Property & Acquisition Specialist | Title & Research

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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

WSDOT is currently seeking a detail-oriented Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 to support real estate transactions and property research in the North Central Region. This role uses specialized knowledge to research property ownership, resolve title and encumbrance issues, establish right of way limits, and prepare accurate legal descriptions and acquisition documents. Working closely with regional real estate staff and property owners, this position helps resolve complex property questions and ensures acquisition activities comply with federal regulations, state law, and WSDOT requirements.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in advancing transportation projects by ensuring property and title issues are thoroughly researched and effectively resolved.

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

• Order new and updated title reports from title companies for properties to be acquired or WSDOT-owned parcels.
• Review title reports and prepare encumbrance reports.
• Research vesting and title issues.
• Communicate with HQ Real Estate Services regarding processes and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state requirements and guidelines.
• Provide recommendations to upper-level staff regarding title-clearing options and identify matters requiring elevation for higher-level review.
• Research inquiries from stakeholders, local agencies, the public, property owners, senior management, project offices, and others regarding property ownership, right of way limits, and potential encroachments.
• Research and collect information requested by Real Estate Services in response to public disclosure requests.
• Travel to properties for inspections, consultation with property owners, and other assigned activities.
• Process payments related to acquisitions, relocation, and invoices and ensures payments are delivered timely to agents or payees.

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

• Title & Encumbrance Review: Practical experience in examining, reviewing, and clearing real estate titles, including identifying and resolving encumbrances and vesting issues.
• Real Estate Regulations & Compliance:Experience applying federal, state, and agency regulations (such as 49 CFR, Part 24, Uniform Relocation Act, RCW, WAC, and WSDOT Right of Way Manual) to ensure all acquisition and title activities meet legal and policy requirements.
• Legal Descriptions & Documents: Ability to accurately prepare and review legal descriptions and property documents, using relevant tools and resources.
• Communication:Experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders, including property owners, title companies, and agency staff, to gather information, resolve issues, and provide guidance on title and acquisition matters.
• Property Research Methods: Knowledge of acceptable research methods for addressing ownership questions, right of way limits, and potential encroachments.
• Records & Compliance Review:Ability to collect and analyze information for public disclosure requests and compliance reviews.
• Office Operations & Records:Ability to support office operations by processing payments, managing records, and ensuring timely delivery and retention of documents.
• Growth Mindset:Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented:Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles to conduct site visits, inspections, and consultations with property owners.
• Ability to traverse varied terrain.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Eminent Domain & Acquisition:Experience applying specialized knowledge and experience in real estate acquisition involving eminent domain, including compliance with federal regulations and agency procedures.
• Right of Way Regulations: Knowledge of…