Acquisition & Relocation Specialist (PAS4)



Acquisition & Relocation Specialist (PAS4)

Salary

$65,635.00 - $88,210.00 Annually

Location

King County - Shoreline, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

23DOT-NWR-13224

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Northwest Region

Opening Date

08/31/2023

Closing Date

9/21/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Description



About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project. 
 
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a real estate professional to operate with limited supervision, managing acquisition and relocation assignments per a defined schedule and in compliance with regulatory laws and policies. The purpose of this position is to, in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Act, investigate, negotiate, and conclude complex transactions with landowners concerning purchase, lease, rental or use of real property and property rights. The successful candidate appointed to these positions will support WSDOT’s Fish Passage program, working directly with multiple project engineers and members of their design teams to assist in identifying the property needs for WSDOT projects. This unique position will serve a vital role in support of WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality. 
 
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Acquisition & Relocation Specialist will:

  • Conduct site visits to inspect property and meet with property owners. 
  • Review and understand Right of Way plans, construction plans, temporary easement maps, legal descriptions, complex appraisals, complicated ownership structures, detailed ownership agreements and documents, title reports, leases, other documents related to property ownership, valuation, and use for accuracy and correctness. 
  • Apply advanced technical knowledge to conduct successful negotiations, resolve issues, perform research, initiate and/or perform title clearing actions as needed. 
  • Assess the ownership and occupancy of property to develop relocation estimates and perform detailed relocation benefit calculations, perform relocation assistance duties, monitor relocation activities, and prepare and or review detailed summary relocation reports. 
  • Perform calculations and data entry tasks needed to maintain accurate information. 
  • Assist in the coordination and delivery of training. 
 
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  • 12 months of experience as a Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 or Property & Acquisition Specialist 4 working in Right of Way under the Uniform Act OR three (3) years of recent title clearing experience, residential & commercial relocation experience or real estate acquisition experience, also under the Uniform Act completing Right of Way work. 
  • Current driver’s license
  • Current State of Washington Notary Stamp or the ability to obtain said license within six months of hire. 
  • Proficient with computers and software programs to include Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, Adobe, SharePoint, web, etc.
  • Ability to travel on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis in Washington to the following counties: Whatcom, Island, Skagit, Snohomish, and King County. 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
  • Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in business or public administration, civil engineering, construction management, real estate, economics, accounting, or related field. 
 
Important Notes 
  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • Travel is a regular expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis in Washington to the following counties, Whatcom, Island, Skagit, Snohomish, and King County. Duties are unlikely to require overnight travel.
  • The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County and 2.5% Assignment Pay. 
  • In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. 
  • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov 
 
Why WSDOT 
  • Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.   
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
  • Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  
  • Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. 
 
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT? 

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. 
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application: 
  • An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
  • An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
  • Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 
 
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in, or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
 
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
 
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov 
 
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, O. Dietrich, at DietriO@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-NWR-13224 in the subject line. 

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Please list the highest level of education and field of study you have completed, as well as any other academic and/or professional development course you have completed.
02
Please select the response that best describes your total years of experience as a Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 or Property & Acquisition Specialist 4 working in Right of Way under the Uniform Act.
  • I have over five (5) years of this experience.
  • I have 4 – 5 years of this experience.
  • I have 3 – 4 years of this experience.
  • I have 2 – 3 years of this experience.
  • I have 1 – 2 years of this experience.
  • I have less than one (1) year of this experience.
03
Please describe your experience as a Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 or Property & Acquisition Specialist 4 working in Right of Way under the Uniform Act. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
04
Please select the response that best describes your total years title clearing experience, residential & commercial relocation experience or real estate acquisition experience, under the Uniform Act completing Right of Way work.
  • I have over five (5) years of this experience.
  • I have 4 – 5 years of this experience.
  • I have 3 – 4 years of this experience.
  • I have less than three (3) years of this experience.
05
Please describe your title clearing experience, residential & commercial relocation experience or real estate acquisition experience, under the Uniform Act completing Right of Way work. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
06
Do you have a current driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Do you have a current State of Washington Notary Stamp?
  • Yes
  • No
08
This position requires the ability to travel on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis in Washington to the following counties: Whatcom, Island, Skagit, Snohomish, and King County. Are you willing and able to comply with this essential job function?
  • Yes
  • No
09
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Direct Email Notification
  • WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
  • Career Fair
  • Monster
  • WorkSource
  • Handshake
  • AASHTO
  • NACTO
  • COMTO
  • APWA
  • "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
  • Radio advertisement
  • WSDOT Employment Site
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • governmentjobs.com
  • Other (specify below)
10
If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact