Right of Way Administrator 2

Overview Metra is America’s fourth busiest commuter rail system, serving a community of over 9.4 million residents and providing essential transportation services across Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry counties. The Real Estate and Contract Management Department maximizes Metra’s non‑fare revenue and minimizes liability through effective negotiation, pricing, and contract administration of Metra property and real estate assets. It supports the agency’s core mission by acquiring station and parking real‑estate, managing station and vendor facilities, and ensuring utility easements comply with Metra’s engineering standards. Responsibilities Negotiate right‑of‑way agreements and easements, and prepare status reports. Review project proposals and use mapping software to assess affected property. Identify potential development challenges and assist in resolving property issues, easement validity, discrepancies, and disputes. Research legal descriptions from survey notes, ownership records, and other property‑rights documents; interpret agreements and update maps and plats accordingly. Cooperate with internal and external stakeholders, acquire document signatures, and ensure all right‑of‑way agreements are complete. Prepare correspondence, board packets, and CEO signature memos. File, acquire, and record land‑use documents, permits, agreements, and aerial prints for right‑of‑entry access; submit to appropriate agencies for legal review. Maintain the document‑management system and ensure accurate entry of applicable information. Coordinate the team’s day‑to‑day activities, assign tasks, monitor performance, and provide guidance and training (not a supervisory role). Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience equal to four (4) years in real estate or land management. Four (4) additional years of experience working in real estate or land management. Knowledge of real‑estate concepts, contract language, land rights, and permits. Knowledge of lease and property‑management practices, land‑acquisition processes, lease and contract preparation, property‑ownership validation, and regulatory affairs. Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations that impact real‑estate and construction activities to ensure project compliance. Understanding of basic construction and land‑survey principles and practices. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and mapping and data‑management software used for mapping dig locations, record acquisitions, and drafting agreements. Strong written and verbal communication skills for establishing productive relationships with employees, contractors, and industry stakeholders. Strong organization and planning skills to coordinate and prioritize multiple projects across all stages and manage numerous documents and processes. Detail‑oriented with strong math and analytical skills. Ability to identify problems, obstacles, and conflicts and recommend solutions. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, cartography, survey notes, contracts, aerial prints, property‑tax maps, utility, and engineering plans; and write legal property descriptions. Ability to research and analyze information related to land ownership and jurisdiction boundaries. Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small‑group situations. Must be able to operate a vehicle. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra’s six‑country region. Qualified veterans meeting the minimum requirements will receive outreach during recruitment, in accordance with federal and state laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Preferred Experience in land law, surveying, topography, and preparing legal descriptions. Senior Right of Way Professional (SR/WA) designation from the International Right of Way Association. Employment Information Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act. Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any other protected category, assuming the individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ocean State Job Lot