Right of Way Agent I

The hiring salary for this position is $63,663.80 annually. Telework eligibility is determined by county policy and the approval of the hiring department. The Right of Way Agent position is a non-supervisory position that provides support for easement acquisitions to support infrastructure projects as part of the Property Acquisition and Right of Way Division. This position reports to the Right of Way Program Manager/Right of Way Agent II and is tasked with valuation and acquisition of fee simple and easement land rights. This position primarily supports Capital Services, Public Works/ Utilities, and Infrastructure Management county-funded projects. Performs technical real estate work in support of the County’s Right of Way program. Researches property records; obtains appraisals; negotiates acquisitions with property owners and their attorneys or representatives; and prepares, reviews, and processes easement and right-of-way documentation submissions. Ensures compliance with applicable codes, standards, regulations, and contracts for all projects. Essential Job Functions Research land records and assessment records regarding ownership of property, transfer of property, easements, liens, and other encumbrances. Uses mapping software when needed to determine property boundaries. Assists with determining the nature of property or infrastructure and analyzing project, right-of- way, or easement needs through consultations with appropriate parties such as engineers, project or program managers, and developers. Discusses options, provides comments, and offers recommendations for project needs or to resolve issues. Reviews construction plans and right-of-way acquisition plats for compliance with County requirements and provides comments to Right of Way Program Manager. Supports supervisory personnel with inspections of properties by collecting or analyzing information such as market value, location, and building or replacement costs to determine or verify appraisal value and identify real estate trends. Computes or reviews final estimation of property values, taking into consideration such factors as depreciation, replacement costs, value comparisons of similar properties, and income potential. Generates or reviews written appraisal reports that estimate property values, outline estimation methods, and conform with appraisal standards. Obtains and reviews title abstracts. Assists with preparing requests for approval of appraised values from appropriate authorities. Explains assessed values to property owners and negotiates acquisitions with property owners and their attorneys or representatives as directed by supervisory personnel. Supports supervisory personnel with preparing presentations of acquisitions for public hearings. As directed, initiates actions to acquire property; proofreads documents such as option contracts, offer letters, and Right of Entry Agreements; and ensures documents are properly prepared, executed, and recorded. Coordinates with attorneys and engineers as needed to obtain additional information or revise documents. Assists with preparing Condemnation Resolutions when required. As directed, provides documentation for filing the condemnations cases, schedules and notifies appropriate parties of pretrial condemnation meetings, and attends court mandated sessions with counsel on behalf of the County. Verifies submittals and invoices for payment of title abstracts, appraisals, and services. Prepares and maintains data on each parcel assessed, including maps of boundaries, inventories of land and structures, property characteristics, and any appliable exemptions. Updates appropriate records and acquisition logs. Researches or verifies information about County property as requested by other County departments, agencies, and offices; engineers; and the public. Interacts and communicates with contractors, regulatory or oversight agencies, citizens, and other agencies or parties in response to requests for information, to explain work requirements, or to provide technical assistance. Leads or participates in meetings with citizens, contractors, and coworkers or on committees as needed or requested. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Education and Experience: Associate degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, or related field. Three (3) years of progressively responsible real estate, paralegal, or title experience; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training Licenses or Certifications: Must possess a valid driver's license. Notary Public issued by the Maryland Office of the Secretary of the State is required. Special Requirements/Qualifications: Maintain confidential information. Subject to work beyond the normal scheduled hours of work. Work is subject to frequent interruptions and inflexible deadlines. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of basic real estate laws, regulations, principles, and practices and legal procedures, requirements, and documentation applicable to leasing, sale, purchase, reuse, disposition and condemnation of real estate and rights-of-way. Knowledge of the principles of land economics, appraisal methods, and analysis used to value different types of commercial, residential, or farm property. Knowledge of County and State laws governing eminent domain and contract real estate law for the acquisition of rights-of-way by purchase, lease, or condemnation. Knowledge of zoning, planning, land subdivision, and land development processes and the existence of and implications of various zoning classes. Knowledge of engineering concepts and techniques relative to the acquisition of rights-of-way and easements. Knowledge of financial analysis techniques and software used for the review and analysis of information related to real estate acquisitions and dispositions. Ability to negotiate standard purchase, sale, and lease agreements on behalf of the County in its role as landlord, tenant, purchaser, or seller. Ability to apply the principles and techniques of real estate appraisal. Ability to read and understand deeds and other instruments of real estate conveyance. Ability to interpret abstract titles and property and engineering maps, plats, and plans. Ability to set, prioritize, and achieve goals. Ability to successfully communicate, both orally and in writing. Ability to actively listen to property owners, attorneys, engineers, coworkers, and supervisor. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Skill to evaluate costs and benefits of potential actions to determine the most appropriate solution. Skill to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions. Skill to prepare accurate records and reports. Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is mostly sedentary with periods of light physical activity. Typical positions require employees to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs; bend, reach, hold grasp, and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards. The work requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Principal duties of this job are performed in a general office environment. Department: County Attorney’s Office/Property Acquisition and Right of Way Pay Grade: 113 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Telework Eligible: Yes Reports to: Right of Way Program Manager Supervises :None #J-18808-Ljbffr Charles County Government