Real Estate Manager (WMS2)

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 Real Estate Manager to manage the Eastern Region (ER) Real Estate Services (RES) office.

This position administers all programs of the office by integrating the functionally diverse work groups to deliver the right of way for all highway construction projects in the ER.

The position also assists in the acquisition of needed railroad right-of-way (R/W) and related easements.

This position also assists in managing all WSDOT highway and railroad property in the region that is not used for highway construction through leases, rentals, and property disposals.

To deliver the program, use of consultants is sometimes required, and ER RES assists other regions as needed.

What to Expect

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

• Empower and support a large and diverse staff with a thorough knowledge of WSDOT personnel management policies and procedures, to include employee development and recognition, performance plans and corrective action plans.
• Be knowledgeable of and practice Agency and Regional core values, as well as of corrective action process under the direction of the Appointing Authority.
• Communicate and collaborate with a variety of individuals both internal and external to the agency on matters of real estate law, property acquisition, and management.
• Form partnerships with management, project offices, and support groups to develop short and long range strategies to deliver the ER RES program; includes certification of right-of-way acquired for WSDOT projects as well as encampments.
• Meet with and counsel with ER’s executive management to ensure successful project delivery.
• Determine and provide appropriate staff levels and training to ensure productivity in all sub-units within ER RES and set standards and productivity expectations; coordinate and direct long-term planning efforts with RES Unit Supervisors.

Qualifications

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

• Real Estate and Right-of-Way Program Management and Support: Demonstrated experience supporting or managing real estate, right-of-way, property acquisition, appraisal, relocation or property management programs, preferably within a public-sector or transportation environment.
• Real Estate Program Leadership in Capital and Transportation Projects: Experience leading or supporting real estate functions for capital environment, transportation, or infrastructure programs involving multiple stakeholders and regulatory requirements.
• Advanced Knowledge of Federal and State Real Estate Requirements: Advanced working knowledge of federal and state real estate requirements, including the Uniform Act, CFR, RCW, WAC, and FHWA real estate program standards, and demonstrated ability to apply these requirements in complex or non-routine situations.

Regulatory Interpretation and Compliance in Real Estate Programs: Demonstrated ability to interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state real estate laws, regulations, and policies including: Uniform Relocation Assistance, and Real Property Acquisition Polices Act (Uniform Act).

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Washington Administrative Code (WAC) FHWA real estate program standards.

WSDOT right-of-way acquisition and property management policies.

• Right-of-Way and Property Acquisition Expertise: Advanced understanding of right-of-way certification, appraisal review, acquisition processes, relocation requirements, property valuation, title research, and property management.
• Complex Program and Budget Management: Demonstrated ability to manage large, complex programs and budgets, including prioritizing work, allocating resources, and ensuring cost-effective and compliant delivery of program outcomes.
• Consultant Contract Oversight and Quality Assurance: Experience overseeing consultant contracts, including scoping work, monitoring performance, ensuring quality assurance/quality control, and verifying regulatory compliance.
• Risk-Based Decision-Making and Judgment: Ability to make timely, defensible decisions involving significant financial, legal, and programmatic risk, balancing cost, schedule, compliance, and stakeholder considerations.
• Strategic Planning and Organizational Alignment: Demonstrated ability to support or lead strategic planning efforts, including setting priorities, establishing performance expectations, and aligning resources to organizational and program goals.
• 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 is also required:

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Leadership, Coaching, and Workforce Development: Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, mentor, and develop a diverse workforce, foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, and support employee performance and accountability.
• Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Problem-Solving: Demonstrated skill in negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving, including working with property owners, legal counsel, and regulatory partners.

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

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. 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 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 Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-ER-6W005 in the subject line.