Real Property Agent I/II

Real Estate Agent

Under immediate supervision (I) or general direction (II), performs progressively complex and varied work in the practice of real estate as it relates to the appraisal, acquisition, property management, leasing, relocation assistance and disposal of real property for public use; identifies utilities in conflict with proposed public projects and coordinates their timely relocation, including determination of prior rights and preparation of relocation agreements; and may assist in county service area administration and the administration of county public utility franchises.

At each successive level, the project scope and political exposure or sensitivity increases and incumbents perform more difficult and complex assignments with less supervision. Real Property Agent I is the entry/trainee level classification; Real Property Agent II is the journey-level classification; and Senior Real Property Agent is the advanced-journey/lead classification in the series.

Approximate salaries:

• Real Property Agent I: $31.46 - $44.58/hourly
• Real Property Agent II: $2,795.09 - $3,921.44/biweekly

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Negotiates terms of property acquisitions and lease agreements for public use.
• Prepares permits, licenses, deeds, agreements, leases, contracts, conveyances and other legal documents.
• Maintains records on project assignments.
• Appraises property and property improvements to prepare cost estimates and for acquisition purposes.
• Relates project proposals and goals to property owners or their representatives.
• Assists with the preparation of Board letters and reports on current acquisitions and condemnations.
• Checks title to real property.
• Provides escrow functions for completing the recording of deeds, clearing title and disbursing funds.
• Performs other related duties as required.

In addition to the job duties above, Real Property Agent II also:

• Coordinates proposals and other legal aspects of transactions with County Counsel's Office.
• Prepares and/or reviews narrative appraisals for purposes of acquisitions.
• May analyze and evaluate properties and project plans for conformity to public needs and recommend revisions.
• May administer the County service area and franchise administration functions.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list. EDUCATION, TRAINING and EXPERIENCE Any combination of experience and education which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and abilities. The required knowledge, skills and abilities can be obtained by:

• Real Property Agent I: possession of a Bachelor's degree in real estate, business, economics, public administration, political science or a related field.
• Real Property Agent II: possession of a Bachelor's degree in real estate, business, economics, public administration, political science or a related field; AND two (2) years of experience performing duties equivalent to a Real Property Agent I at the County of Ventura.

Substitution: The bachelor's degree may be substituted with year-for-year related work experience in appraisal, acquisition, property management, property leasing and relocation assistance service with a public agency, consulting firm, or private company.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license; and
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

DESIRED

• Some experience in appraisal, acquisition, property management, leasing of real property, relocation assistance and disposal of real property for a public-sector entity;
• Some experience assisting with preparation of Board letters;
• Successful completion of coursework in areas such as Appraisal, Asset Management, Negotiation/Acquisition, Relocation Assistance, Environmental, Law, Engineering and/or Uniform Act offered by the International Right of Way Association, the Appraisal Institute or by an accredited college or university;
• Certificate in Real Estate or substantial coursework considered to be equivalent;
• Registration as a Senior Member, International Right of Way Association (IRWA); and
• Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI) and possession of any designation recognized by the Appraisal Institute.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES Some (I) to considerable (II) knowledge of: the principles and practices of real estate acquisitions, appraisal and property management for public entities; and laws, legal codes, governmental regulations applicable to real estate and eminent domain. Some knowledge of: the basic principles of civil engineering as they relate to the acquisition of right-of-way projects. Skilled at: time management; complex problem solving; active listening; judgment and decision making; negotiating/reconciling differences; and written and verbal communication both inside and outside the organization. Ability to: read and interpret plans, specifications and construction drawings as they relate to the acquisition of right-of-way for public projects; develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others; resolve conflicts; interact effectively with the public; and make recommendations and solve problems.