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Washington State ESD

Title and Acquisition Lead | Fish Passage (PAS5)

Washington State ESD, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127

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About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world\'s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! The Opportunity

WSDOT is excited to announce an opportunity for a skilled Property and Acquisition Specialist 5 to join our team in Lacey, WA. As the Title and Acquisition Lead within the Olympic Region Real Estate Services (RES), you’ll play a vital role in supporting fish passage projects that directly contribute to environmental restoration and transportation improvements. In this leadership role, you’ll guide project delivery in partnership with the Acquisition and Relocation Supervisor, coordinating region staff and consultants to ensure real property acquisitions are completed on time and in full compliance with federal, state, and WSDOT standards. You’ll be the go-to resource for resolving title encumbrances, preparing conveyance documents, and overseeing the acquisition closing and escrow process. Your expertise will also ensure acquisition files meet all regulatory requirements, while keeping project engineers, consultants, and support groups informed with accurate status updates and providing the essential documentation needed to certify right of way. This is a unique opportunity to combine technical knowledge with leadership and collaboration, all while advancing projects that make a lasting impact on Washington’s infrastructure and environment. What to Expect

This position serves as lead title and acquisition reviewer for Fish Passage projects in coordination with WSDOT staff and/or consultants regarding acquisition and permit activities and tracking of the court-mandated fish passage barrier removal projects. Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Title Acquisition Lead will: Coordinate, monitor, and track acquisition and permit tasks of WSDOT staff and/or consultants with negotiations and condemnation process of the real property necessary to deliver the Fish Passage projects. Monitor and report on the number of projects, permit status, acquisition status, condemnation status, payment, and closing status to project engineers, consultants, and other support groups for Fish Passage projects. Initiate negotiations and/or complete the condemnation process for the real property necessary to deliver the Fish Passage projects. Apply analysis of state and federal laws (eminent domain). Ensure acquisitions are compliant with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, and the WSDOT Right of Way manual, in order to qualify for and preserve federal funds necessary to support program delivery. Initiate the preparation of publication notices, final action notices, condemnation transmittals, including validating and approving all individual and/or legal entities necessary to name as respondents and/or to clear encumbrances, and preparation of legal descriptions and exhibit maps, and other documentation required for the condemnation process. Determine title report needs and closing requirements. Initiate and/or coordinate with WSDOT staff to order, monitor, and distribute title reports, surveys, record documents, pay invoices, order supplemental reports, assist other agents and/or consultants in matters relating to title and closing, and draft legal descriptions, preparing closing documents and escrow agreements to produce clear, legible, and accurate documentation. Assist in clearing title encumbrances and preparation of required documents. Request warrants for payments. Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are

required : Real Estate Title and Acquisition Expertise:

Strong working knowledge of Federal regulations (49 CFR, Part 24), and the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended. Communication and Public Engagement:

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly present acquisition and relocation-related issues and processes to diverse audiences such as agency staff, legal counsel, the public, and external partners. Experience working with a diverse group in a professional manner and maintaining a positive working relationship with customers and stakeholders. Analytical Judgment and Independent Decision-Making:

Proven ability to work independently, applying sound analysis to make decisions concerning the acquisition of real property and negotiation strategies. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy in records and reporting. Technical Reading and Interpretation:

Skilled in reading and interpreting legal documents, legal descriptions, policies, title and appraisal reports, and technical real estate materials. Ability to translate highly specialized language into accessible guidance for both internal staff and external stakeholders with varying levels of technical understanding. Technology and Digital Literacy : Proficient in the use of Windows-based computer systems and a range of software, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), Adobe Acrobat, cloud-based file sharing platforms, and virtual meeting tools such as Microsoft Teams. Ability to manage digital documents, perform basic data analysis, and support remote collaboration. Equity Minded: The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others. In addition to the above, the following licenses are also required: Possession of a Washington state Notary Public, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment It is

preferred

that qualified candidates also have: Knowledge of Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) relating to acquisition and condemnation of real property and property rights. Knowledge of real estate tracking applications, including but not limited to ProjectWise, SR View, ECM, IRIS, etc. Current possession of a Washington state Notary Public. Important Notes

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting. In addition to the 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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity. 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. PlanFor 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 recruiter listed. Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Title and Acquisition Lead #32633 in the subject line.

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