Lead Right-of-Way (ROW) Coordinator

Lead Right-of-Way Coordinator

The Lead Right-of-Way (ROW) Coordinator supports delivery of transportation projects by managing and coordinating all right-of-way activities required to advance projects from design through construction. This role is responsible for early identification of ROW impacts, coordination of property acquisition and easements, support of relocation activities, and preparation for ROW certification in accordance with UDOT requirements. The ROW Coordinator works closely with UDOT ROW staff, project managers, designers, utility coordinators, and environmental teams to keep ROW activities aligned with project schedules and letting milestones.

Early ROW planning and UDOT coordination

• Coordinate early identification of ROW needs during planning and preliminary design, including permanent ROW, temporary construction easements (TCEs), access easements, drainage easements, and utility easements required for UDOT projects.
• Review roadway design layouts and construction limits to identify potential ROW impacts and collaborate with designers to minimize acquisitions where feasible.
• Coordinate with UDOT project managers and UDOT ROW staff to confirm ROW approach, acquisition strategy, and certification path for each project.

ROW acquisition and easement support

• Support and coordinate the ROW acquisition process, including parcel tracking, title review coordination, appraisal support, and acquisition schedule development.
• Review existing easements and property documents to identify restrictions or conditions that could affect design, construction staging, or utility placement.
• Serve as a liaison between the design team, UDOT ROW staff, acquisition consultants, and property owners to maintain progress and clear communication.

Relocation coordination (as applicable)

• Coordinate with UDOT relocation staff and consultants on residential and business relocations when required.
• Support development of relocation phasing strategies to align with project schedule and construction sequencing.
• Assist project teams with preparation of property impact exhibits and materials used for public involvement or stakeholder coordination.

ROW documentation, tracking, and certification readiness

• Maintain detailed ROW tracking logs identifying acquisition status, possession, easement execution, and clearance milestones.
• Support preparation of ROW certification documentation consistent with UDOT requirements prior to project letting.
• Clearly communicate ROW status, risks, and outstanding actions to project managers and discipline leads.

Schedule and risk management

• Identify ROW as a critical path activity and proactively escalate acquisition or access risks that could impact design completion or letting dates.
• Coordinate phased ROW or early access strategies, where appropriate, to support utility relocations or construction sequencing.
• Work closely with the Utility Manager to ensure ROW availability aligns with utility agreements and relocation schedules.

Construction phase support

• Support construction by coordinating ROW access questions, resolving property related issues, and assisting with post letting ROW clarifications.
• Coordinate with UDOT and contractors on access constraints, temporary use areas, and restoration requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, planning, real estate, geography, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7-10 years of relevant post education experience in a related management role within our industry.
  • 3–7+ years of experience supporting right of way activities on transportation projects, preferably for State DOT or local public agency clients
• Working knowledge of ROW acquisition, easements, access control, and relocation processes for publicly funded projects
• Experience coordinating with DOT staff, property owners, consultants, and multidisciplinary design teams
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to track multiple parcels and milestones concurrently
• Excellent communication, documentation, and stakeholder management skills; ability to "clarify, not assume," and work collaboratively across varied personalities and priorities.
• Competent critical thinking and problem-solving skills to make assessments and calculations involving the application of project management principles, with a sound understanding of intent, impact, and optimal outcomes.
• Demonstrated high-level of self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and adjusting readily to the changing prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Competent with technical writing, office automation, relevant software, MS Office suite products (e.g., Word, Excel, Visio, Project, SharePoint), technology, spreadsheets, and PM tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience on UDOT or UTA projects
• Familiarity with ROW certification requirements
• Understanding of how ROW, utilities, environmental clearance, and permitting intersect on roadway projects
• Utah Real Estate License