City of Vista, CA
Salary :
$118,323.92 - $143,823.94 Annually Location :
Vista City Hall - 200 Civic Center Drive Vista 92084, CA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
25-69-O Department:
Engineering Opening Date:
08/27/2025 Closing Date:
9/24/2025 5:30 PM Pacific Bargaining Unit:
VCEA
Position
Our Engineering Department is looking for someone to join their dynamic team that has a strong sense of accountability and strives to achieve great results! The City of Vista's Engineering Department is seeking a self-driven and motivated team player to serve as a Right-of-Way Agent.
Under the direction of the Engineering Division Manager, this position oversees and coordinates real property activities for the City of Vista. Incumbents will acquire and dispose of easements and property rights for roads, sewers, buildings and other public facilities on behalf of the City; represent the City in the acquisition and disposal of real property; provide technical assistance in matters related to real estate; and to perform related work as required.
Positions in this classification perform complex work, which is structured, but applied to a variety of public improvement and real property projects. The incumbent may receive guidelines when tasks are initially assigned and are expected to perform duties without supervision. Work product of a legal nature is reviewed by the City Attorney prior to dissemination. Incumbent is expected to refer correspondence or other material of a sensitive nature to the City Engineer. Examples of Essential Functions Participates in negotiations with property owners on behalf of the City for the acquisition of easements and property for various projects including rights-of-entry, rights-of-way, and land use for City construction projects; orders and reviews for accuracy real estate valuation appraisals and legal descriptions; prepares and maintains the necessary records, reports and legal agreements; interprets legal documents and examines title claims; draws plans for City acquired easements; reviews proposed annexations; updates and maintains assessor information; performs a variety of tasks related to title search, title clearance, ordering of preliminary reports, and the preparation of legal descriptions; prepares mathematical computations in determining distances, ties, angles, areas and closures; prepares documents and correspondence necessary to acquire property rights including easements, acquisition agreements, right of entry agreements, and deeds; facilitates actions that require City Council approval such as the City granting easements on its property, easement vacation, acquisition agreement, eminent domain proceedings, property purchases and sales; prepares agenda reports and related documents; produces computations and drafting both manually and on a computerized graphics system; provides technical assistance to property owners in relation to condemnation proceedings, title clearances, relocation assistance and other rights of?way related problems; prepares map exhibits for property rights documents; manages City owned properties including inspecting properties to ensure appropriate usage; inspects easements; resolves conflicts; administers property maintenance contracts; administers demolition contracts; develops policies and procedures for property acquisitions; assists citizens in understanding condemnations; prepares offers to purchase; processes evictions; negotiates and markets the sale of City owned property; responds to citizen complaints; checks easements for proper legal description; reviews actions by other agencies that may infringe on the City's responsibilities; coordinates plan review activities to determine if easements are required; maintains detailed records and develops complex reports; remains current in all applicable laws, regulations, and policies that impact the work of this position; travels to various property and easement sites; and performs related work as required. Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: A typical qualifying entrance background is coursework in contract law leading to an Associate's Degree in a related field or completion of course work in real estate or a closely related field leading to a brokerage license. Experience performing responsible technical public right-of-way acquisition work requiring a knowledge of surveying principles, or extensive experience in real estate acquisition wherein the applicant is skilled in the knowledge, skills and abilities described below.
LICENSE(S) REQUIRED: Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record is required. CA Professional Land Surveyor Certification is highly desireable.
KNOWLEDGE OF: City policies and procedures related to the acquisition of easements and right-of-way property; principles and practices of real-estate, appraisal, title and escrow activities; techniques and practices related to the acquisition of easements and property; applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies related to eminent domain, easements, rights-of-way, real estate title and other technical, legal and financial activities and principles of engineering mathematics.
SKILL IN: Preparing map exhibits for property rights documents, either manually or through the use of computer graphic software; using various tools and equipment such as modern office equipment including computer, calculator, scale ruler, and measuring tape/wheel; operating a motor vehicle safely, observing legal and defensive driving practices.
ABILITY TO: Perform detailed calculations for land survey descriptions; read, understand, and interpret legal descriptions of property easement documents and project plans; perform title research in an accurate and efficient manner; administer and negotiate contracts, such as property maintenance and demolition; understand and carry out oral and written directions; establish and maintain effective relations with others contacted during work; effectively convey project information to impacted property owners; perform duties associated with managing City-owned properties; effectively communicate both orally and in writing and perform mathematical computations to determine distances, ties, angles, areas and closure. Other Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively verbally and in a written manner; observe and interpret data and analyze and solve problems. The employee must be able to work indoor office environments/outdoor in the field environments (depending on position). The employee may have to move up to 50 lbs. and transport up to 10 lbs. objects frequently (depending on position). Vision abilities required by this job include the ability to detect, determine, perceive, identify, estimate, and assess work related objects and/or work products based on position specific designated tasks. The employee may be required to work overtime to complete assignments. Must be able to work a flexible schedule. Use of personal vehicle during employment may also be required. A City application form and supplemental questionnaire MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Please apply online at www.cityofvista.com. All other employment inquiries can be directed to the City of Vista, Human Resources Office, 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista, CA 92084. Telephone: (760) 726-1340.
SELECTION
PROCESS:
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice. The City of Vista is an Equal Opportunity and ADA compliant employer. All qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply!
*SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Recruitment Closes - Wednesday, September 17th Virtual Oral Board - Week of September 29th *Please note, all dates and/or timeframes are subject to change. VACATION 85 Hrs. - 1-5 years of continuous service 125 Hrs. - 6-10 years 160 Hrs. - 11-15 years 180 Hrs. - 16-20 years 200 Hrs. - 20+ years SICK LEAVE Full time employees receive 96 hours per year.
HOLIDAYS Full time employees working the 9/80 flex schedule receive 99 hours of holiday leave per fiscal year to cover scheduled holidays as wells as one floating holiday
INSURANCE Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance programs. A portion of the employee's and dependent's premiums are paid by the City.
WELLNESS PROGRAMMING The City offers comprehensive wellness programming to its employees including onsite wellness facilities and onsite wellness sessions.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT The City's Tuition Reimbursement Plan can assist employees in paying the cost of books and tuition for pre-approved classes which relate to their job.
RETIREMENT Depending on eligibility, based on CalPERS criteria, new employees will be provided the 3% @ 60 Plan or newly established 2% @ 62 Plan. Employees currently contribute the entire employee contribution amount of 8%.
The City does not participate in Social Security, but employees must be enrolled in the Medicare portion. *Actual benefits will depend on date of hire and may differ from the information listed. Part-time employee benefits may be prorated. 01
ATTENTION APPLICANTS:
Each applicant MUST complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application process. "See resume" and "see previous answer" are not acceptable answers to the questions below. By completing this supplemental evaluation, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Please acknowledge your understanding.
Yes No
02
Which best describes your level of education?
High School Some College Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree
03
How many years of full-time, experience do you have performing responsible technical public right-of-way acquisition work?
Less than one year 1 year 2-3 years 4 or more years None, I have no experience with public right-of-way acquisition.
04
How many years of full-time, experience do you have in real estate acquisition?
Less than one year 1 year 2-3 years 4 or more years None, I have no real estate experience.
05
List all relevant licenses and certifications you possess and when obtained. Please submit copies of all listed certifications as an attachment with application. 06
Describe your experience in reading and interpreting water/sewer easements. 07
Describe your experience in reading, understanding and interpreting legal descriptions and plat maps. 08
Describe your experience in negotiating the acquisition and disposal of real property involving easements, utilities, rights of entry, rights of way and land use for governmental agencies. 09
Describe your experience working with operational staff to determine what types and sizes of right-of-way is needed to maintain municipal/utility assets. Required Question
$118,323.92 - $143,823.94 Annually Location :
Vista City Hall - 200 Civic Center Drive Vista 92084, CA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
25-69-O Department:
Engineering Opening Date:
08/27/2025 Closing Date:
9/24/2025 5:30 PM Pacific Bargaining Unit:
VCEA
Position
Our Engineering Department is looking for someone to join their dynamic team that has a strong sense of accountability and strives to achieve great results! The City of Vista's Engineering Department is seeking a self-driven and motivated team player to serve as a Right-of-Way Agent.
Under the direction of the Engineering Division Manager, this position oversees and coordinates real property activities for the City of Vista. Incumbents will acquire and dispose of easements and property rights for roads, sewers, buildings and other public facilities on behalf of the City; represent the City in the acquisition and disposal of real property; provide technical assistance in matters related to real estate; and to perform related work as required.
Positions in this classification perform complex work, which is structured, but applied to a variety of public improvement and real property projects. The incumbent may receive guidelines when tasks are initially assigned and are expected to perform duties without supervision. Work product of a legal nature is reviewed by the City Attorney prior to dissemination. Incumbent is expected to refer correspondence or other material of a sensitive nature to the City Engineer. Examples of Essential Functions Participates in negotiations with property owners on behalf of the City for the acquisition of easements and property for various projects including rights-of-entry, rights-of-way, and land use for City construction projects; orders and reviews for accuracy real estate valuation appraisals and legal descriptions; prepares and maintains the necessary records, reports and legal agreements; interprets legal documents and examines title claims; draws plans for City acquired easements; reviews proposed annexations; updates and maintains assessor information; performs a variety of tasks related to title search, title clearance, ordering of preliminary reports, and the preparation of legal descriptions; prepares mathematical computations in determining distances, ties, angles, areas and closures; prepares documents and correspondence necessary to acquire property rights including easements, acquisition agreements, right of entry agreements, and deeds; facilitates actions that require City Council approval such as the City granting easements on its property, easement vacation, acquisition agreement, eminent domain proceedings, property purchases and sales; prepares agenda reports and related documents; produces computations and drafting both manually and on a computerized graphics system; provides technical assistance to property owners in relation to condemnation proceedings, title clearances, relocation assistance and other rights of?way related problems; prepares map exhibits for property rights documents; manages City owned properties including inspecting properties to ensure appropriate usage; inspects easements; resolves conflicts; administers property maintenance contracts; administers demolition contracts; develops policies and procedures for property acquisitions; assists citizens in understanding condemnations; prepares offers to purchase; processes evictions; negotiates and markets the sale of City owned property; responds to citizen complaints; checks easements for proper legal description; reviews actions by other agencies that may infringe on the City's responsibilities; coordinates plan review activities to determine if easements are required; maintains detailed records and develops complex reports; remains current in all applicable laws, regulations, and policies that impact the work of this position; travels to various property and easement sites; and performs related work as required. Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: A typical qualifying entrance background is coursework in contract law leading to an Associate's Degree in a related field or completion of course work in real estate or a closely related field leading to a brokerage license. Experience performing responsible technical public right-of-way acquisition work requiring a knowledge of surveying principles, or extensive experience in real estate acquisition wherein the applicant is skilled in the knowledge, skills and abilities described below.
LICENSE(S) REQUIRED: Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record is required. CA Professional Land Surveyor Certification is highly desireable.
KNOWLEDGE OF: City policies and procedures related to the acquisition of easements and right-of-way property; principles and practices of real-estate, appraisal, title and escrow activities; techniques and practices related to the acquisition of easements and property; applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies related to eminent domain, easements, rights-of-way, real estate title and other technical, legal and financial activities and principles of engineering mathematics.
SKILL IN: Preparing map exhibits for property rights documents, either manually or through the use of computer graphic software; using various tools and equipment such as modern office equipment including computer, calculator, scale ruler, and measuring tape/wheel; operating a motor vehicle safely, observing legal and defensive driving practices.
ABILITY TO: Perform detailed calculations for land survey descriptions; read, understand, and interpret legal descriptions of property easement documents and project plans; perform title research in an accurate and efficient manner; administer and negotiate contracts, such as property maintenance and demolition; understand and carry out oral and written directions; establish and maintain effective relations with others contacted during work; effectively convey project information to impacted property owners; perform duties associated with managing City-owned properties; effectively communicate both orally and in writing and perform mathematical computations to determine distances, ties, angles, areas and closure. Other Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively verbally and in a written manner; observe and interpret data and analyze and solve problems. The employee must be able to work indoor office environments/outdoor in the field environments (depending on position). The employee may have to move up to 50 lbs. and transport up to 10 lbs. objects frequently (depending on position). Vision abilities required by this job include the ability to detect, determine, perceive, identify, estimate, and assess work related objects and/or work products based on position specific designated tasks. The employee may be required to work overtime to complete assignments. Must be able to work a flexible schedule. Use of personal vehicle during employment may also be required. A City application form and supplemental questionnaire MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Please apply online at www.cityofvista.com. All other employment inquiries can be directed to the City of Vista, Human Resources Office, 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista, CA 92084. Telephone: (760) 726-1340.
SELECTION
PROCESS:
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice. The City of Vista is an Equal Opportunity and ADA compliant employer. All qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply!
*SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Recruitment Closes - Wednesday, September 17th Virtual Oral Board - Week of September 29th *Please note, all dates and/or timeframes are subject to change. VACATION 85 Hrs. - 1-5 years of continuous service 125 Hrs. - 6-10 years 160 Hrs. - 11-15 years 180 Hrs. - 16-20 years 200 Hrs. - 20+ years SICK LEAVE Full time employees receive 96 hours per year.
HOLIDAYS Full time employees working the 9/80 flex schedule receive 99 hours of holiday leave per fiscal year to cover scheduled holidays as wells as one floating holiday
INSURANCE Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance programs. A portion of the employee's and dependent's premiums are paid by the City.
WELLNESS PROGRAMMING The City offers comprehensive wellness programming to its employees including onsite wellness facilities and onsite wellness sessions.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT The City's Tuition Reimbursement Plan can assist employees in paying the cost of books and tuition for pre-approved classes which relate to their job.
RETIREMENT Depending on eligibility, based on CalPERS criteria, new employees will be provided the 3% @ 60 Plan or newly established 2% @ 62 Plan. Employees currently contribute the entire employee contribution amount of 8%.
The City does not participate in Social Security, but employees must be enrolled in the Medicare portion. *Actual benefits will depend on date of hire and may differ from the information listed. Part-time employee benefits may be prorated. 01
ATTENTION APPLICANTS:
Each applicant MUST complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application process. "See resume" and "see previous answer" are not acceptable answers to the questions below. By completing this supplemental evaluation, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Please acknowledge your understanding.
Yes No
02
Which best describes your level of education?
High School Some College Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree
03
How many years of full-time, experience do you have performing responsible technical public right-of-way acquisition work?
Less than one year 1 year 2-3 years 4 or more years None, I have no experience with public right-of-way acquisition.
04
How many years of full-time, experience do you have in real estate acquisition?
Less than one year 1 year 2-3 years 4 or more years None, I have no real estate experience.
05
List all relevant licenses and certifications you possess and when obtained. Please submit copies of all listed certifications as an attachment with application. 06
Describe your experience in reading and interpreting water/sewer easements. 07
Describe your experience in reading, understanding and interpreting legal descriptions and plat maps. 08
Describe your experience in negotiating the acquisition and disposal of real property involving easements, utilities, rights of entry, rights of way and land use for governmental agencies. 09
Describe your experience working with operational staff to determine what types and sizes of right-of-way is needed to maintain municipal/utility assets. Required Question