Property & Acquisition Specialist – Property Management

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 3 to join the Northwest Region (NWR) Property Management Team. This role supports WSDOT’s mission by developing and maintaining positive relationships with the public and other WSDOT project process partners and stakeholders. The position helps supplement department revenues through the leasing and sale of surplus property not currently needed for highway purposes.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 will:

• Locate property information and maps utilizing agency, county and state databases and other sources of public records.
• Prepare encroachment letters and maintain diaries and folders for all assignments.
• Conduct title searches and perform in-depth property research.
• Investigate and resolve property ownership questions and concerns.
• Calculate Fair Market Rent.
• Assess complex situations, identify potential problems, and implement solutions with supervised guidance.
• Coordinate with project teams regarding property demolitions; help to secure property and prepare property for management as per WSDOT ROW manual and policies.
• Provide WSDOT property management record and data restoration support, including identifying and resolving data gaps and preservation issues through research of historical discrepancies.

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

• Property Research and Records Analysis: Ability to research, interpret, and analyze property information using public records, maps, and agency, county, or state databases.
• Right of Way Plan and Legal Interpretation: Ability to independently read and interpret right of way plans, legal descriptions, and survey information to determine ownership, access rights, and boundaries.
• Policy Application and Technical Assistance: Ability to apply established policies, procedures, and guidelines to provide technical assistance and respond to property-related inquiries.
• Professional Communication and Documentation: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing correspondence and technical documentation and responding clearly to staff, stakeholders, and the public.
• Organization and Workload Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced or project-driven environment.
• Records Management and Office Technology Proficiency: Ability to maintain accurate records using electronic systems and standard office software.
• Collaboration and Team Support: Ability to work effectively with internal teams and external partners to support project schedules and agency goals.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Right of Way and Real Estate Document Preparation: Ability to read and interpret highway right of way plans, legal descriptions, and title reports; and prepare complex real estate documents including deeds, leases, vouchers, right of entry, comparable market analyses, and market value evaluations.
• Realty Systems and Software Proficiency: Ability to accurately use the Integrated Realty Information System (IRIS), MS 365, and other agency-related software to enter, manage, and track real estate information.
• Regulatory and Eminent Domain Compliance: Knowledge and understanding in the application of Washington State RCWs and WACs, federal and state eminent domain laws, and…