Property & Acquisition Specialist 4 | Multiple

Full Job Description

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!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking multiple Property & Acquisition Specialists 4s to support the Olympic Region by acquiring right of way in compliance with state and federal regulations to preserve critical federal funding for transportation projects.

In this role, you will independently perform complex property valuation assignments in accordance with USPAP, FHWA, and WSDOT requirements.

Responsibilities include appraising a range of property rights such as total acquisitions, partial acquisitions, easements, surplus properties, and reviewing owner appraisals.

This position plays a key role in advancing WSDOT’s mission by ensuring quality, safety, and stewardship in project delivery.

The ideal candidate will also contribute to a respectful, inclusive workplace that values equity and belonging.What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Property & Acquisition Specialists 4s will:

• Perform complex property valuation assignments, including before-and-after appraisals for partial and total acquisitions and permanent and temporary easements in compliance with USPAP, FHWA, and WSDOT regulations.
• Develop appraisal scope of work, analyze neighborhood characteristics, determine larger parcel and highest and best use, and evaluate damages and cost-to-cure impacts.
• Prepare comprehensive appraisal reports supported by market research, data analysis, and well-documented findings.
• Complete property management valuations, including value memos, salvage appraisals, and surplus property appraisals.
• Conduct field inspections and travel to project sites to appraise properties and review comparable market sales using a state vehicle.
• Prepare project scoping reports and funding estimates to support real estate cost projections and funding requests.
• Coordinate with appraisal supervisors and consultants by developing appraisal scopes of work and entering parcel and appraisal data into IRIS.
• Collaborate with Right of Way Plans and Design staff to assess property impacts, costs, and risks to project budgets and schedules, and support special projects as needed.

Qualifications

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

Real Estate Appraisal Expertise:

• Experience successfully completing Waiver Valuations and Before and After Appraisals for eminent domain property acquisitions.
• Strong working knowledge of Federal regulations (49 CFR, Part 24), the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, and Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Communication and Public Engagement:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly present appraisal-related issues and processes to diverse audiences such as agency staff, the public, and external partners.
• Experience working with a diverse group in a professional manner and maintaining a positive working relationship with customers and stakeholders.

Analytical Judgment and Independent Decision-Making:

• Proven ability to work independently, applying sound analysis to make decisions concerning valuation strategies and value determination.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.

Technical Reading and Interpretation:

• Skilled in reading and interpreting title documents, legal descriptions, policies, appraisal scopes of work, RW plans and exhibits, city and county zoning, and technical real estate and appraisal materials.
• Ability to translate highly specialized language into accessible guidance for both internal staff and external stakeholders with varying levels of technical understanding.

Technology and Digital Literacy:

• Proficient in the use of Windows-based computer systems and a range of software, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), Adobe Acrobat, cloud-based file sharing platforms, and virtual meeting tools such as Microsoft Teams.
• Ability to manage digital documents, perform basic data analysis, and support remote collaboration.

Growth Mindset:

• Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

Service-Oriented:

• Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Project Management and Coordination: Demonstrated experience managing transportation-related projects, including coordinating tasks, tracking timelines, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Real Estate Title Knowledge: Foundational knowledge of real estate title principles, including the ability to interpret basic title documents, understand ownership interests, and identify common encumbrances or title issues.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.

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.
• 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 their 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.
• Contact details for a minimum 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 listed Recruiter.

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.Contact UsFor inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov.

Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-32766m in the subject line.