ROW Local Liaison Coordinator

ROW Local Liaison Coordinator

Would you like to have a job that involves an interesting mix of real estate, marketing, public relations, engineering, public administration, and law? As a Right of Way (ROW) Agent in the Local Public Agency (LPA)/Relocation Section for the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), you will learn about all of these fields. In a nutshell, we acquire the land needed to build and maintain the State's transportation infrastructure, relocate residents and businesses when necessary, and assist Municipalities across the state to acquire land necessary for federally funded projects on a local level.

The primary function of this position is to serve as the ROW Local Liaison Coordinator. The position will also include, at times, performing Relocation Assistance and Advisory Services and/or auditing consultant documents, providing these services, and purchasing property for Right of Way purposes by negotiating with landowners.

You, personally and as a comprehensive team, leave a big mark on the State of Nebraska! You will be part of projects that literally change the landscape of the state. In addition to the excellent benefit package offered to state employees, NDOT provides 100% tuition reimbursement for applicable degrees and has a wide range of training and education opportunities that will help you excel at your job and learn about subjects you find of interest.

We reward our employees' hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• State-matched retirement contribution of 156%
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
• Military leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• 79% employer-paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fun, inviting teammates
• Free parking

• Monitor and audit real property acquisition activities conducted by LPAs to ensure federal participation in project costs by reviewing and approving individual tract files and advising LPAs on appraisals and negotiation contracts.
• Prepare ROW documents on LPA projects with Federal Aid.
• Approve payments to consultants and property owners through thorough auditing.
• Advise LPAs on ROW requirements.
• Contact property owners to explain project plans, appraisals, contracts, acquisition processes, and answer questions.
• Display a patient demeanor and the capability to explain the project. Educate the landowner regarding potential impacts to their property.
• At times, track activities and provide assistance to consultants providing Relocation Assistance and Advisory Services.
• At times, extend purchase offers and counteroffers to property owners. Negotiate reasonable and justifiable counteroffers that can address the owners' concerns; explain condemnation procedures if negotiations do not reach a settlement, and prepare documents required for eminent domain procedures.
• Prepare call reports documenting all contacts with owners or residents and settlement records documenting the basis of settlements.
• Prepare and review files/documents to submit to senior management of the ROW Division to ensure compliance of actions, decisions, or settlements with laws, rules, and policies; prepare documents used by the State Attorney General's office as the basis for determining appropriate parties in condemnation actions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and/or experience in real estate appraisal or valuation, relocation assistance, property management, public relations, public policy, mediation, or public/business administration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience negotiating ROW in accordance with the Uniform Act.
• Experience in current highway construction projects and NDOT Agency/ROW Division goals and policies.
• Auditing experience.
• Interpersonal communication skills and exercise of tact and judgment when dealing with property owners, agency representatives, LPAs, and the public.

Other:

• Must have a valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
• Potential for overnight travel on occasion.

Possess strong communication skills to effectively communicate and educate the public and successfully negotiate settlements with landowners, as well as coordinate with LPA representatives.

Ability to travel throughout the state with occasional overnight stays.

Ability to quickly learn Right of Way and negotiation methods, procedures, practices, and regulations in accordance with local, state, and federal…