Right-of-Way Specialist or Senior Right-of-Way Specialist (Acquisition and Relocation)

Job ID: 36199 (Two positions)
Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Planning and Engineering / Right of Way Program
Location: Pierre or Aberdeen
Salary: $26.61 (GI) or $29.57 (GJ) per hour, depending on experience
Pay Grade: GI (Right of Way Specialist) or GJ (Senior Right of Way Specialist)
Closing Date: 06/16/2026


This is a full-time position with the Department of Transportation. For more information on the Department of Transportation, please visit .


This is an entry level position or senior position depending on knowledge, skills and abilities. The Department will provide training for advancement to a Senior Right of Way Specialist for those who start at the entry level.


Individual will cross train in appraisal as time allows to have an understand of the process.


Right of Way Specialist Tasks, Duties, and Abilities:
Estimates the market value of real estate being acquired and/or damaged as a result of a highway project, acquires real property interests, and determines relocation benefits for Department of Transportation (DOT) projects.


Duties include, but are not limited to:

• preparing for the acquisition of parcels by reviewing and analyzing project information in the parcel folder to ensure information is complete, current, and relevant. Accurately verify parcel ownership, mortgages, liens, or judgments which may affect transfer of property;
• thoroughly review plans/plats/cross sections for the project to have a full understanding of what the construction project entails and be able to explain to landowners;
• acquiring Temporary Easement for construction purposes on landowners property;
• acquiring title to real property needed for partial acquisitions and total buyouts to ensure all necessary property rights have been secured by the Department of Transportation prior to project certification deadline;
• determine estimated self-move costs of personal property that will be impacted by transportation projects;
• meet with landowners/city/county/township to explain the project/impacts to their property and acquire the property interests needed for projects;
• receive partial mortgage releases from lenders for property purchased.

Senior Right of Way Specialist (Acquisition/Relocation) - Tasks, Duties, and Abilities:

• determine a value for just compensation for parcel acquisition by gathering, reviewing, and analyzing available data to support a fair market valuation;
• prepare for the acquisition of parcels by reviewing and analyzing project information in the parcel folder to ensure information is complete, current, and relevant and to accurately verify parcel ownership, mortgages, liens, or judgments which may affect the transfer of property;
• thoroughly review plans/plats/cross sections for the project to have a full understanding of what the construction project entails and be able to explain to landowners;
• acquiring Temporary Easement for construction purposes on landowners property;
• acquire title to real property needed for partial acquisitions and total buyouts to ensure all necessary property rights have been secured by the Department of Transportation prior to the project certification deadline;
• determine estimated self-move costs of personal property that will be impacted by transportation projects;
• identify and calculate entitlements, any rent differential, down payment assistance, and/or moving costs for the displacee (e.g., owner/tenant) that will be impacted by Department of Transportation projects;
• identify and calculate entitlements (e.g., moving costs, re-establishment expenses, or fixed payment) for a business, farm, or nonprofit organization that will be impacted due to Department of Transportation projects;
• conduct title research on designated parcels to verify parcel ownership and identify any mortgages, liens, or judgments for Department of Transportation projects that may affect transfer of property rights/title;
• meet with landowners/city/county/township to explain the project/impacts to their property and acquire the property interests needed for projects;
• receive partial mortgage releases from lenders for property purchased.

Work assignments are frequently performed outside and around highway traffic in all types of weather.


Frequent in-state travel with overnights stays will be required.


Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.


Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, distance vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and ability to focus.


Licenses and Certifications:

• Real Estate Brokers License is preferred but not required.
• A valid driver's license is required.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
A four-year degree in real estate, accounting, business administration, finance, economics, construction management, or a related field.


Knowledge of:

• real estate appraisal practices and principals (preferred, but not required);
• principles, practices, and methodologies of economics, finance, and business.

Skill to:

• read and interpret engineering plans, plats, and legal property descriptions (preferred but not required);
• develop a written document with accurate spelling, rules of composition, grammar, and content;
• operate computers and use various software;
• maintain files and records;
• make precise measurements;
• perform mathematical calculations.

Ability to:

• display high standards of ethical conduct;
• listen attentively to others and clearly convey information and ideas;
• attend to all details of assignments and completes work properly, accurately, and thoroughly;
• exercise sound judgment when making decisions and takes prompt, decisive action;
• seek, collect, and evaluate information to learn more about issues or events;
• display a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals;
• set priorities, schedule activities, acquire resources, and monitor progress to ensure the successful completion of projects and assignments;
• analyze problems and make sound recommendations;
• build and maintain friendly relationships with people who can, or might someday be able to, provide information, assistance, or support;
• communicate well with the general public;
• work well as part of a team;
• walk, sit, and stand for extended periods of time;
• walk long distances over many kinds of terrain; animals, reptiles, and insects are a factor;
• routinely climb, balance, stoop, or kneel.

Join the South Dakota Department of Transportation! View more about this opportunity here: .


This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.


The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.


The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.


Must apply online:
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: View phone number on click.appcast.io Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"


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