Acquisition & Relocation Lead (PAS5)

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 an Acquisition & Relocation Lead (PAS5) for the Mt. Baker Area to join Northwest Region’s Real Estate Services Office (RES) in Shoreline, WA. RES stewards the agency’s property assets and supports program delivery through guidance and policy development related to property valuations, acquisitions, relocation, and property management. This role provides leadership to Property & Acquisition Specialists and consultants while coordinating complex acquisition and relocation activities across multiple projects. The candidate selected for this position will collaborate with project engineers and multidisciplinary teams to identify property needs, manage schedules, monitor progress, and address risks to ensure timely and compliant project delivery.

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

• Review right-of-way (ROW) plans and temporary easement maps, legal descriptions, complex appraisals, complicated ownership structures, detailed ownership agreements and documents, title reports, leases, and other documents related to property ownership, valuations, and use for accuracy and correctness.
• Apply advanced technical knowledge to conduct successful negotiations, resolve issues, perform research, initiate and/or perform title clearing actions.
• Prepare and/or review for accuracy numerous types of documents, such as offer packages, relocation benefit notices, Temporary Easements, Easement Maps, permits, deeds, Cooperative Agreements, settlements, and diaries needed to acquire property.
• Conduct on-site property inspections throughout the state, including driving to locations in rural areas that are not easily accessible to the public, to document observations and collect required information.
• Develop relocation estimates and perform detailed relocation benefit calculations, monitor relocation activities, and prepare detailed summary relocation reports.
• Conduct reviews of acquisition and relocation documents produced by the operating unit to ensure WSDOT acquisition and relocation assignments are conducted in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Act of 1970, WSDOT’s ROW Manual, and internal policies and procedures.
• Read right-of-way acquisition schedules, forecasts, budgets, and other related reports.
• Assist in the coordination and delivery of training for new employees and consultants, including providing technical advice and coaching.

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

• Title Clearing, Relocation, & Acquisition Expertise: Recent title clearing experience, residential and commercial relocation experience, or real estate acquisition experience. Knowledge of and ability to apply acquisition and relocation principles, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing public infrastructure projects.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead professional staff in a complex real estate, right-of-way, acquisition, or relocation program environment.
• Independent Judgement: Ability to apply independent judgment to resolve acquisition and relocation related issues.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information and build productive working relationships with diverse audiences. Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills, conveying information clearly accurately, and professionally to diverse audiences.
• Organizational Skills: Demonstrates the ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining accuracy, efficiency, and attention to detail.
• Technical Software Proficiency: Proficient with computers and computer software (including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, FileMaker Pro, Adobe, SharePoint, web, etc.).
• 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:

• Possess a current notary stamp for the State of Washington or able to obtain withing six (6) months of hire.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to travel on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis, and possibly overnight.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Right of Way & Relocation: Knowledge and understanding of WSDOT ROW Manual and experience applying the Uniform Relocation Act of 1970.
• Technical Software Proficiency: Experience using systems such as IRIS, TRAINS, Primavera P6, ECM, or comparable project management and database platforms.
• Real Estate Expertise: Experience reviewing complex real estate transactions.

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 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.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity. 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 [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-13214 in the subject line.