Right of Way Agent (DOT Experience)

Job Description

Job Description

Right of Way Agent

Located anywhere in the DMV - in the field travel (company car and gas card)

We are seeking an experienced Right-of-Way Agent to support property acquisition and right-of-way activities for transportation and infrastructure projects. This is a field-focused position requiring extensive experience working directly with property owners, government agencies, and project stakeholders.

DOT experience is REQUIRED, along with hands-on experience with condemnation proceedings and right-of-way acquisition in the field. Candidates should be comfortable negotiating with property owners, resolving difficult acquisition issues, reviewing property records and legal documents, and working independently in the field.

Experience with state DOT or other public transportation/infrastructure projects is strongly preferred. Experience with renewable energy projects is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

Right-of-Way Acquisition & Negotiation

• Negotiate the acquisition of right-of-way, easements, temporary construction easements, and other property interests on behalf of clients.
• Negotiate property damage settlements, loss claims, and other compensation associated with capital projects.
• Work directly with property owners and stakeholders to resolve acquisition issues and overcome resistance.
• Participate in and support condemnation proceedings , including negotiations and acquisition activities associated with eminent domain.
• Serve as a liaison between clients, property owners, internal departments, developers, municipalities, counties, state agencies, and other project stakeholders.

Field Responsibilities

• Conduct field visits and property owner meetings throughout assigned project areas.
• Meet with landowners to explain project impacts, acquisition requirements, easements, and compensation.
• Investigate property conditions, encroachments, damages, and other issues affecting acquisition.
• Resolve landowner complaints, damage claims, encroachments, and inquiries while minimizing costs to the client.
• Travel to project sites as needed, with travel reaching approximately 50% during busier periods.

Property & Title Research

• Identify land ownership through public records and other research sources.
• Research, review, and analyze title information and identify title defects and recommended corrective actions.
• Review, prepare, analyze, and interpret:
• • Deeds
  • Easements
  • Leases
  • Licenses
  • Permits
  • Right-of-way agreements
  • Other real estate and property documents
• Prepare right-of-way acquisition cost estimates and assist with project acquisition budgets.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, surveys, legal descriptions, plats, and real estate documentation.

Project Coordination & Leadership

• Perform assignments independently with limited supervision while receiving guidance on complex matters.
• Review work completed by other staff members for accuracy and quality assurance.
• Manage multiple time-sensitive acquisitions and project requirements simultaneously.
• Maintain effective relationships with clients, internal teams, government agencies, property owners, and other stakeholders.
• Promote a professional, solutions-oriented approach in all interactions.

Required Qualifications

Candidates MUST have:

• 5+ years of professional Right-of-Way acquisition experience.
• Hands-on DOT experience , preferably with a state DOT or transportation/infrastructure agency.
• Direct experience with condemnation/eminent domain projects and proceedings.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating directly with property owners in the field.
• Experience acquiring right-of-way, easements, and other property interests.
• Strong understanding of right-of-way acquisition procedures, real estate transactions, and applicable regulatory/legal requirements.
• Ability to work independently in a field-based environment.
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to travel up to 50% during peak project periods.
• Professional real estate license in the applicable state or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Associate's, or technical degree in Real Estate, Business, Construction, Land Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Experience working directly with state DOTs, counties, municipalities, or other government transportation agencies .
• Experience with condemnation, eminent domain, relocation, and appraisal processes .
• Renewable energy/right-of-way experience.
• Experience reading engineering plans, surveys, plats, legal descriptions, and property documents.
• Familiarity with GIS, Google Earth, and right-of-way/work management systems .
• Experience with large-scale infrastructure, highway, roadway, utility, or transportation projects.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced field Right-of-Way Agent who understands the full acquisition process from initial property research through negotiation and, when necessary, condemnation.

You should be comfortable knocking on doors, meeting with landowners, negotiating difficult situations, researching property records, coordinating with DOT and government agencies, and keeping projects moving under tight deadlines.

Strong communication, negotiation, organization, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills are essential. A successful candidate will be able to work independently while maintaining strong partnerships with clients, project teams, government agencies, and property owners.

Why Join Us?

• Work on meaningful transportation and infrastructure projects.
• Opportunity to work with major public-sector and private-sector clients.
• Field-based role with significant responsibility and autonomy.
• Collaborative team environment.
• Opportunity to work on complex right-of-way and land acquisition projects.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.

If you have 5+ years of right-of-way acquisition experience, hands-on DOT experience, and a strong background in condemnation/eminent domain, we want to hear from you.