Real Estate Specialist I/II

Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate for this opening will have the knowledge and skills needed to perform tasks associated with the negotiation and acquisition of land, right‑of‑way, easements, and agreements for a governmental agency. The ability to effectively communicate in person and in writing with a very diverse customer base that includes the general public, other City employees, public officials, and contractors is highly desirable. A successful candidate must be skilled in reading, writing, and plotting legal descriptions; reading and interpreting engineering plans; analyzing property appraisals; researching and interpreting land right legal documents; preparing deeds and easement documents for recordation; and explaining project plans in layman's terms to property owners. Previous experience as a Right of Way Agent is desirable. The ideal candidate must be familiar with federal regulations governing right‑of‑way and real property acquisition and be able to work effectively under high pressure. Real Estate Specialist I Under General Supervision, a Real Estate Specialist I is responsible for assisting with real estate work involving the acquisition, leasing, disposal, abandonment, and/or exchange of City‑owned property and the management and maintenance of City‑owned property. Work includes responding to questions from the public, document preparation, plan review, developing negotiation skills to present and/or negotiate limited agreements with owners for the acquisition of property and property rights, obtaining owner’s signatures, closing transactions, and recording documents. This position will be contacting title companies, appraisers, attorneys, engineers, sign and fence contractors, utility companies, property owners, and tenants. The position must be familiar with standard government/city real estate purchase procedures. Responsibilities include preparing and/or assisting in preparing for supervisory review Council action packets, including Council Reports and resolutions for abandonments/extinguishments, property purchases or sales, and authorization for the City Manager to execute leases, license, deeds, and easements. Research to determine ownership, value, and impact of proposed easement/deed files, county tax rolls and subdivision plat maps, construction plans, title reports, and appraisal reports. Coordinate with other City departments/divisions (such as Engineering, City Attorney, Planning) and with entities outside the City such as the county, other municipalities, utility companies, and contracted appraisers for real estate purposes. On an as‑needed basis, may assist the Property Management Coordinator in performing limited property management duties such as coordination of demolition of properties as needed; assistance with renting, inspecting, and maintaining City’s rental property; assisting in selling City property; and assisting in preparation and maintenance of lease and license agreements. Required minimum qualifications: graduation from high school or GED. 1–3 years of experience in private or public property acquisition, leasing and asset management, title searching, real property appraisal, or related real estate work. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver’s License by hire or promotion date. Preferred qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Public or Business Administration, Real Estate, Economics, or a related field. Understanding of governmental requirements/codes/ordinances as they relate to real property. Bilingual fluency in reading and speaking Spanish. Real Estate Specialist II A Real Estate Specialist II is responsible for performing professional level real estate work including acquisition of real property, leasing, disposal, and/or exchange of City‑owned property and assisting with the management and maintenance of City‑owned property for City or government purposes. Responsibilities include acquiring residential and commercial real properties involving private, county, state, and federal lands; coordinating with title companies, appraisers, attorneys, engineers, sign and fence contractors, utility companies, property owners, and tenants; and ensuring familiarity with standard government/city real estate purchase and management procedures. The position identifies and resolves procedural, operational, and work‑related problems, including awarding contracts for appraisals, maintenance, repair, closing on escrow, and determining negotiation approach for acquisition of parcels. The role may acquire properties of a high dollar value and/or sensitive nature by negotiating acceptable compensation. When working with relocation and acquisition, evaluates and locates available suitable accommodations and business facilities; matches displaced residents’ needs with resources from various outside agencies. Prepares documentation and contracts for sensitive, complex, high‑dollar value acquisitions; Council action packets; and information for the City Attorney’s office to initiate eminent domain proceedings. Reviews property appraisals; negotiates or assists with purchase and sale agreements; provides guidance and oversight to Real Estate Specialist I staff in plan review, appraisal review, and title research; and may supervise Real Estate Specialist I employees. Required minimum qualifications: an Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university. 3–5 years of experience in right‑of‑way acquisition, title searching, legal descriptions, property or asset management, construction plans, and/or real property appraisal. Special requirements: must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date. Preferred qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree preferred; supplemental coursework in Real Estate Law, Civil Engineering, or Real Estate Appraisal; professional certification from the International Right‑of‑Way Association or other related organizations; bilingual fluency in Spanish highly desirable; experience with governmental requirements/codes/ordinances; supervision experience highly preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Mesa