Property and Acquisition Specialist 4

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 a skilled Property and Acquisition Specialist 4 to support the Southwest Region by acquiring property and providing relocation assistance necessary for the successful delivery of highway construction and fish passage barrier removal projects.

In this role, you will secure property rights through negotiation and eminent domain in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, ensuring federal requirements are met and funding eligibility is preserved.

The selected candidate will also perform highly technical relocation assistance activities to keep projects on schedule and certified for advertisement.

This position plays a vital role in advancing WSDOT’s mission and contributes to agency goals in workforce development, diversity and inclusion, and long-term resilience. What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Property and Acquisition Specialist 4 will:

• Conduct property acquisitions through negotiation and eminent domain in compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Meet with property owners to present offers, negotiate terms, and secure required agreements, including occasional travel outside normal business hours.
• Plan and prioritize acquisition activities to secure property rights needed for highway construction and fish barrier removal projects.
• Prepare legal descriptions, clear encumbrances, and produce required acquisition documentation such as deeds, vouchers, and closing instructions.
• Maintain accurate project and acquisition records by entering data into the approved real estate services system.
• Perform relocation assistance functions by interviewing displacees, analyzing eligibility, completing studies, and preparing relocation payment packages.
• Support legal processes by assisting the Attorney General’s Office with documentation, mediations, appeals, and expert testimony related to relocation.
• Provide relocation advisory services and technical guidance to the public, consultant firms, and internal WSDOT departments.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
Real Estate and Legal Acumen

• Demonstrated knowledge of property acquisition methods, including negotiation under eminent domain, and compliance with applicable federal and state regulations (e.g., Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act).
• Ability to interpret, apply, and explain legal and regulatory frameworks governing real estate transactions and relocation assistance.
• Skill in preparing and reviewing legal documents related to property acquisition (e.g., deeds, easements, legal descriptions, title and escrow documents).
• Understanding of title encumbrances, boundary issues, and property rights to resolve complex acquisition cases.

Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

• Proven ability to lead negotiations with a wide range of stakeholders, including individual property owners, legal representatives, corporations, and public agencies.
• Ability to communicate and present acquisition offers effectively and professionally in sensitive or adversarial settings.
• Experience resolving conflicts and disputes, including participating in mediations and preparing documentation for litigation or hearings.
• Ability to advocate for agency positions while maintaining professional, ethical, and respectful relationships with displaced individuals or impacted property owners.

Planning, Analysis, and Decision-Making

• Strong analytical skills to conduct feasibility studies, relocation planning studies, and cost estimates for property displacements.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and independently manage multiple real estate transactions and relocation assignments across various projects and timelines.
• Demonstrated experience making sound recommendations and decisions based on analysis, policy interpretation, and stakeholder input.
• Capability to assess relocation eligibility, determine appropriate compensation, and monitor moves to ensure compliance and fairness.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to communicate complex technical and regulatory information clearly and effectively to internal teams, the public, and other stakeholders.
• Strong written communication skills for preparing documentation such as acquisition diaries, transmittals, reports, and expert witness statements.
• Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to conduct interviews, provide training, and respond to public inquiries.
• Experience building rapport with diverse stakeholders, including distressed or adversarial individuals, while maintaining professionalism.

Technical Proficiency and Administrative Competence

• Proficient in using real estate databases and systems for tracking property acquisitions, relocations, and project progress.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in managing legal documents, payment processing, and compliance reporting.
• Ability to train and support others in technical or procedural aspects of real estate and relocation practices.
• Willingness to travel, work flexible hours, and support cross-functional needs as required by project timelines or staffing needs.

Growth Mindset:

Service-Oriented:

• Takes action to meet the needs of others.

• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.

• Strong understanding of property rights, land use issues, and applicable federal and state regulations governing property acquisition and relocation assistance (e.g., 49 CFR Part 24).
• Familiarity with coordinating property transactions involving private owners, corporations, local jurisdictions, and legal representatives.

Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

• Experience resolving disputes and managing emotionally sensitive conversations with tact and professionalism.
• Demonstrated success negotiating voluntary acquisitions as well as settlements in eminent domain cases.

Planning, Analysis, and Decision-Making

• Skilled in planning and executing property acquisition or relocation efforts in alignment with project timelines and budget requirements.
• Ability to make sound, independent decisions and recommendations in complex, high-stakes property or relocation cases.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Experience conducting interviews, field meetings, or consultations with displaced individuals or impacted property owners.
• Ability to mentor or provide technical guidance to team members and contribute to cross-functional coordination.

Technical Proficiency and Administrative Competence

• Skilled in maintaining detailed, organized records of negotiations, transactions, payments, and project milestones.
• Experience preparing payment vouchers, tracking inventory, and coordinating with fiscal or legal teams to ensure compliance.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• On-site scheduled meetings with property owners, inspecting houses, buildings, and property in various locations, will be outdoors, possibly in inclement weather, on uneven and steep terrain, and may be near traffic or heavy equipment.

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.
• 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 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 25DOT-SWR-40516 in the subject line.