Right of Way Agent (Will also consider Associate Right of Way)

Job Description and Duties

The Real Estate Branch (REB) is seeking a motivated Right of Way Agent / Associate Right of Way Agent to join the State Water Project Acquisition (SWP) Unit in REB’s Acquisition and Appraisal Section. The Acquisition and Appraisal Section is responsible for completing the negotiation and acquisition of all types of temporary and permanent real property rights statewide, coordinating utility relocations, including the preparation of all necessary documents, handling title and escrow issues, and coordinating the activities of others that provide support to REB acquisitions to ensure rigid construction schedules are met.

Under close supervision of a Senior Right of Way Agent, the selected incumbent will work at the entry level and be responsible for completing routine real property acquisitions and utility relocations with the intent of being able to demonstrate that all property rights necessary for certification of projects have been secured. This position will primarily support SWP projects and may work on projects that support of the Central Valley Flood Protection Board as well. As Section workload changes, work in other Real Estate Branch Units may be performed on a temporary basis.

Please refer to the attached duty statements for more details regarding the Right of Way Agent or the Associate Right of Way Agent’s specific responsibilities.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

Unusual working conditions include out of town assignments, overnight travel, and working odd hours as necessary. Must possess a valid California driver's license when conducting State business that requires driving a vehicle. May require overnight stays.

May need to possess a current Notary Public License or obtain a Notary Public License within 90 days of starting employment with the Real Estate Branch. License securing and renewal fees are reimbursed to the employee upon agreement that the Notary Public License is only to be used for State business.

Financial Disclosure : This position is covered in the Political Reform Act and requires financial disclosure within 30 days of the first and last day physically worked in a covered position and annually by April 1st.

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is committed to its mission and employees, and we are grounded in our commitment to public safety. Regular and consistent attendance is essential to the successful performance in this position.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Experience and knowledge in handling negotiations for acquisition of multiple properties under tight deadlines in support of large scale public infrastructure or utility projects
• Ability to work effectively in a team or group setting, as well as work efficiently independently
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience preparing and processing real estate contracts, agreements, permits, leases, and other types of documents
• Customer service experience 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop professional relationships with internal and external interest holders
• experience gathering information and data, analyzing information, and keeping detailed records
• Knowledge and experience in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, OneNote, PowerPoint), GIS, and any real estate software

Right of Way specific training and education, and a four-year college degree in either business, economics, real estate, or a similar area are preferred, but not required. Experience with Relocation Assistance Program, condemnation, restoration/mitigation property acquisitions, water and mineral rights, and utility relocations are also a plus.

Benefits

to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.

Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit  Human Resources Manual - CalHR .

Special Instructions

Submit a State Employment Application (STD 678) along with a resume and a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) that address your education, training, and experience as it relates to the duties listed in this job advertisement. A SOQ is a separate document with a maximum of two pages in length, single-spaced and 12-point Arial font. Failure to provide requested documents and information may result in automatic disqualification from the hiring process. A resume is required but does not take the place of the SOQ.

Please reference SAP Position Number #50045378 and Job Control Number #534611 in the Explanations section of your State Employment Application (STD 678). 

Failure to provide requested documents and information may result in automatic disqualification from the hiring process. Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section.

You are not required to be on an eligibility list at the time you apply for this position.  Simply submit your application today using the provided instructions.  List eligibility will eventually be required, however, prior to hiring. You may qualify for list eligibility at any time prior to hiring by visiting , clicking on Exam/Assessment Search, and searching for the exam based on the classification indicated in the job advertisement.

The follow basis of eligibility will be considered:  List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, and SROA/Surplus.

. This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - See Special Instructions for additional details.