Right of Way Agent

Right Of Way Agent

Hennepin County's Transportation Project Delivery department is seeking two (2) Right of Way Agents to represent the county in negotiations and act as the primary point of contact and resource for the public during the acquisition process. Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program.

Location and hours: These positions are hybrid and will be performed both on-site at the Public Works Facility located at 1600 Prairie Drive, Medina, MN 55340, locations throughout Hennepin County to meet with clients, and remote as job duties require. There is no public transportation to the Public Works Facility in Medina. Work hours will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. While these positions are designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin. New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.

About the position types: These are full-time, benefit-earning positions. These positions are internally classified as a Land Acquisition Agent. Click here to view the job classification specification.

In these positions, you will:

• Conduct negotiations with landowners or their legal representatives for purchase of real property interests needed for transportation projects and/or sale dispositions no longer needed for transportation related purposes.
• Prepare standardized communications, deeds, easements and other real estate related documents and recording.
• Maintain system records and documents.
• Prepare reports and correspondence. Conduct basic research on land prior to acquisition or disposition.
• Coordinate with staff and communicate project needs with their supervisor and peers to ensure their assigned land acquisition parcels are delivered on time and on budget.
• Establish and maintain trusting working relationships with internal and external groups and individuals, including other county staff, federal, state and municipal staff, elected officials, and the public.
• Work with county legal counsel on unsettled parcels throughout the condemnation process including testifying as an expert witness in a condemnation action.

Need to have:

• One of the following:
• Two or more years of college coursework in civil or transportation engineering, surveying, urban/regional planning, geography/urban studies, business, real estate or a related field and three or more years of real property appraisal or acquisition experience.
• Five or more years of real property appraisal or acquisition experience.

Nice to have:

• A Minnesota Real Estate license or Real Estate Broker's license.
• Experience or knowledge with right-of-way standards, appraisal processes, and federal/state requirements related to land acquisition for public projects.
• Experience:
• Preparing or reviewing deeds, easements, or other real estate documents.
• Researching land records, plats, ownership history, and/or title issues.
• Utilizing databases and creating queries for reports, memos, and letters.
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and plans.
• With customer service.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to:
• Read, understand, evaluate, and explain appraisals of real property.
• Negotiate successfully for the purchase and disposition of real property and right of way.
• Communicate with staff and the public with tact and discretion.

About the department: We envision a Transportation Department whose members are respectful of one another and the public we serve and are committed to the delivery of a safe, high-quality county highway system. We are widely trusted and recognized for innovation, collaboration and the responsible use of resources.

About Hennepin County: Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that eliminate disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive. Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge (login as Guest). Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the elimination of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community. Your future. Made here.

Why work here? Hennepin County embraces the Total Rewards philosophy. We want our employees to succeed not only at work but as they move through life and its milestones. We offer advantages and opportunities others can't including:

• Meaningful work
• Public service
• Competitive pay
• Work-life balance
• Generous benefits
• Opportunities to grow
• Commitment to your success

By working in public service, we are a part of something larger than ourselves. Together, we support those in need. We help people access information and services. We empower vibrant and diverse communities. We serve residents.