Title & Acquisition Lead; PAS

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

WSDOT is currently seeking a Property & Acquisition Specialist 5 (PAS5) to join the Olympic Region (OR) Real Estate Services (RES) team as the Acquisition Lead. This role is responsible for project delivery for these projects in collaboration with the Acquisition and Relocation Supervisor. This position coordinates the Region WSDOT staff and consultants to complete acquisition activities of real property, advises the staff and consultants in clearing title encumbrances and preparing conveyance documents.

This supervisory position oversees five (5) Property and Acquisition Specialist 3 (PAS3). This position is responsible for training in coordination with the other PAS5’s in the region. and/or prepares the acquisition closing and escrow process, all according to industry standards and in compliance with State law. They review acquisition files to assure compliance with federal regulations, state laws, and WSDOT policies and procedures, and provide status on acquisition activities to project engineers, consultants, and other support groups for fish passage projects and provide all necessary acquisition documents required to certify the right of way.

This position directly supports the agency’s strategic plan by ensuring, through adherence to WSDOT policies, that work functions performed are administered to the expected quality, safety, and stewardship standards to support Washington’s long‑term resilience. This position is expected to create and influence a workplace that fosters a culture of respect, equal opportunity, and a sense of belonging.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Acquisition Lead will:

• Initiate and/or coordinate drafting legal descriptions, preparing legal documents for acquisition and relocation.
• Coordinate, monitor, and track with Acquisition Supervisor, acquisition and relocation agent and/or consultant assignments and other project related delivery responsibilities and permit tasks of WSDOT staff and/or consultants with negotiations and condemnation process of the real property necessary to projects.
• Monitor and report on the number of projects, permit status, acquisition status, condemnation status, payment and closing status.
• Ensure acquisitions are in compliance with Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, and the WSDOT Right of Way manual.
• Review acquisition and permit files submitted by WSDOT staff and/or consultants to assure compliance with federal regulations, state laws, and WSDOT policies and procedures.
• Make recommendations for appropriate corrective actions when errors and/or insufficiencies are found; document findings and monitor progress.

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Real Estate Title and Acquisition Expertise: Strong working knowledge of Federal regulations (49 CFR, Part 24), and the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended.
• Communication and Public Engagement:Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly present acquisition and relocation related issues and processes to diverse audiences such as agency staff, legal counsel, the public, and external partners;
  Experience working with a diverse group in a professional manner and maintaining a positive working relationship with customers and stakeholders.
• Analytical Judgment and Independent Decision-Making:Proven ability to work independently, applying sound analysis to make…