Rights-Of-Way Manager

Job Title

The purpose of this classification is to manage operations and staff involved in the acquisition and disposition of property rights of way for use in road construction projects for the County.

Essential Functions

Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals. Organizes, prioritizes and schedules work activities to meet objectives: oversees employee schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; and provides progress and activity reports to Division Manager and Director as requested. Manages technical and administrative tasks to coordinate County-wide real estate acquisition program for transportation projects: develops procedures, policies and standards; monitors negotiations and reviews counter offers and offers of settlement; oversees maintenance of acquisition records; reviews, signs and approves related documents, such as appraisals, titles, legal documents, environmental reports, condemnation pleadings, etc.; and ensures timely acquisition of all right of way areas to meet County schedules and objectives. Interprets rights of way: researches and examines recorded documents such as plats, easements, deeds, and titles; checks and verifies land lots, street names, length of parcels, property ownership etc.; and maintains related documentation. Researches and processes rights of way abandonments, exchanges of land, disposal of surplus property, and landscape licenses: researches establishment of roads before abandoning; consults with other County departments to insure they do not need the right of way; prepares agenda items, local advertisements, quit claim deeds, sales contracts, and transmittal forms; reviews surveys, titles, scaled drawings, and legal descriptions; conducts site visits; prepares and submits packet for review by other County personnel; and records and submits related fees and documentation. Manages purchase and disposal of rights of way: schedules real estate closings; pays taxes due; relocates tenants as needed; monitors communications between County attorney, property owners, and buyers; supervises the preparation of closing documents for acquisitions and disposals; ensures compliance with applicable local, state and federal rules, regulations and guidelines; and makes recommendations to resolve conflicts and solve problems. Manages condemnation filings: receives, reviews and signs pleadings; meets with department managers regarding condemnation agenda items; attends case evaluations; and coordinates activities with attorneys. Meets with property owners and attends public hearings and meetings: answers questions; provides interpretation and explanation regarding the acquisition process and applicable laws, policies and procedures; responds to complex questions/complaints; and researches problems and initiates problem resolution. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Law, Real Estate, or related field required; supplemented by five years of progressively responsible experience in rights of way acquisition and engineering plan review; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Licenses and Certifications

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Physical Abilities

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Sensory Requirements Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. Environmental Factors Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. EEOC Statement Cobb County Government is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.