IBR Real Estate Services Manager

Full Job Description

About WSDOTThe 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!

The Opportunity

WSDOT has a unique opportunity for an experienced real estate professional to join the bi-state Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program located in Vancouver, WA.

The IBR Real Estate Services Manager is responsible for utilizing and implementing IBR program’s mission and values to guide and assist with delivery of the IBR real estate, railroad, and access management services.

This position will manage DOT staff and consultants to deliver assigned tasks.

This includes consultant procurement and management, project development, stakeholder and community outreach, bi-state region and HQ support office coordination, and construction support for tasks assigned.

What to Expect
Travel requirements include occasional trips to project sites within the Southwest region, headquarters in Olympia, WA, as well as travel to other portions of the state to attend trainings or meetings. The position may include overnight travel.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the IBR Real Estate Services Manager will:

• Acquire property rights from public and private owners, railroad coordination, and access modification that are needed for construction of the IBR program.
• Manage real estate need, including appraisal, acquisition management and relocation while coordinating project delivery tasks through the Right of Way Manager and other program executive management.
• Provide leadership and supervision to program DOT and consultant staff in Appraisal, Acquisition, Property Management, Relocation, Title, Railroad Coordination, and Access Management program leads.
• Communicate real estate program acquisition status to IBR program and at Headquarters (HQ).
• Represent the program in public affairs venues such as access hearings, public open houses, and various communications with municipal corporations.
• Partner and maintain effective working relationships between the office team and consultant team, and federal, state, tribal, and city officials to assure compliance with the laws, regulations, and policies within their respective jurisdictions.

Qualifications

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

• Right of Way Program Expertise (Eminent Domain): Comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of the right of way profession under eminent domain authority, including appraisal, title, acquisition, relocation, property management, railroad coordination, and access management.
• Strategic Planning, Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to establish plans, objectives, and performance measures that support program strategy; monitor progress and implement course corrections; communicate effectively with diverse audiences; negotiate challenging issues; and facilitate agreement among competing interests.
• Leadership & Team Development: Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, coach, and mentor multidisciplinary teams; foster collaboration and accountability; and promote a respectful, inclusive, and safety-focused work environment.
• Project and Program Management: Competence in planning, organizing, and prioritizing multiple concurrent tasks; setting measurable goals; tracking performance; and implementing corrective actions to achieve project objectives.
• Decision-Making and Risk Management: Strong professional judgment in assessing risks, making timely and effective decisions, and balancing cost, schedule, quality, and regulatory considerations.
• Design-Build and Construction Delivery Knowledge: Understanding of transportation project delivery methods, including the ability to review and evaluate submittals, resolve issues, and ensure compliance with contract requirements, WSDOT standards, and environmental commitments.
• Technical & Digital Proficiency: Skill in using Windows-based systems and digital tools including MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, SharePoint, Outlook), MS Teams, cloud-based platforms, and databases used for project tracking and information management.
• Service Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Operational Leadership & Accountability: Demonstrated experience in a managerial role with responsibility for overseeing complex operations, guiding staff performance, and ensuring accountability for outcomes comparable in scope and complexity to this position.
• Right of Way & Highway Design Compliance Expertise: Proven experience applying highway design requirements and construction practices to evaluate and resolve right of way and access issues, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and project objectives.

Preferred Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of federal and state regulatory frameworks including:
  • Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970
  • 23 CFR and 49 CFR
  • RCW Titles 8 and 47
  • WAC 468
  • WSDOT Right of Way Manual
• Familiarity with access management and access control policies, including their application to transportation projects and property impacts.
• Familiarity with railroad right of way coordination, including understanding railroad property rights established through agreements and the procedures required to obtain railroad permits, agreements, and approvals.
• Demonstrated understanding WSDOT procedures, practices, and policies, including internal workflows, documentation standards, and project delivery expectations.
• Experience with contract procurement and administration, including development, negotiation, compliance monitoring, and coordination with internal and external partners.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• This position requires the ability to travel to project sites within Southwest Region, or Headquarters in Olympia, WA, or other portions of the state for statewide trainings or meetings. Could include motor vehicle use and overnight travel within the state.

In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position.

For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.

• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency.

Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.

All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the recruiter listed.

Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 8W168 in the subject line.