Right of Way Agent/ Property Analyst

If you are a skilled negotiator ready to play a pivotal role in shaping the physical future of Fairfax County, we want you on our team! As our next Right of Way Agent, you will secure the property rights necessary to build the infrastructure our residents, businesses and visitors rely on every day.

This position works as part of the Land Acquisition Division. Negotiates acquisition of land rights and purchasing real property required for Fairfax County public improvement projects. Works independently and with teams in Capital Facilities, Stormwater Management, Transportation, Wastewater, public buildings and other agencies. Manages multiple and diverse project assignments with challenging completion deadlines. Researches county records pertinent to land acquisition issues. Searches and verifies legal records for accuracy of ownership and reviews title reports. Calculates and verifies square footage of land, reviews and interprets engineering plans and construction drawings. Interprets real estate valuation principles and reviews appraisal reports. Prepares land acquisition cost estimates. Compiles facts required for public hearings and condemnation proceedings, prepares Board agenda items, makes presentations to the Board. Maintains project files and data for project management information systems; produces documents and reports.

The successful applicant must be highly motivated and self-sufficient; possess the skills necessary to work in a fast-paced collaborative team; can build relationships; can develop solutions to complex issues. Outstanding oral and written communications skills and experience with presentations to various audiences is a must.

DPWES is a diverse, nationally accredited and award-winning public works agency with approximately 1,000 employees providing solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land acquisition management services for the most populous county in Virginia. Join our team to help us protect the environment and serve the people of Fairfax County by creating and preserving a sustainable community that is an ideal place to live, work, and play for everyone.

Fairfax County Government is committed to our employees, and offers comprehensive benefits, including a defined-benefit retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; paid leave; tuition reimbursement; and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Through our LiveWell Program and the county's Benefits Division, we endeavor to cultivate a culture of wellbeing that empowers, educates and engages employees and retirees to make life-long choices that promote a holistic approach to their physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual and financial wellness.

Please review our awesome benefits::

• Benefits
• Retirement
• Capital Facilities Recruitment Video

The Land Acquisition Division is responsible for the acquisition of land or right-of-way and other land rights, including permanent and temporary easements and letters of permission, necessary to support the Capital Improvement Program. Learn more about us.

• Verifies real property descriptions and checks titles to determine real property ownership;
• Negotiates easements by telephone, fax, letter and direct contact;
• Functions as liaison between property owners and Fairfax County staff, agents and vendors;
• Evaluates proposal packages for consideration by the Board of Supervisors;
• Prepares land acquisition cost estimates on future projects;
• Develops facts and/or prepares analysis necessary for condemnation or disposal proceedings;
• Develops and coordinates alternative acquisition programs, such as donations and lease and interim use agreements;
• Secures signatures to deeds;
• Writes property descriptions;
• Contracts for appraisals to be made or reviews outside appraisals and interprets real estate valuation principles;
• Prepares analysis of County-owned real estate and makes recommendations concerning interim use;
• Manages County-owned rental units, to include establishing leases, acquiring tenants, securing rental payments and ensuring that rental properties are maintained properly;
• Participates in final negotiation and settlement proceedings;
• Investigates cases of encroachment on County-owned land, notifies offending parties and pursues to final resolution, including coordinating legal action with the County Attorney if needed;
• Testifies in court;
• Updates and maintains records of work in progress and accomplished;
• Makes special investigations, adjustments and reports as assigned;
• May assist with preparation of annual budget and periodic statistical activity reports.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of real property acquisition or disposal for public purposes;
• Knowledge of the legal instruments involved in real estate transactions;
• Knowledge of commercial law and law governing condemnation or disposal proceedings;
• Skills in negotiating the purchase or sale of real property;
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the general public;
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Ability to prepare correspondence and reports.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Valid driver's license

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years of experience in real estate acquisitions related to public improvement projects.
• Extensive experience negotiating acquisition of land rights and purchasing real property.
• Two years of education or experience related to one or more of the following: real estate, appraisals, property title research, real estate law, land use and development, or construction.
• Extensive experience managing multiple projects with challenging completion deadlines.
• Knowledge of eminent domain law and condemnation procedures.
• Familiarity and experience reviewing/evaluating construction plans and plats for projects including highways, sewers, and utilities.
• Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office (Excel and Word), and PDF editing (such as Adobe or Foxit) software skills.
• The ability to communicate orally in an understandable manner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to communicate in person and over the phone. Ability to produce handwritten and typed documents. Ability to travel to project locations throughout the County. Ability to walk properties and traverse irregular terrain. Visual ability to read engineering plans, documents, & computer screen. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. 
  
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. [email protected] EEO/AA/TTY.

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