Property Acquisition Agent

Description The Lee County Lands Department is seeking an experienced professional to join our team as a Property Acquisition Agent. This on-site role is ideal for candidates with backgrounds in right-of-way acquisition, land and real estate negotiations, title research, appraisal review, engineering or legal support, or government and utility project coordination. Candidates with a current Appraisal License or substantial appraisal/appraisal-review experience are strongly preferred. Active members of the International Right of Way Association (IRWA) or those who have completed IRWA coursework are strongly encouraged to apply. In this position, you will lead the coordination, negotiation, and completion of real property acquisitions, dispositions, exchanges, and leases for Lee County and its affiliated agencies. You'll support key County initiatives and capital projects by ensuring all transactions are efficient, legally sound, and aligned with organizational goals. The role involves managing complex property projects, evaluating and resolving title and property rights issues, and collaborating with internal teams, consultants, property owners, and the public to deliver fair and timely outcomes. Duties and Responsibilities What You'll Do Research, Analysis & Documentation * Research and analyze title documentation, legal descriptions, surveys, appraisals, environmental assessments, right-of-way maps, and construction plans * Coordinate with consultants for title work, appraisals, surveys, and environmental analyses * Prepare acquisition and condemnation files and manage project databases * Research zoning, land use, and regulatory data affecting real property * Identify and solve real property title or acquisition issues Project Management & Support * Manage property acquisition projects from start to finish, ensuring legal and procedural compliance * Advise project managers on required property rights needed to meet project objectives * Prepare settlement recommendations for Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approval * Process land vacations, releases, reconveyances, and surplus property transactions * Participate in public information meetings and consultant selection committees * Assist in training newly hired acquisition assistants and support staff * Perform related administrative duties, including scanning, filing, and project documentation Real Estate Transactions & Negotiations * Communicate and negotiate with buyers, sellers, associations, attorneys, consultants, lenders, and government agencies * Coordinate sensitive or complex real property acquisitions * Prepare real estate agreements, binding offers, leases, conveyance instruments, affidavits, releases, and other legal documents * Attend closings and review/execute closing instruments * Participate in condemnation proceedings including mediations, hearings, depositions, and trials Education, Experience, Licensing Minimum Qualifications (Any equivalent combination of education and experience) * Associate's Degree in real estate, paralegal/legal studies, urban planning, business administration, public administration, or a closely related area * Two (2) years of professional experience in one of the following fields or closely related area: * Right-of-Way (ROW) Real Estate * Eminent Domain / Condemnation Real Estate * Public-Sector Land Acquisition * Land Services / Land Management * Appraisal & Appraisal Review * Title Review * Paralegal Studies / Legal Studies * Civil Engineering Technology * Land Surveying / Geomatics * Urban or Regional Planning * Experience conducting property negotiations and preparing legal property documents Additional Requirement * Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record Preferred Qualifications (Applicants with these are strongly encouraged to apply) * Active Appraisal License (Certified General or Certified Residential) or extensive experience in appraisal or appraisal review * Experience acquiring real property for public-sector or governmental projects * Experience with condemnation or eminent domain processes * Familiarity with Florida Statutes, zoning, land use regulations, and public-sector real estate practices * Experience reviewing appraisals, surveys, title commitments, and environmental assessments * Strong negotiation and communication skills with property owners and lenders * Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with land management or project-tracking software * Membership in the International Right of Way Association (IRWA), completion of IRWA coursework, or progress toward IRWA certifications (e.g., RWA, RWP, SR/WA) Supplemental Information Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM Why Join Us? At the Lee County Lands Department, you'll take on high-impact work that directly shapes our community's future. This role offers fast-paced, meaningful projects, collaboration with skilled professionals, and the chance to grow your expertise in public-sector real estate. With opportunities for IRWA development and hands-on experience in complex acquisitions, you'll build your career while helping move Lee County forward. About the Department County Lands provides high-quality cost-effective Government real estate services for County business. County Lands handles all aspects of the County's real estate acquisition and disposition services. About Lee County Lee County is located in beautiful Southwest Florida and is home to over 800,000 residents. We are dedicated to serving our community with high-quality services and a focus on sustainability and innovation. Join us in making Lee County a great place to live, work, and visit. Find out more about Lee County at Lee County Government.