Property Rights Advisor

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.  

The Property Rights Advisor will manage the program of enforcing and protecting City Light’s property rights along hundreds of miles of transmission and distribution right of way and within our complex electric utility grid; taking on the challenges of ever-increasing government, commercial, and private encroachments/trespassing’s, and bringing together groups to develop policies, communications and relationships with other jurisdictions to proactively address these pressures. This position will also lead City Light’s overall property use strategic plan, coordinating with other department leaders on possible uses including City Light Security, Facilities, and Vegetation Management teams on how best to manage and support these properties.

This position will report to the Real Estate Services Manager.

• Lead City Light’s encroachment enforcement and trespass mitigation program by ensuring that local and regional policies, projects, mitigation strategies and implications of agency work reduce the threat to life and safety, increase reliability, improve interagency coordination, and maintain City Light’s ability to operate and construct future power and transmission infrastructure.

• Lead the strategic planning for how non-operating property will be used, developing property lease and sale strategies to increase revenue and help City Light meet its 10-year strategic plan.  

• Serve as a liaison between management and staff in developing talking points for community engagement, serving as a primary point of contact and support role for property issues – providing guidance to project managers and senior agents as they face conflicts with outside entities.  This position will work to ensure community engagement is consistent among staff and aligned with City values.

• Provide active engagement in public meetings, supporting program and project objectives and may provide presentations to City Council committees regarding City Light Real Estate ordinance/resolution submittals.

• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of acquisition, relocation, and disposition procedures, property management and the ability to implement department policies and procedures. It will also prepare, review, and approve property conveyance instruments, agreements, related legislation, and develop operating instructions, policies and procedures.

• Perform significant work with elected officials, members of the public and public agencies, and community advocates. The skillset for this position also entails implementing pilot projects or programs in the public, NGO, and/or private sector that are highly complex and visible.

Required Qualifications: In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has: 

Experience: Five years of working experience in real estate policies/issues, or related field.

Education: A bachelor’s degree in real estate, public administration, public policy, human services or related field; or a combination of education and training and experience which provides an equivalent background is also necessary.

License: Current valid Washington State Driver's License or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in leading and developing real estate portions of major transportation or infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of utility industry reliability standards, including knowledge of the URA and trespass/encroachment matters.
• Working knowledge and understanding of property valuation and appraisal standards
• Background in program management and stakeholder engagement, including experience in leading and developing programs regarding conservation lands
• Knowledge of utility industry real estate practices, labor union contracts, ethics standards, workplace expectations and public sector organizational practices 
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations as they relate to real property and the utility industry
• Skilled in written and oral communications and negotiation with multiple constituencies including employees, customers and other stakeholders
• Skilled in negotiating complex, politically sensitive, highly visibly acquisitions, sales and leases
• Ability to think critically and strategically
• Ability to foster and model an effective customer service ethic
• Ability to coach, counsel, motivate and develop employees while implementing safe working practices
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data management systems
• Experience in preparing legislation and the legislative process
• Ability to provide leadership in an environment of change; willingness to make difficult and challenge decisions
• Experience in performing significant work with elected officials, members of the public and public agencies, and community advocates. The skillset for this position also entails implementing pilot projects or programs in the public, NGO, and/or private sector context that are highly complex and visible.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Emergency Response Commitment: Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

The full salary range for this position is $56.57 to $84.88 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement. 
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.