Senior Real Property Agent

Full Job Description

Seattle Public Utilities' (SPU) Real Property Services team has an exciting opportunity for a full-time, permanent Senior Real Property Agent.

In this role, you will play a central part in supporting SPU's Latecomer application program, project delivery, and the management of property rights across SPU's utility infrastructure systems — including water, drainage, wastewater, and solid waste.

You will also collaborate with Corporate Services and external agencies and municipalities to deliver complex, high-impact real estate work on behalf of the City of Seattle.

This position reports to the Real Property Division Manager.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost.

SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPU's work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean.

Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity.

We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

We know work isn't only about what you do, it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free public transportation options
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Requirements

Latecomer Program Administration

• Manage and process Latecomer preliminary and final notices, verify property ownership and legal descriptions, ensure procedural compliance with latecomer contracts and relinquishments of Latecomer liens, and record these notices with the King County Recording Office.

Property Acquisition, Disposal & Rights Management

Manage property rights under SPU's ownership and control; negotiate acquisitions, calculate permit rental rates, and draft legal documents such as easements, leases, deeds, permits, consent agreements, Interlocal Agreements, and Interdepartmental Agreements with other City departments and business units.

Coordinate with the City Law Department.

Conduct property research and negotiations for the acquisition, disposal, and lease of complex and financially significant parcels of land or property rights on behalf of SPU. Read, interpret, and create real property legal descriptions.

Research, Analysis & Due Diligence

Perform comprehensive research of property transactions, including review and interpretation of title reports, deeds, easements, right-of-way restrictions, zoning and land use requirements, appraisals, valuation analysis, environmental impacts, and franchise rights.

Interpret and prepare findings in written and presentation format.

Prepare, order, and interpret complex property appraisals and environmental site assessment reports. Prepare contracts and coordinate contractor/vendor real estate activities including survey, brokerage, title, escrow, appraisal, site assessment, valuation analysis, and relocation services.

Records & Contract Management

• Maintain real property files and records through property data management systems, records management, and records retention procedures.
• Prepare and document procedures and practices for use by SPU Real Property and other SPU employees. Assist in developing and recommending goals, objectives, or changes in internal processes, policies, and procedures.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Prepare and present legislation for consideration by Department leadership, the general public, and City Council.
• Facilitate meetings with SPU's Line of Business planners, Engineers, Field Operations managers, Watershed managers, and other City and external agencies.
• Represent the City or Department at interagency meetings, public hearings, City Council, community meetings, and conferences involving real property matters.
• Maintain a high level of intra-departmental teamwork, customer relations, and communication, providing updates to Division and Department leadership.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide leadership, guidance, and training for other real property agents, including scheduling subordinates' work and ensuring compliance with SPU's business processes and procedures.

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a complete listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, activities, and work location may change as conditions require.

Qualifications

Education: An Associate's Degree in Real Estate or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience that provides the background required to perform the work of this role.

Experience: Three years of experience as a Real Property Agent or equivalent.

License, Certification and Other Requirements:

• At the time of appointment must hold a valid Washington State Driver License.
• Must be able to occasionally work in the field.

Desired Qualifications:

• Right of Way certification or coursework through the International Right of Way Association (IRWA), or a demonstrated interest in pursuing professional development in this area.
• Experience with water, drainage, wastewater, or other utility purchase and sales agreements, leases, conveyance documents, and Right-of-Way (ROW) property management.
• Strong teambuilding, relationship management, and customer service skills.
• Strong sense of self-direction balanced with highly effective collaboration, facilitation, communications, and well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Strong negotiating, project management, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Experience working with elected officials, community outreach, and public processes.
• Proven ability to deliver tangible results, research, and outcomes.

Additional Information

Workplace Schedule/Environment:

• Hybrid schedule with remote work flexibility (minimum 3 days/week in-office). Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
• Work is performed both in an office environment and in a public setting.
• Collaborative, inclusive team environment.

Application Requirement(s):

1. A complete NEOGOV/Government Jobs online application
2. Supplemental questionnaire responses
3. Attached Resume & Cover Letter describing your skills and experience in relation to this position

~Candidates submitting an incomplete Application Package will NOT be considered~

The full salary range for this position is $59.19 – $69.00 per hour.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience.

This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Erika Monroe at erika.monroe@seattle.gov