real estate title and appraisal work, escrow procedures, and real property document management. Knowledge of State and federal laws and procedures (WSDOT, FHWA, etc.) involved in the acquisition of land and acquisition with federal and local funding sources. Knowledge of the legal instruments affecting the transfer, sale and lease of real property. Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment. Ability to read and interpret maps, aerial photographs, condemnation plans, and construction plans as they relate to the acquisition of property and legal descriptions. Knowledge of County policies, procedures, and regulations and the ability to apply this knowledge to essential duties and responsibilities. Ability to stay current with trends, issues, practices and laws in the Right of Way field. Ability to maintain accurate and complete records and notes. Maintain a high standard for accuracy, completeness and efficiency in the preparation of reports. Ability to train other staff members in activities associated with research and preparation of legal documents for property acquisition, road vacations, quiet title requests, open rights of way requests, and public information requests. Ability to understand property deeds, legal descriptions, safety hazards, appropriate precautions applicable to work assignments and applicable federal, state, county, court, and other highway standards. Jefferson County Job Description: Right of Way Representative Page 6 of 6 Ability to complete project assignments with accuracy, on schedule, and in conformance with applicable policies, procedures, regulations and standards. Ability to work independently within the limits allowed. Follows the policies, procedures and practices of the Department. Skill in comprehending and retaining knowledge of laws, ordinances, codes, policies and other pertinent information. Ability to locate, read, and interpret maps, plans and property descriptions. Ability to conduct thorough research utilizing a wide variety of resources. Ability to file a variety of materials according to department standards and to prepare reports on activities. Establishes and maintains harmonious working relations when resistance occurs with County employees, the public, federal and state agencies and outside contractors involved in public works projects. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Ability to frequently lift and/or move equipment up to 50 pounds. May also require the ability to lift or force/move up to 100 pounds for a short duration. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires various duties that may involve working in wet or humid conditions and high or precarious places. May require working near fumes or airborne particles. May require working with toxic or caustic materials. Tasks regularly performed in outside weather conditions and will sometimes require working in cold or hot weather conditions and must be capable of performing outdoor work in a sometimes dangerous environment. Risk of electrical shock may be encountered. The noise level in the office work environment is usually moderate, loud while working on construction sites near heavy equipment and on roadways where traffic is present. SKILL BAND POSITION This position is a non -career track position.