Title Reviewer (PAS5)

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 Property and Acquisition Specialist 5 for the South Central Region (SCR).

This role has all the Region responsibility for obtaining the necessary title reports, recorded documents, and plans for the Project Engineer's right of way plan development, along with SCR Plans, Planning, Utilities, Environmental, Maintenance, Materials, and other region support groups.

This position requires a technical expert who prepares legal descriptions, assists the acquisition staff in clearing title encumbrances, and prepares conveyance documents.

This position also reviews all acquisition files to ensure compliance with Federal Regulations, State law and WSDOT regulatory and policy requirements.

They are responsible for processing and ensuring that property owners receive payment for acquired parcels as required by law.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Title Reviewer will:

• Be responsible for completing a comprehensive title review of each acquisition transmittal file to ensure that it complies with Federal Regulations, State laws, and WSDOT policies and procedures
• Review condemnation files for completeness to ensure that it meets the requirements set forth in the Right of Way Manual prior to submittal to Headquarters (HQ).
• Prepare or assist with the preparation of legal descriptions and documents for the Acquisition and Property Management sections.
• Provide all necessary documentation (assessor's records, ownership information, maps, etc.) and support to assist with the development of right of way plans.
• Act as Title liaison for the region RES office with the region offices including: Project Development, Plans, Planning, Utilities, Environmental, Maintenance, on all title matters.

Qualifications

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

• Title Examination & Risk Analysis: Experience in performing expert level comprehensive title reviews, identifying encumbrances and defects, assessing legal and financial risk, and coordinating corrective action with title companies, legal counsel, and acquisition staff.
• Legal Description & Document Preparation: Demonstrated experience in interpreting and drafting complex legal descriptions, conveyance documents, easements, and quitclaim deeds to support acquisition, property management, and project delivery needs.
• Quality Assurance & Technical Review: Experience in reviewing and validating the work of acquisition and property management agents, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, technical accuracy, and other applicable guidance.
• Professional Judgment & Independent Decision-Making: Demonstrated experience at making sound, defensible decisions regarding title defects, acquisition file completeness, risk mitigation, and process compliance with minimal supervision.
• Research & Information Analysis: Experience in researching courthouse records, title histories, and property data using various databases, and synthesizing findings into clear, actionable information for project staff.
• Planning & Project Support: Demonstrated experience in compiling assessor data, ownership information, maps, and title reports to support development of right of way plans, ensuring consistency between title records, parcel boundaries, and project requirements.
• Stakeholder & Interagency Coordination: Proven ability to serve as the region’s title liaison with internal units, title companies, headquarters, and the Attorney General’s Office, ensuring timely resolution of title issues and clear communication across teams.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Real Property Acquisition & Regulatory Compliance: Demonstrates expert knowledge of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act; applicable RCWs and WACs governing real property acquisition and condemnation; title examination principles and RES procedures; and the policies and requirements outlined in the WSDOT Right of Way Manual.

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-SCR-50119 in the subject line.