Right of Way Group Manager

Full Job Description

Hennepin County Public Works is seeking an experienced leader to manage its Right of Way Group. This role oversees property acquisition for major transportation projects, including the use of eminent domain, and requires strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

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Location and hours:
This position is hybrid and will be performed both on-site at the Medina Public Works facility, 1600 Prairie Drive, Medina, MN 55340, and remote as job duties require. There is no public transportation to this facility. Work hours will be Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with flexibility. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin. New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.

About the position type:
This is a full-time, benefit earning position.
This position is internally classified as Administrative Manager. Click here to view the job classification specification.

In this position, you will:

• Provide leadership to the Right of Way Group, including human resource management, budget management, resource allocation, consultant management, and strategic planning for the group.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with project partners and work collaboratively with diverse individuals and groups on the timing of property acquisitions, including the use of eminent domain.
• Provide technical expertise and leadership in property acquisition for the implementation of transportation projects, including identification, valuation, documentation, and negotiation of property transactions.
• Review and apply federal and state regulations that relate to the acquisition of property and relocation, including those that involve the use of eminent domain.
• Collaborate and negotiate with local government partners on cooperative projects and contract matters.
• Represent the department in a variety of settings including public meetings, public hearings, presentations to the county board and city councils, and negotiations for property acquisition.

Need to have:

• One of the following:
  • Nine years or more of experience related to organizational operations or programs or a specialty area appropriate to the position.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in business administration or other field appropriate to the position and five years or more of experience related to organizational operations or programs or a specialty area appropriate to the position.

Nice to have:

• Experience:
  • Leading professional right of way staff for a public body.
  • Acquiring right of way for transportation or public works-related infrastructure projects by negotiation and use of eminent domain.
  • Completing pre-acquisition analysis and valuations.
• Ability to:
  • Interpret and communicate property transaction details for project teams, elected officials, and the public.
  • Apply problem-solving skills and make data driven recommendations for action.
  • Foster cross-functional collaborations.

About the department:
We envision a Transportation Department whose members are respectful of one another and the public we serve and are committed to the delivery of a safe, high-quality county highway system. We are widely trusted and recognized for innovation, collaboration and the responsible use of resources.

About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that eliminate disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive.

Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge (login as Guest).

Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the elimination of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.

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This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.

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Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. Final candidates may be required to complete a criminal background check.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Pajoua Chang
Pajoua.Chang@hennepin.us