Real Estate Services Manager

Description

About WSDOTWashington 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 has a unique opportunity for a seasoned real estate professional to join the Real Estate Services Office located in Union Gap, WA. The Real Estate Services Manager will serve as the South Central Region's (SCR) subject matter expert for real estate and right of way issues, providing guidance and oversight to ensure region activities comply with both State and Federal laws and regulations, and WSDOT policies and procedures. This position will be responsible for managing all functions of the SCR Real Estate Services Office, including the acquisition of all necessary real properties, providing an estimate and schedule for property acquisition activities, identifying and managing risks associated with acquisition activities and managing the existing real estate assets within the region.
What to ExpectAmong the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the RES Manager will:

• Work directly with Project Development, Program Management, Maintenance, and other agency organizations on matters essential to the project delivery, funding and risk management.
• Responsible for the development of strategies, both short and long term, necessary to deliver the Region program, including the development of the scope, schedule, and budget for the right of way phases.
• Support and promote the implementation of WSDOTs Strategic Plan and the goal areas of Workforce Development, Practical Solutions, and Inclusion.
• Make critical decisions necessary to insure project delivery and compliance with both State and Federal laws and regulations.
• Work directly with the office of the Attorneys General on all matters relating to the acquisition of right of way through the condemnation process, including mediations and settlement agreements.
• Responsible for issuing Region Right of Way Certification for WSDOT projects.
• Evaluate the needs of the agency and ensures adequate resources are available to deliver the program, which includes determining necessary staffing levels and/or consultant availability and use, training needs, resource sharing and work assignments appropriate for the various types and complexities of highway projects.
• Manage the budgets for the right of way phase of each project, the continuing property management (PM) account, consultant contracts, labor, and all general office expenses.
• Work directly with region management, HQ’s and FHWA to analyze and develop process improvements and policy changes through participation in work groups and teams.

QualificationsTo be considered for this opportunity, the one of the following is required:

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline AND six (6) years of experience in real estate transactions (sales, acquisition, property management, appraisal, title, or escrow), OR
• Associates degree AND eight (8) years of experience of experience in real estate transactions (sales, acquisition, property management, appraisal, title, or escrow), OR
• A combined ten (10) years of experience of experience in real estate transactions (sales, acquisition, property management, appraisal, title, or escrow).

In addition to one of the above, the following are also required

• Extensive experience and knowledge of all aspects of the right of way profession under the agency's authority under eminent domain. This includes appraisal, title, acquisition, relocation and property management.

• Understanding of the public project development process, particularly the WSDOT project development process for highway project design and construction.

• Working knowledge of the union contracts, merit system rules, and applicable agency policy and procedures related to human resources and payroll issues.
• Understanding of the principles of project and program management.
• Effective communications skills both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively resolve conflicts and to work closely and tactfully to resolve issues involving both internal and external customers of the RES organization.
• Intermediate level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Excel, Outlook and Word.
• Expert knowledge of the following:
  • Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended.
  • Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) - 23 and 49 CFR.
  • Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Title 8 and 47.
  • Washington Administrative Codes (WAC) 468.
  • Local Agency Guidelines (LAG) manual.
• A valid driver’s license with the ability to travel to various locations within the Region.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• A four year college degree in a real estate field or equivalent.
• Expert knowledge of WSDOT right of way Procedures Manual and policies.
• An understanding of highway design requirements and construction practices as impacted by right of way issues.
• Prior leadership experience with similar responsibilities.

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 occasional telework for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 10 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Our 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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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 usFor inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Rachel Giese at GieseR@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 21DOT-SCR-5W006-1 in the subject line.